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Is Lengthy Still Good on FIFA? The Definitive Guide

Yes, Lengthy can still be good on FIFA, although its dominance has waned since its initial overpowered state in FIFA 23. While not the meta-defining force it once was, Lengthy remains a viable and powerful acceleration type, especially for players who understand its strengths and weaknesses, and how to effectively leverage it within their squad. The effectiveness of Lengthy now depends more on player stats, team tactics, and the specific game mode than simply possessing the archetype.

Understanding the Lengthy AcceleRATE Type

The AcceleRATE system, introduced in FIFA 23, fundamentally changed how players move and accelerate on the virtual pitch. Lengthy is one of the key acceleration types, alongside Controlled and Explosive. It’s primarily associated with taller, stronger players who may start slower but can reach exceptional top speeds over longer distances. EA’s initial description perfectly encapsulates this: “Taller and stronger, these players need a bit more time to get going, but are able to catch up to anyone and even surpass them, provided they have enough distance.“

How Lengthy Players Work

A player is assigned the Lengthy acceleration type based on several criteria:

Height: Generally, players need to be 174cm or taller.
Strength: The player’s Strength attribute must be 65 or higher.
Acceleration: Acceleration must be 55 or higher.
Strength vs. Agility: The Strength score must be at least 14 points higher than the Agility score.

These criteria ensure that Lengthy players are typically physically imposing individuals. The in-game impact is that these players accelerate relatively slowly at first, but once they build up speed, they can become incredibly difficult to stop, especially in open space.

The Rise and Fall (and Potential Rise Again) of Lengthy

At launch, Lengthy players were considered overpowered. Their ability to effortlessly catch up to and outpace defenders made them incredibly valuable in attacking positions. Defenders with the Lengthy archetype were equally sought after, as they could recover from defensive lapses and shut down fast attackers.

However, subsequent patches and updates have balanced the game, making other acceleration types more competitive. A crucial factor was the fix to a dribbling bug, which inadvertently made Controlled and Explosive players feel faster and more agile. This shift didn’t necessarily nerf Lengthy directly, but it leveled the playing field.

Despite these changes, Lengthy still holds value. In situations where players have space to run, such as through balls or counter-attacks, Lengthy players can truly shine. Think of someone like Virgil van Dijk, who might appear slow in short bursts, but can use his strength and pace to neutralize attackers over longer distances. The key is understanding when and where to deploy them.

Is Lengthy Good on FIFA? The FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions that dive deeper into the topic of Lengthy players in FIFA:

Are Lengthy players still overpowered in FIFA? No, they are no longer considered overpowered as they were at launch. Patches and updates have balanced the gameplay, making other acceleration types more viable. However, they remain strong in specific situations.
What are the key advantages of using Lengthy players? Lengthy players excel at covering long distances, making them ideal for through balls, counter-attacks, and tracking back on defense. Their strength also allows them to hold off defenders effectively.
What are the disadvantages of using Lengthy players? The primary disadvantage is their slow initial acceleration. They can struggle in tight spaces and when making quick turns, as they take time to reach their top speed.
Is Lengthy better than Controlled or Explosive? There’s no universally “better” acceleration type. Explosive players are quick off the mark and excel in short bursts. Controlled players have a more balanced acceleration. The best choice depends on your play style and the specific role of the player.
Has FIFA gotten rid of Lengthy altogether? No, the Lengthy AcceleRATE type is still present in FIFA. However, its impact has been toned down compared to its initial release.
Does Lengthy work on old-gen FIFA? No, the AcceleRATE system, including Lengthy, is a next-gen (current-gen) feature. It is not available on older versions of the game.
What player attributes should I prioritize for Lengthy players? Besides the attributes required to achieve the Lengthy type (Height, Strength, Acceleration, Agility), focus on Pace, Stamina, and Reactions. High Pace allows them to reach their top speed quickly, Stamina lets them maintain it for longer, and Reactions improve their responsiveness in critical situations.
What positions are best suited for Lengthy players? Center backs (CBs), defensive midfielders (CDMs), and strikers are all good positions for Lengthy players. They are valuable in defense for covering ground and winning aerial duels. In attack, they can exploit through balls and hold off defenders.
How can I effectively use Lengthy players in my team? Position them strategically to maximize their strengths. For strikers, use through balls to exploit their pace over distance. For defenders, position them to cover space behind the defensive line.
Does stamina affect Lengthy players more than other types? Stamina is crucial for all players, but it is particularly important for Lengthy players. Because their strength lies in their ability to sustain high speeds over long distances, a lack of stamina will significantly hamper their effectiveness.
What formations work best with Lengthy players? Formations that utilize counter-attacking tactics, such as the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, can be effective with Lengthy players. These formations allow for quick transitions and space for Lengthy attackers to run into.
Can I change a player’s AcceleRATE type in FIFA? No, a player’s AcceleRATE type is determined by their attributes and cannot be changed in-game.
How does Chemistry affect Lengthy players? Chemistry affects all player attributes, including those that impact the AcceleRATE type. A player with low chemistry may not reach the required attributes to qualify for the Lengthy type, or their performance may be negatively impacted.
What impact do gameplay sliders have on Lengthy players? Gameplay sliders can significantly impact the effectiveness of all player types, including Lengthy players. Adjusting sliders related to pace, acceleration, and sprint speed can influence how Lengthy players perform in-game.
Where can I learn more about FIFA gameplay mechanics and strategies? The Games Learning Society website (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) offers valuable resources and insights into game design, learning, and the broader impact of video games. Understanding these concepts can enhance your FIFA gameplay and strategic thinking.

Conclusion

While the initial hype around Lengthy players has subsided, they remain a valuable asset in FIFA, particularly for those who understand their strengths and weaknesses. By strategically positioning them and utilizing tactics that maximize their ability to cover ground, you can still gain a competitive edge. Remember that team composition, individual player attributes, and tactical awareness are all essential components of a winning strategy. Don’t simply rely on the Lengthy archetype alone. Mastering the game involves adapting to the ever-evolving meta and finding the right balance for your play style.

Is lengthy good on FIFA?