eFootball™ Guide: Teams, Players, Tactics and Match Tips

The current Android version is distributed through Google Play under the package ID jp.konami.pesam. KONAMI describes eFootball™ as the evolution of PES into a new era of digital football.

Players can build their own squad, acquire footballers, develop their team and compete against users around the world. The game includes both single-player and competitive multiplayer experiences, with Friend Matches and Co-op Matches also available.

What Is eFootball™?

eFootball™ is a football simulation game focused on creating and controlling your own team.

Rather than simply selecting a club and playing a fixed season, much of the experience revolves around building a squad, signing players, improving their abilities and developing a tactical system that suits your preferred style.

The game combines:

• Realistic football gameplay

• Team building

• Player acquisition

• Player development

• Online PvP

• Friend Matches

• Co-op Matches

• Events

• Tactical formations

• Skill-based attacking

• Defensive positioning

• Smart Assist

• Regular content updates

KONAMI continues to add new features, modes, events and gameplay improvements through updates.

eFootball™ Gameplay

At its heart, eFootball™ is about controlling players during live football matches.

Passing, dribbling, shooting, defending and movement all need to be combined rather than relying on one button or one attacking pattern.

A good player needs to understand both sides of the game.

You need to know when to attack, when to slow the match down, when to press and when to protect your defensive shape.

The game also provides Smart Assist to help newcomers perform basic football actions without requiring complicated commands.

Getting Started With eFootball™

New players should resist the temptation to immediately focus on competitive matches.

Start by completing the tutorial.

The current Google Play listing explains that the tutorial teaches the basic controls through practical demonstrations, and completing the tutorial provides Lionel Messi as a reward.

Recommended Beginner Order

1. Complete the tutorial.

2. Learn basic passing.

3. Practice shooting.

4. Learn basic defending.

5. Understand player positions.

6. Build a balanced squad.

7. Test different formations.

8. Play against easier opponents.

9. Experiment with tactics.

10. Begin competitive online matches.

This gives you time to learn the controls before facing experienced players.

Smart Assist Explained

Smart Assist is designed to make eFootball™ easier for newcomers.

It helps players perform football actions without requiring them to master every complex command immediately. KONAMI specifically highlights dribbling, passing and shooting as areas where Smart Assist can help new players enjoy matches more quickly.

Should Beginners Use Smart Assist?

Yes.

If you are completely new to eFootball™, Smart Assist can help you concentrate on positioning and basic football decisions while gradually learning the controls.

Once you become comfortable, experiment with more manual control so you can develop greater precision.

Building Your First Team

One of the most important parts of eFootball™ is creating a balanced squad.

A team full of high-rated attackers will not necessarily perform well.

Football is about balance.

You need players who can:

• Defend

• Build attacks

• Maintain possession

• Create chances

• Finish opportunities

• Recover the ball

• Protect the midfield

• Cover defensive spaces

Don't Judge Players Only by Overall Rating

Overall rating is useful, but it should not be the only factor you consider.

A player with a slightly lower rating may be much more effective in your preferred formation because their attributes, playing style and position fit your tactics.

Ask yourself:

Does this player fit the way I want to play?

That question is often more useful than simply looking for the highest number.

Player Development Guide

Developing your players should be done with a clear purpose.

If you want a fast attacking winger, prioritize attributes that improve acceleration, speed, dribbling and attacking movement.

For a central midfielder, passing, ball control, stamina and defensive ability may be more valuable.

For defenders, defensive awareness, physical strength, speed and positioning can make a major difference.

Development Tips

• Identify the player's natural position.

• Decide how you want to use the player.

• Prioritize attributes that support that role.

• Avoid spreading development points without a plan.

• Compare players based on your formation.

• Build specialized players for important positions.

A balanced squad usually performs better than one filled with players who have been developed in the same way.

Choosing the Right Formation

There is no single formation that guarantees victory.

The best formation depends on your players and your preferred style.

4-3-3

A 4-3-3 can provide width and attacking options.

It is useful for players who enjoy:

• Wide attacks

• Wingers

• Quick passing

• High attacking pressure

The main risk is leaving space behind the wide players.

4-2-3-1

This formation gives you additional midfield protection while maintaining an attacking player behind the striker.

It can be useful for players who want a balance between defense and attack.

