Greetings to all soccer lovers from around the world.
From European leagues full of intense matches to conclude the season, to all kinds of national leagues kicking off in spring, in every corner of the world, there is soccer action you don't want to miss.
Now then, let's walk through the v4.4.0 update in detail.
Gameplay Updates
Based on the various opinions we received in user interviews and surveys, we made gameplay adjustments in this update with a particular emphasis on increasing the importance of passing abilities.
Although we improved Physical Contact in v4.0.0, players' physical abilities were emphasized more than expected, causing passing abilities to be devalued in comparison to soccer played in real life.
To resolve this issue, we reviewed and adjusted the specifications dealing with passing for both attacking and defending players.
Use Passing Abilities to Greater Effect
We made adjustments so that passing abilities have much more impact on the trajectory of passes and variations in passing speeds.
At higher values, passing abilities will also shorten the time it takes to kick the ball.
Following these adjustments, players with high stats will make sharper passes, providing the teammates receiving passes with more time to play the ball.
On the other hand, players with low stats will make flatter passes, leading to disadvantageous situations, such as when the player receiving the pass is immediately pressured by an opponent when trapping the ball.
It is now more important than ever to consider passing abilities when selecting players.
Discover More Ways to Set Up a Goal
Based on these changes to passing abilities and trajectory, we adjusted how the AI of attacking and defending players deal with passes.
These adjustments have improved how players move to create passing lanes and how they react when receiving passes. This in turn has led to various new ways to set up a goal.
We also adjusted the level of pressure applied by AI defenders and the intensity of their movements when trying to block passing lanes. Now users will rarely find themselves in a situation where it is unusually difficult to complete a pass.
Try finding new routes that lead to goals.
Make Good Use of Smart Assist
Smart Assist supports users automatically in certain situations, such as by improving the strength of shots or the direction of dribbling. Now this feature is available in eFootball™ League.
Use Smart Assist based on your own unique play style, and take your game to new heights.
*When starting a new account, this feature will be turned on in the default settings.
Mobile devices
To change this setting, go to [Extras] > [Game Settings] > [Play Settings] > [Smart Assist].
Consoles/PC
To change this setting, go to [Extras] > [Game Settings] > [Controller], select the controller you want to use, and then choose [Detailed Settings] > [Smart Assist].
Usability Improvements
Release Many of Your Players at Once
We added a function to release multiple players of your choice on the results screen that appears when signing players from a Special Player List.
This allows you to manage your players more easily, so make sure to make use of this function.
Add Backup Player Slots to Store More Players
We have now added Backup Player Slots, a new option providing more places to keep players.
Users who already expanded to 900 player slots in My Team can spend some GP and acquire 500 additional slots, known as Backup Player Slots.
Players moved to Backup Player Slots will be restricted from some game features. For example, they cannot be developed or be directly added to the Game Plan.
If there are players you might not use so much, consider sending them to Backup Player Slots.
Display All Team Members at Once
We added a new display option showing both starters and substitutes on the Game Plan used for the mobile version.
Post your well-built Game Plan on social media, and show off to your friends!
New Ways to Play the Game and Develop Your Squad
Play a VS AI Mode in eFootball™ League
We added a VS AI mode to eFootball™ League focused on AI matches.
For users not fond of PvP, this is the perfect chance to test your abilities against an AI that improves as you reach higher divisions.
The AI at lower divisions is at a level that allows even the newest users to enjoy playing matches, so everyone can have great fun while leveling up their skills.
The opponent teams controlled by AI are clubs made by other users also participating in this mode.
The players you developed may also be competing in matches somewhere else in the world.
Compete Against Users on Other Platforms
Users playing on a console or PC can now enjoy online matches with other users on different platforms.
In eFootball™ League and Ranking Events, they can compete for a ranking that combines console and PC results.
On top of that, it is now possible to play Friend Matches and Co-op with your friends on other platforms.
*Cross-platform play can be enabled or disabled following the steps listed below.
【PlayStation®/Steam®】
[Extras] > [Game Settings] > [Cross-Platform]
[Xbox]
1. Press the Xbox button on the controller to open the guide
2. Go to [Profile & system] > [Settings] > [Account]
5. Select the [Xbox and Windows 10 devices Online Safety] tab, and under [You can join cross-network play], choose whether or not to allow this option
6. Select [Submit] to save any changes
Try Out a New Skill Training Program
We added Advanced Skill Training, which allows users to select a branch of Skills they want players to learn.
Use this item to help players acquire the Additional Skills you really want them to learn.
