FIFA 23: How To Play With 2 Controllers - The Complete Guide

by Jhon Lennon 61 views

Hey guys! Want to dive into some FIFA 23 action with your buddies right from your couch? Playing with two controllers is super easy and adds a whole new level of fun to the game. Whether you're teaming up against the AI or battling each other in a head-to-head match, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started. So, grab your controllers and let's get this game on!

Setting Up Your Controllers

First things first, you need to make sure your controllers are properly connected to your gaming device. This part is crucial, so pay attention! If your controllers aren't set up right, you won't be able to play together. Let's break it down for each platform.

PlayStation (PS4 & PS5)

For PlayStation, connecting your controllers is usually a breeze. Here’s how:

  1. Wired Connection: Simply plug your controllers into the PlayStation using a USB cable. The console should automatically recognize them. A light will appear on the controller, indicating it's connected.
  2. Wireless Connection:
    • Turn on your PlayStation.
    • Press the PlayStation button on the first controller. This should automatically connect and assign it as Player 1.
    • For the second controller, press the PlayStation button. If it doesn't connect automatically, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices. Your console will scan for available devices. Select the second controller from the list to pair it.
    • Make sure each controller is assigned to a different user profile for smooth gameplay. If you're playing with a guest, you can quickly create a temporary profile.

Xbox (Xbox One & Xbox Series X/S)

Xbox also makes it pretty straightforward to connect multiple controllers:

  1. Wired Connection: Connect the controllers to the Xbox using USB cables. The console should recognize them instantly.
  2. Wireless Connection:
    • Turn on your Xbox.
    • Press the Xbox button on the first controller to turn it on. It should automatically connect to your profile.
    • For the second controller, press the Xbox button. If it doesn’t connect, press the sync button on the console and then the sync button on the controller (usually located on the top). This will pair the controller with the console.
    • Assign each controller to a different Xbox profile. This is essential for tracking stats and ensuring personalized settings.

PC

Connecting controllers to your PC can be a bit more varied depending on the type of controller you’re using.

  1. USB Connection: This is the simplest method. Just plug your controllers into your PC using USB cables. Windows should automatically detect them and install the necessary drivers.
  2. Bluetooth:
    • Make sure your PC has Bluetooth enabled. Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices and turn Bluetooth on.
    • Put your controller into pairing mode. For Xbox controllers, press the Xbox button to turn it on, then press and hold the sync button until the Xbox button starts flashing. For PlayStation controllers, press and hold the PlayStation button and the Share button until the light bar starts flashing.
    • In the Bluetooth settings on your PC, select “Add Bluetooth or other device” and choose Bluetooth. Select your controller from the list of available devices.
    • You might need to install additional drivers or software for your controllers to work correctly with FIFA 23. Check the manufacturer's website for the latest drivers.

Common Connection Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

  • Controller Not Recognized: Try restarting your console or PC. Also, make sure your controller’s batteries aren’t low.
  • Bluetooth Pairing Problems: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled and that no other devices are interfering with the connection. Try moving closer to the console or PC.
  • Driver Issues (PC): Update your controller drivers. You can usually find these on the manufacturer's website. Also, try restarting your computer after installing new drivers.

Configuring FIFA 23 for Two Players

Alright, now that your controllers are connected, let’s get into the game and set things up for two players. FIFA 23 makes this process pretty intuitive.

Navigating the Main Menu

Once you launch FIFA 23, you’ll land on the main menu. From here, you have a few options:

  • Kick Off: This is the quickest way to jump into a game. Perfect for a casual match with friends.
  • Ultimate Team: If you want to play co-op in Ultimate Team, you'll need to navigate to the Ultimate Team menu.
  • Career Mode: While Career Mode is primarily a single-player experience, you can still play matches with two players.
  • Volta Football: This mode also supports multiplayer, allowing you and a friend to team up in street football matches.

Setting Up a Kick-Off Match

For a quick two-player game, Kick Off is your best bet. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Select Kick Off from the main menu.
  2. On the team selection screen, you’ll see two controllers displayed at the bottom. Each player needs to press the corresponding button on their controller (usually X on PlayStation or A on Xbox) to select a team.
  3. Once both players have selected their teams, you can customize the match settings, such as difficulty level, match length, and stadium.
  4. Hit the button to start the match, and you’re good to go!

Playing Co-op in Ultimate Team

Ultimate Team offers a few ways to play co-op:

  • Squad Battles: Team up with a friend to take on AI-controlled squads and earn rewards together.
  • Division Rivals: Play online against other pairs of players in a competitive setting.
  • Friendlies: Challenge your friends to a casual match without affecting your Division Rivals ranking.