4-4-2

The classic 4-4-2 provides a straightforward structure.

Two forwards can make attacking combinations easier, while four midfielders can help maintain defensive width.

3-5-2

A 3-5-2 can provide strong midfield presence and two attacking options.

However, your wide players need to contribute defensively because the formation can become vulnerable on the flanks.

Passing Strategy

Passing is one of the most important skills in eFootball™.

Do not constantly attempt difficult forward passes.

Sometimes the safest pass is backward.

A successful attack can begin by moving the ball away from pressure before switching direction.

Short Passing

Use short passes when:

• You have nearby teammates.

• The opponent is pressing.

• You want to maintain possession.

• You are building an attack.

Through Passing

Through passes are useful when an attacker has space behind the defensive line.

Do not force them constantly.

Wait for the correct movement.

A poorly timed through pass can give possession directly back to your opponent.

Switching Play

If your opponent concentrates players on one side, move the ball toward the opposite flank.

Changing the point of attack can create space without requiring a risky dribble.

Dribbling Guide

Dribbling should be purposeful.

You do not need to perform complicated skills every time you receive the ball.

Sometimes the best dribble is simply changing direction at the right moment.

Effective Dribbling Tips

• Slow down before changing direction.

• Avoid running directly into defenders.

• Use open space.

• Look for passing options before committing.

• Use skills when they create a genuine advantage.

• Do not dribble with defenders unnecessarily.

The best dribblers do not simply beat opponents with flashy moves. They understand when to accelerate and when to release the ball.

Shooting Guide

Good shooting begins before the shot.

Try to create a clear shooting angle rather than shooting immediately after receiving the ball.

Before Shooting

Look for:

• Space around the penalty area

• Defender positioning

• Goalkeeper position

• Strong-foot opportunities

• Passing alternatives

• Rebound possibilities

A powerful shot is not always the best shot.

Placement and timing can be more important.

How to Score More Goals

If you are struggling to score, avoid making every attack a direct run toward goal.

Instead:

1. Move the ball through midfield.

2. Draw defenders toward one side.

3. Create space.

4. Change the point of attack.

5. Move an attacker into the open space.

6. Make the final pass.

7. Shoot when the angle is favorable.

Patient attacks are often more dangerous than constant sprinting.

Defensive Strategy

Defending is where many new players struggle.

The biggest mistake is chasing the ball with one player while opening large spaces behind them.

Protect Your Shape

Try to keep your defenders and midfielders organized.

If one player leaves their position, another player should be able to cover the space.

Don't Overcommit

If the opponent is facing away from goal, you may not need to immediately tackle.

Stay in front of them.

Force them toward an unfavorable area.

Wait for the correct moment.

Track Dangerous Runs

Watch the attackers rather than focusing exclusively on the ball.

A forward making a run behind your defense can become a bigger threat than the player currently carrying possession.

Pressing Tips

Pressing can win the ball quickly, but constant pressing can also destroy your defensive structure.

Use pressure when:

• The opponent has limited passing options.

• Their player receives the ball facing their own goal.

• A pass is predictable.

• Your midfield is positioned behind the pressing player.

Avoid pressing recklessly when your defensive line is exposed.

How to Defend Against Fast Attackers

Fast attackers can punish defenders who move too far forward.

Against pace-based teams:

• Avoid pulling central defenders out unnecessarily.

• Keep cover behind the pressing player.

• Watch through-ball lanes.

• Force attackers toward the sideline.

• Avoid diving into tackles.

• Track runs before they become dangerous.

Defending space is often more effective than chasing the ball.

Midfield Control

Midfield determines the rhythm of many matches.

A strong midfield can:

• Protect the defense

• Start attacks

• Recover possession

• Control tempo

• Create passing triangles

• Stop counterattacks

Do not rush the ball forward simply because a striker is available.

Sometimes maintaining possession in midfield is the better decision.

Counterattacking Strategy

Counterattacks work best when you win the ball while the opponent is out of position.

Immediately check:

1. Where are your attackers?

2. Which spaces are open?

3. Is the opponent's defense exposed?

4. Can you make a safe forward pass?

5. Should you slow down instead?

Not every recovered ball needs to become an immediate counterattack.

If the opponent recovers quickly, keeping possession can be safer.

Possession-Based Strategy

Possession football requires patience.

