Games
Looking to improve your skills in the latest PES? Check out these key tips.
It’s that time of year again – eFootball PES 2020 is finally upon us. The latest entry in Konami’s newly renamed series boasts an array of gameplay innovations, including upgraded trapping mechanics and a brand-new Finesse Dribble system, as well as improved ball physics.
If you’re struggling to get to grips with the new features, we’re here to provide some key tips for success in the new game. Take heed of these hints, and you’ll soon be conquering myClub and winning Master League trophies in eFootball PES 2020.
1. Master the new ‘Stadium’ camera angle
The new default camera angle in eFootball PES 2020 is called ‘Stadium’, offering a wide view of the pitch with a broadcast feel. It can be difficult to get used to if you’re a veteran of the old Dynamic Wide camera (which is still available), but Stadium is worth sticking with. Not only does it make for a more immersive gameplay experience but you can also see more of the game, allowing you to read plays and spark attacks with more creative freedom.
2. Avoid making unrealistic passes
The latest edition in the series places a far greater emphasis on player errors. This means that making passes in unrealistic scenarios – such as when facing away from the receiver – is likely to result in the ball veering off course. It sounds obvious on paper, but getting used to this can take time, so calculate each pass carefully. The same applies for shooting, where awkward attempts at goal will result in a skewed finish.
3. Improve your defensive positioning
The easiest way to defend in PES is simply to remain patient. Diving in with poorly-timed slide tackles is a sure-fire way to leak goals, so try and resort to standing tackles for the most part. Defensive positioning is more important than ever in eFootball PES 2020, too. Players are more effective at making crucial blocks and headed clearances due to an array of new animations, so position your defenders efficiently, and you’ll prevent plenty of goals.
4. Learn how to Super Cancel
There are loads of advanced controls to learn in eFootball PES 2020, but Super Cancel is arguably the most important. By pressing R1/RB and R2/RT your player will instantly cancel the action they were doing, such as chasing a loose ball or winding up a shot. As a result, Super Cancel allows for a greater deal of control over your team, permitting you to make split-second decisions that can have a drastic effect on the outcome of a match.
5. Make use of Advanced Instructions
Advanced Instructions can be activated in the Game Plan screen, allowing you to assign various tactics to your squad. This includes past favourites such as 'Attacking Full-Backs’ and ‘Deep Defensive Line’, as well as a new instruction called ‘Anchoring’, encouraging a player to avoid drifting out of position horizontally. It's always worth checking Advanced Instructions when using an unfamiliar team, as each squad is equipped with specific defaults.
6. Focus on patient build-up plays
While hitting teams on the counter-attack is certainly an effective strategy in eFootball PES 2020, you’ll want to spend much of your time engaging in patient build-ups. This means passing backwards when necessary, as well as spreading the ball wide to create space. Trying to rush or force an attack often leads to a loss of possession, so take your time – play simple passes and look for teammates making clever runs behind the defence.
7. Play to your squad’s strengths
The PES series has been excellent at highlighting players' individual traits in recent years, and this is more apparent than ever in eFootball PES 2020. As a result, you’ll want to play to your squad’s strengths to achieve maximum effectiveness on the pitch. Big, tall strikers are worth using as hold-up players, and often work well in long ball scenarios, while skilled dribblers such as Messi boast lethal close-control skills. Plan your tactics around these traits.
8. Work on your Finesse Dribble timing
PES 2020’s new Finesse Dribble mechanic can be activated with the right stick, allowing you to perform subtle skill moves to bypass defenders. The controls are simple, but the key to this system is timing, activating it just as your opponent dives in for the tackle. It takes a while to get used to, so be sure to practise it regularly before heading online. It’s worth persevering with, as perfectly timed Finesse Dribbles often lead to goalscoring chances.
9. Use manual shooting when necessary
Some PES veterans like to play using manual controls for their added freedom, but these are hard to grasp, requiring delicate mastery of the analogue stick. Fortunately, you can get the best of both worlds by holding the L2 (LT on Xbox) button to force manual controls. Though we suggest using this sparingly, it's perfect for situations in which you’re facing an open goal, for example, as it allows for more command over the situation and helps prevent embarrassing misses.
10. Keep an eye on form and stamina
If you’re new to PES this year, it's important to note just how critical player form is. You can identify what form your players are in by hitting R2 (RT on Xbox) on the Game Plan screen, indicated by a set of coloured arrows, having a drastic effect on their performance levels. Additionally, don’t forget to make quick subs mid-game, as a player with low stamina will be prone to injury, and can get so tired that they simply fail to track runs from opposing attackers.