To set up co-op in Ultimate Team:

  1. Navigate to the Ultimate Team menu.
  2. Select the mode you want to play (Squad Battles, Division Rivals, or Friendlies).
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to invite your friend to join your squad.
  4. Once your friend has joined, you can start searching for a match or challenge another team.

Two-Player Career Mode

While you can't both manage teams in Career Mode, you can still play matches together:

  1. Start a Career Mode save.
  2. When you get to a match, the game will prompt you to select sides. Each player selects a controller to control the players on the field.
  3. Enjoy playing the match together!

Understanding Controller Configurations

Knowing the default controller configurations can significantly enhance your gameplay. FIFA 23 offers various control schemes, so it’s worth experimenting to find the one that suits you best.

Default Controller Layout

Here’s a quick rundown of the default controls:

  • Left Stick: Movement
  • Right Stick: Skill moves
  • X/A Button: Pass (short pass/ground pass)
  • Square/X Button: Shoot
  • Circle/B Button: Cross/Long pass
  • Triangle/Y Button: Through ball
  • L1/LB Button: Player run modifier
  • R1/RB Button: Sprint
  • L2/LT Button: Jockey/Contain
  • R2/RT Button: Trigger run/Call player short

Customizing Your Controls

If the default layout doesn’t feel right, you can customize the controls in the settings menu:

  1. Go to Customize in the main menu.
  2. Select Settings and then Customize Controls.
  3. From here, you can remap each button to your preference. Experiment with different configurations to find what works best for you.

Advanced Control Techniques

To take your game to the next level, try mastering these advanced control techniques:

  • Finesse Shots: Hold R1/RB while shooting to curve the ball.
  • Driven Shots: Double-tap the shoot button for a low, powerful shot.
  • Skill Moves: Use the right stick to perform various skill moves and trick your opponents.
  • Tactical Defending: Use L2/LT to jockey and contain, making it harder for opponents to get past you.

Tips and Tricks for Two-Player Gameplay

Playing FIFA 23 with two controllers is all about teamwork, communication, and having fun. Here are some tips and tricks to help you dominate the game:

Communication is Key

  • Coordinate Your Attacks: Talk to your teammate about your strategy and plan your attacks together.
  • Call for Passes: Use voice chat or simple gestures to signal when you want a pass.
  • Cover Each Other: In defense, make sure you’re covering each other’s positions to prevent the opposition from creating scoring opportunities.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

  • Use Player Runs: Trigger player runs with L1/LB to create space and open up passing lanes.
  • Pass and Move: Don’t just stand still after making a pass. Move into space to receive a return pass.
  • Exploit Weaknesses: Identify your opponent’s weaknesses and exploit them. If they’re weak on the wings, focus your attacks there.

Having Fun

  • Don’t Take it Too Seriously: Remember, it’s just a game. Don’t get too caught up in winning or losing. Just enjoy the experience.
  • Experiment with Different Teams and Formations: Try out different teams and formations to see what works best for you and your teammate.
  • Celebrate Your Goals: Don’t be afraid to celebrate your goals with some fancy celebrations. It’s all part of the fun!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with everything set up correctly, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Controller Disconnections

  • Check Batteries: Make sure your controllers have enough battery power. Low batteries can cause disconnections.
  • Reduce Interference: Keep your controllers away from other electronic devices that might cause interference.
  • Update Firmware: Ensure your controllers have the latest firmware installed.

Input Lag

  • Wired Connection: Use a wired connection instead of wireless to reduce input lag.
  • Game Mode: Enable game mode on your TV to minimize input lag.
  • Close Background Apps: Close any unnecessary applications running in the background to free up system resources.

Game Crashes

  • Update Drivers: Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date.
  • Verify Game Files: Verify the integrity of the game files through your gaming platform (Steam, Origin, etc.).
  • Reinstall the Game: If all else fails, try reinstalling the game.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Playing FIFA 23 with two controllers is a fantastic way to enjoy the game with friends and family. By following this guide, you’ll be able to set up your controllers, configure the game, and start playing in no time. Remember, communication and teamwork are key to success, so coordinate with your teammate and have fun out there on the virtual pitch. Whether you're battling it out in Kick Off, teaming up in Ultimate Team, or playing through Career Mode, the possibilities are endless. Now go out there and show off your skills! Happy gaming, folks!