Delete Unwanted Skills Learned in the Past
It is now possible to individually delete Additional Skills that were learned before.
Other Gameplay Enhancements
Antenna Icon Added to Online Matches
An antenna will now appear during online PvP matches conducted on client-servers.
This antenna shows the quality of your connection with the game server in real time.
For this reason, the antenna displayed on your screen may differ from the one appearing on your opponent's screen.
After the match, you can view a Network Graph. This will show how the connection quality changed during that game.
・ Online matches can now be played between PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Steam®, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows.
・ Added a new mode, "eFootball™ League (VS AI Category)", which focuses on AI matches.
・ Added an antenna icon to some modes to show the connection quality during matches.
・ Improved the way the offside line is displayed during replays.
・ Added a function to release multiple players on the results screen that appears when signing players from a Special Player List.
・ Added "Backup Players", which are new slots where users can keep players after filling up their player slots.
・ Substitutes are now automatically assigned In-Match Roles.
・ Added "Advanced Skill Training", a new feature making it easier to acquire desired skills.
・ Added a function to delete Skills learned through Skill Training.
・ Added a Friend List that can be used to play matches with friends on other platforms.
・ Starting from this version, the Smart Assist setting will be automatically turned on by default when a new user starts the game.
・ Added a new mode, "eFootball™ League (VS AI Category)", which focuses on AI matches.
・ Added an antenna icon to some modes to show the connection quality during matches.
・ Improved the way the offside line is displayed during replays.
・ Added a function to release multiple players on the results screen that appears when signing players from a Special Player List.
・ Added "Backup Players", which are new slots where users can keep players after filling up their player slots.
・ Substitutes are now automatically assigned In-Match Roles.
・ Added "Advanced Skill Training", a new feature making it easier to acquire desired skills.
・ Added a function to delete Skills learned through Skill Training.
・ Added a button to the Game Plan screen to switch to a layout suitable for screenshots.
・ Starting from this version, the Smart Assist setting will be automatically turned on by default when a new user starts the game.
New Season Data Updates
The team structures of the following leagues have been updated with data from the new season.
・ Brazilian League
・ Brazilian 2nd Division
・ USL Championship
The team structures of the following leagues have been updated with data from the new season.
・ Brazilian League
・ Brazilian 2nd Division
・ USL Championship
Updates and Additions
The following data has also been updated:
・ Player photos, graphics, and data
・ Uniforms
・ Emblems
・ Cleats
・ Balls
・ Gloves
・ Stadium graphics
・ Signboards
・ Media backdrops
・ Bibs
・ Cinematics and animations
・ Corner flags
・ Commentary
The following data has also been updated:
・ Player photos, graphics, and data
・ Uniforms
・ Emblems
・ Cleats
・ Balls
・ Cinematics and animations
・ Corner flags
・ Commentary
Gameplay Fixes and Adjustments
Based on the various opinions we received in user interviews, surveys, and other forums, we have made gameplay adjustments and modifications in this update with a particular emphasis on passing and defending.
〇 Dribbling
・ Fixed the issue where a player cannot touch the ball when trying to dribble past an opponent.
・ Fixed the issue where a player tries to dribble past an opponent and is separated from the ball at a distance further than expected.
〇 Traps
・ Implemented adjustments to alleviate the issue of players not being able to receive passes adequately.
・ Made corrections to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a defending player cannot cut out an opponent's pass because the ball goes through their legs.
〇 Passing
・ Added "Pass Search Guide" as a new control setting.
・ Made adjustments so that the speed of low passes, low crosses, and through passess is more greatly affected by the value of the Player Stat "Low Pass".
・ Made adjustments so that the speed of the kicking motion when sending low passes, low crosses, and through passes is affected by the value of the Player Stat "Low Pass". The higher the value, the quicker the kicking motion.
・ Made adjustments so that the speed and trajectory height of lofted passes, crosses, and chipped through passes are more greatly affected by the value of the Player Stat "Lofted Pass".
・ Made adjustments so that the speed of the kicking motion when sending lofted passes, crosses, and chipped through passes is affected by the value of the Player Stat "Lofted Pass". The higher the value, the quicker the kicking motion.
・ Made adjustments so that the trajectory of crosses is more greatly affected by the value of the Player Stat "Curl".
・ Made adjustments so that crosses target areas that lead to more goals.
・ Made adjustments so that players with the skill "Through Passing" apply curl to low through balls in order to send those passes beyond defenders.
・ Made adjustments so that through passes are more effective in terms of their speed and the areas they target.
