The latest FC 25 title update finally tackles one of the most frustrating aspects of gameplay—aggressive defensive depth. For over a year, setups using 95 depth or higher have dominated, but that’s about to change. EA has introduced a nerf aimed at balancing defensive mechanics during Team of the Season.
Aggressive Depth Above 90 Finally Adjusted (FC 25 Title Update)
This update reduces how much defensive pressure AI-controlled teammates apply when using depth levels of 91 and above. These setups, known for mimicking “constant pressure,” allow the team to press automatically with little manual input.
The nerf specifically targets players who push depth beyond 90. Tactics using values like 91 or 95 fall into this aggressive category. These setups are most commonly used by elite or pro-level players. While some players in mid-rank divisions (like Div 3 to 5) experiment with this tactic, the average user typically stays between 31 and 85 depth.
High depth, particularly around 70, is still widely popular. It gives enough pressure without exhausting stamina too quickly. Since the patch doesn’t affect this range directly, many players won’t feel an immediate difference.
High Depth Remains Untouched, Still Powerful
Despite the update, nothing changes for depth settings between 31 and 90. This means players can continue to rely on high depth for AI assistance in pressing. Many tactics use 70 depth as a default starting point. It strikes a balance between risk and control, especially when defending without overcommitting.
This section of the game remains a safe zone for most tactics. Unless EA added an undocumented change, high depth continues to function as before. That may frustrate some players who hoped for a more complete rebalance.
Team Press Duration Buffed—but There’s a Catch
One of the more surprising changes in the patch increases the active time of Team Press. It now lasts 45 seconds instead of 20. This makes Team Press more accessible across formations and depth settings.
Unlike aggressive depth, Team Press works regardless of your overall tactic. You can activate it in a 4-2-3-1 with 45 depth, for example, and still apply short-term pressure. Think of it as a “press on demand” feature—effective and versatile.
However, there’s a trade-off. EA has significantly increased how quickly stamina drains when using Team Press. The new rate is 2.6 times faster than before. While players can now use Team Press longer, they’ll burn out their squad faster if they don’t manage it carefully.
Practical Implications for Competitive Matches (FC 25 Title Update)
Players using aggressive tactics must now think twice. Constant pressure strategies become much harder to sustain. While you can still use 91+ depth or Team Press, you’ll need to account for faster stamina loss.
For most players, the safe option is to start with 70 depth and avoid using full-team press right away. Aggressive setups like 4-2-4 might still work, but only in late-game scenarios where risks are necessary. Triggering Team Press manually gives you flexibility. It allows pressure without draining your stamina bar too early.
This patch encourages players to plan more intentionally. Rather than flipping on aggressive modes from kickoff, it’s smarter to hold back and deploy pressure in critical moments.
When Will the Update Be Live?
The patch is already live on PC and should release for consoles within days. EA typically rolls out updates on Tuesdays, so console users can likely expect it by then. With Team of the Season ongoing, this timing could shake up Weekend League performance significantly.