〇 Shooting
・ Made adjustments so that the speed of the kicking motion when shooting is affected by the value of the Player Stat "Finishing". The higher the value, the quicker the kicking motion.
〇 Heading
・ Made adjustments so that the ball doesn't fly too high when headed while a player is running or not square to the ball.
・ Made adjustments so that players move closer to opponents when competing for a header.
・ Made corrections to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a player makes a delayed heading attempt after an opponent already headed the ball.
〇 Kicking
・ Made adjustments so that the accuracy of direct kicks is more greatly affected by factors including the speed of the ball and the angle and power of the kick.
・ Made adjustments so that players with the skill "Outside Curler" will kick more often from the outside of their cleat, depending on the situation.
・ Fixed the issue where a player's movements slow down after kicking the ball with a certain motion during a one-two pass.
・ Made corrections to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a player makes a delayed kicking attempt after an opponent already kicked the ball.
・ Made adjustments to the amount of spin applied to a kicked ball.
・ Made corrections to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a player attempting to kick the ball suddenly cancels that action and starts guarding an opposing player.
・ Fixed the issue where the effect of some skills is duplicated when calculating the trajectory of kicks.
〇 Defense
・ Made adjustments so that defending players will not be beaten so easily immediately after a kickoff.
・ Made adjustments so that defending players not controlled by a user apply only moderate pressure to an opponent in possession of the ball immediately after a pass is made.
・ Made adjustments so that defending players not controlled by a user stay a little further away when approaching the opponent in possession of the ball.
・ The Player Stat "Defensive Engagement" now affects how a player not controlled by a user moves when blocking passing lanes. The higher the stat, the quicker and more suitably that player will react in order to interrupt passing lanes.
・ Fixed the issue where a defending player has more trouble than expected overcoming their own momentum when they try turning immediately after dashing.
・ Added new motions to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a defending player is unable to block and intercept a pass despite entering the opponent's passing lane.
・ Made adjustments so that it is easier to start a blocking motion before the ball is kicked. It will now be easier to make a block and cut out the ball in time with an opponent's kicking motion. However, using this technique will put a defending player at a disadvantage if the opponent performs a kick feint, so try to learn when to use the Match-up command.
・ Made adjustments so that blocking motions are canceled more quickly when an opponent performs a kick feint.
・ Made corrections to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a defending player cannot make contact with the ball when blocking a pass or shot.
・ Made corrections to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a defending player tries to block the ball but comes in contact with the opponent and commits a foul.
・ Fixed the issue where a defending player turns their back completely on the ball while they are running to mark an attacker when a cross is likely on its way. Made adjustments so that the defender can move with good balance while still watching the ball.
・ Fixed the issue where possession cannot be retrieved adequately despite the player having their body in line between the ball and the opponent.
・ Made adjustments to the reactions of defending players to passes.
〇 Offense
・ Made adjustments so that a player running towards goal in anticipation of a cross is more likely to enter the space between the goalkeeper and the defenders, if such space exists.
・ Made adjustments so that players looking to receive a pass in support of the player with the ball take up more suitable positions. Also, made adjustments to reduce sudden changes of direction that are hard for users to recognize, making it easier for players to receive passes.
・ Made adjustments so that attacking players far from the ball will orient their bodies more appropriately based on an awareness of the ball's location.
・ Made adjustments so that a player running forward during a one-two pass continues to dash ahead even if they will probably go offsides by a slight margin.
・ Fixed the issue where an attacking player who should run towards goal heads towards their own half for no reason.
・ Fixed the issue where an attacking player takes a long time to run into open space further down the field.
〇 Goalkeeper
・ Added new saving motions to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a goalkeeper running back towards their own net lets a shot pass by without trying to save it.
・ Added ball watching motions used when a shot is off target.
・ Added seamless goal kick motions, decreasing the amount of time taken before the kick is made.
・ Added new motions to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a goalkeeper moves slowly and cannot make a save even though they should be able to reach the ball faster than an opponent.
・ Added new motions to reduce the occurrence of an issue where an opponent kicks the ball after the goalkeeper drops the ball once and then catches it.
・ Fixed the issue where the goalkeeper is unexpectedly slow to get into position before the opponent shoots.
・ Made adjustments to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a goalkeeper lets a ball pass by even though they seem capable of catching it.
・ The Player Stat "GK Awareness" now affects whether or not the goalkeeper decides to rush out to intercept an opponent's pass. The higher the stat, the faster they will react to a pass and decide to come forward.
・ Fixed the issue where a ball goes through the goalkeeper's hands, changes trajectory and is then saved.
〇 AI
・ Made adjustments so that there is less variance between the behavior of each Team Playstyle's defensive AI.
・ Made adjustments to the difficulty of each Match Level's AI according to changes in game balance. Also, made adjustments so that the AI defenders closest to their own goal hold the ball for less time.
〇 Controls
・ Fixed the issue where the cursor switches unintentionally when the player controlled by the user begins a one-two pass or feint right before they receive the pass.
・ Made adjustments so that, when the attacking and defending teams are undetermined because no one has the ball, the user is switched to defending controls more seamlessly if the player they control is clearly unable to kick the ball.
〇 Fouls
・ Made adjustments so that unnecessary offside calls occur less frequently when a defending player possesses the ball securely and advantage is played after an attacker was caught offside.
〇 Other Gameplay Enhancements
・ Made adjustments to reduce the occurrence of an issue where, after colliding in midair, players spin around once unnecessarily before landing on the ground.
・ Made adjustments to reduce the occurrence of an issue where players stumble or fall due to contact made in normal positional movements far away from the ball.
Based on the various opinions we received in user interviews, surveys, and other forums, we have made gameplay adjustments and modifications in this update with a particular emphasis on passing and defending.
〇 Dribbling
・ Fixed the issue where a player cannot touch the ball when trying to dribble past an opponent.
・ Fixed the issue where a player tries to dribble past an opponent and is separated from the ball at a distance further than expected.
〇 Traps
・ Implemented adjustments to alleviate the issue of players not being able to receive passes adequately.
・ Made corrections to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a defending player cannot cut out an opponent's pass because the ball goes through their legs.
〇 Passing
・ Added "Pass Search Guide" as a new control setting.
・ Made adjustments so that the speed of low passes, low crosses, and through passess is more greatly affected by the value of the Player Stat "Low Pass".
・ Made adjustments so that the speed of the kicking motion when sending low passes, low crosses, and through passes is affected by the value of the Player Stat "Low Pass". The higher the value, the quicker the kicking motion.
・ Made adjustments so that the speed and trajectory height of lofted passes, crosses, and chipped through passes are more greatly affected by the value of the Player Stat "Lofted Pass".
・ Made adjustments so that the speed of the kicking motion when sending lofted passes, crosses, and chipped through passes is affected by the value of the Player Stat "Lofted Pass". The higher the value, the quicker the kicking motion.
・ Made adjustments so that the trajectory of crosses is more greatly affected by the value of the Player Stat "Curl".
・ Made adjustments so that crosses target areas that lead to more goals.
・ Made adjustments so that players with the skill "Through Passing" apply curl to low through balls in order to send those passes beyond defenders.
・ Made adjustments so that through passes are more effective in terms of their speed and the areas they target.
〇 Shooting
・ Made adjustments so that the speed of the kicking motion when shooting is affected by the value of the Player Stat "Finishing". The higher the value, the quicker the kicking motion.
〇 Heading
・ Made adjustments so that the ball doesn't fly too high when headed while a player is running or not square to the ball.
・ Made adjustments so that players move closer to opponents when competing for a header.
・ Made corrections to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a player makes a delayed heading attempt after an opponent already headed the ball.
〇 Clearing the Ball
・ Fixed the issue where the ball is cleared in the wrong direction when the user enters the "Clear" command. Made adjustments so that the ball is cleared towards the other team's half as much as possible.
〇 Kicking
・ Made adjustments so that the accuracy of direct kicks is more greatly affected by factors including the speed of the ball and the angle and power of the kick.
・ Made adjustments so that players with the skill "Outside Curler" will kick more often from the outside of their cleat, depending on the situation.
・ Fixed the issue where a player's movements slow down after kicking the ball with a certain motion during a one-two pass.
・ Made corrections to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a player makes a delayed kicking attempt after an opponent already kicked the ball.
・ Made adjustments to the amount of spin applied to a kicked ball.
・ Made corrections to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a player attempting to kick the ball suddenly cancels that action and starts guarding an opposing player.
・ Fixed the issue where the effect of some skills is duplicated when calculating the trajectory of kicks.
〇 Defense
・ Made adjustments so that defending players will not be beaten so easily immediately after a kickoff.
・ Made adjustments so that defending players not controlled by a user apply only moderate pressure to an opponent in possession of the ball immediately after a pass is made.
・ Made adjustments so that defending players not controlled by a user stay a little further away when approaching the opponent in possession of the ball.
・ The Player Stat "Defensive Engagement" now affects how a player not controlled by a user moves when blocking passing lanes. The higher the stat, the quicker and more suitably that player will react in order to interrupt passing lanes.
・ Fixed the issue where a defending player has more trouble than expected overcoming their own momentum when they try turning immediately after dashing.
・ Added new motions to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a defending player is unable to block and intercept a pass despite entering the opponent's passing lane.
・ Made adjustments so that it is easier to start a blocking motion before the ball is kicked. It will now be easier to make a block and cut out the ball in time with an opponent's kicking motion. However, using this technique will put a defending player at a disadvantage if the opponent performs a kick feint, so try to learn when to use the Match-up command.
・ Made adjustments so that blocking motions are canceled more quickly when an opponent performs a kick feint.
・ Made corrections to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a defending player cannot make contact with the ball when blocking a pass or shot.
・ Made corrections to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a defending player tries to block the ball but comes in contact with the opponent and commits a foul.
・ Fixed the issue where a defending player turns their back completely on the ball while they are running to mark an attacker when a cross is likely on its way. Made adjustments so that the defender can move with good balance while still watching the ball.
・ Fixed the issue where possession cannot be retrieved adequately despite the player having their body in line between the ball and the opponent.
・ Made adjustments to the reactions of defending players to passes.
〇 Offense
・ Made adjustments so that a player running towards goal in anticipation of a cross is more likely to enter the space between the goalkeeper and the defenders, if such space exists.
・ Made adjustments so that players looking to receive a pass in support of the player with the ball take up more suitable positions. Also, made adjustments to reduce sudden changes of direction that are hard for users to recognize, making it easier for players to receive passes.
・ Made adjustments so that attacking players far from the ball will orient their bodies more appropriately based on an awareness of the ball's location.
・ Made adjustments so that a player running forward during a one-two pass continues to dash ahead even if they will probably go offsides by a slight margin.
・ Fixed the issue where an attacking player who should run towards goal heads towards their own half for no reason.
・ Fixed the issue where an attacking player takes a long time to run into open space further down the field.
〇 Goalkeeper
・ Added new saving motions to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a goalkeeper running back towards their own net lets a shot pass by without trying to save it.
・ Added ball watching motions used when a shot is off target.
・ Added seamless goal kick motions, decreasing the amount of time taken before the kick is made.
・ Added new motions to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a goalkeeper moves slowly and cannot make a save even though they should be able to reach the ball faster than an opponent.
・ Added new motions to reduce the occurrence of an issue where an opponent kicks the ball after the goalkeeper drops the ball once and then catches it.
・ Fixed the issue where the goalkeeper is unexpectedly slow to get into position before the opponent shoots.
・ Made adjustments to reduce the occurrence of an issue where a goalkeeper lets a ball pass by even though they seem capable of catching it.
・ The Player Stat "GK Awareness" now affects whether or not the goalkeeper decides to rush out to intercept an opponent's pass. The higher the stat, the faster they will react to a pass and decide to come forward.
・ Fixed the issue where a ball goes through the goalkeeper's hands, changes trajectory and is then saved.
〇 AI
・ Made adjustments so that there is less variance between the behavior of each Team Playstyle's defensive AI.
・ Made adjustments to the difficulty of each Match Level's AI according to changes in game balance. Also, made adjustments so that the AI defenders closest to their own goal hold the ball for less time.
〇 Controls
・ Made adjustments so that, when the attacking and defending teams are undetermined because no one has the ball, the user is switched to defending controls more seamlessly if the player they control is clearly unable to kick the ball.
〇 Fouls
・ Made adjustments so that unnecessary offside calls occur less frequently when a defending player possesses the ball securely and advantage is played after an attacker was caught offside.
〇 Other Gameplay Enhancements
・ Made adjustments to reduce the occurrence of an issue where, after colliding in midair, players spin around once unnecessarily before landing on the ground.
・ Made adjustments to reduce the occurrence of an issue where players stumble or fall due to contact made in normal positional movements far away from the ball.
General Fixes Applied to Mitigate or Eliminate the Bugs Shown Below
・ On the following screen, Booster Slots are not displayed correctly on the icons and Player Cards of players that only possess Booster Slots.
[Home] > [My Team] > [Players]
・ The title of some tips shown during the loading screen are erroneous in specific languages.
・ Players in the Commands Tutorial already own all of the skills.
・ On the following screen, Booster Slots are not displayed correctly on the icons and Player Cards of players that only possess Booster Slots.
[Home] > [My Team] > [Players]
[Home] > [Game Plan] > Select a player with an empty Booster Slot > [Player Details]
・ The title of some tips shown during the loading screen are erroneous in specific languages.