Use short passes and movement to pull defenders out of position.

The goal isn't simply to have more possession.

The goal is to use possession to create better opportunities.

A team can dominate possession without creating meaningful chances.

Always connect possession to an attacking purpose.

Online Match Strategy

Online competition requires a different mindset from playing against the computer.

Human opponents can adapt.

If a particular attacking move works once, they may adjust their defense.

Adapt During the Match

If your opponent blocks the middle:

Attack the wings.

If they defend deep:

Use patient passing and look for openings.

If they press aggressively:

Move the ball quickly into the space behind the press.

If they attack with many players:

Look for counterattacking opportunities.

Friend Matches

Friend Matches provide a useful environment for testing tactics against other players.

Instead of treating every match as a competition, use these games to test:

• New formations

• New players

• Passing styles

• Defensive systems

• Different attacking approaches

This is much better than experimenting with an unfamiliar formation during an important competitive match.

Co-op Matches

eFootball™ also includes Co-op Matches with teams of up to three players per side.

Co-op football requires communication and positional discipline.

Do not let every player chase the ball.

Maintain your assigned area and look for passing opportunities.

Co-op Tips

• Avoid crowding the same area.

• Communicate when possible.

• Keep your position.

• Pass rather than dribble through multiple opponents.

• Cover teammates when they move forward.

• Don't abandon defensive responsibilities.

Events and Regular Content

eFootball™ is designed as an ongoing service rather than a one-time football game.

KONAMI states that new features, modes, events and gameplay improvements are continually implemented.

This means the most effective way to progress is to pay attention to current events and available challenges rather than playing every mode randomly.

Prioritize activities that provide rewards useful to your squad.

Managing In-Game Resources

The game contains in-app purchases and randomized virtual items, so resource management is important.

Avoid spending currency simply because a new player or offer appears.

Before spending, ask:

• Does this improve my starting lineup?

• Does the player fit my formation?

• Is the position already strong?

• Do I have a weakness elsewhere?

• Am I spending because I need the player or simply because the card looks attractive?

A disciplined approach makes squad building more sustainable.

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Buying Players Without a Plan

A powerful player cannot fix a poorly balanced team.

Changing Formations Constantly

Give a formation enough time to learn how it behaves.

Sprinting Everywhere

Constant sprinting can make it harder to control possession and positioning.

Chasing the Ball

Defensive shape is more important than constantly pressing the ball carrier.

Ignoring Midfield

A strong attack is difficult to maintain if your midfield constantly loses possession.

Shooting From Bad Positions

Wait for better opportunities.

Blaming Players for Every Loss

Sometimes the problem is positioning, tactics or decision-making rather than player ratings.

Best Beginner Team-Building Approach

A good starting squad should have:

• Reliable goalkeeper

• Fast central defenders

• At least one strong defensive midfielder

• Creative midfield option

• Wide attacking threat

• Reliable striker

• Bench players capable of covering several positions

You don't need a superstar in every position.

Build a team where every player has a purpose.

How to Improve Quickly

If you want to become better at eFootball™, focus on one skill at a time.

Week 1

Learn passing and basic defending.

Week 2

Practice movement without the ball and build-up play.

Week 3

Improve finishing and attacking combinations.

Week 4

Experiment with formations and tactical adjustments.

After that, focus on reading opponents and adapting during matches.

eFootball™ Graphics and Presentation

The game aims for a realistic football presentation with detailed player models, stadium environments, animations and match effects.

The mobile version is designed as a full online football experience rather than a simplified arcade game.

The current Google Play classification lists eFootball™ as a realistic sports game with single-player and competitive multiplayer elements.

Storage and Internet Requirements

The current Google Play listing says approximately 3.1 GB of free storage is required to download and install the game. KONAMI recommends using Wi-Fi for the initial download and updates.

An internet connection is required to play, and KONAMI recommends a stable connection for the best experience.

This is particularly important for online competitive matches, where connection quality can directly affect responsiveness.

Is eFootball™ the New PES?

Yes.

KONAMI describes eFootball™ as the evolution of PES, with the former Pro Evolution Soccer identity transformed into the eFootball brand.

The package ID jp.konami.pesam is therefore associated with the current eFootball mobile title, even though the package identifier still contains the historical PES reference.

Is eFootball™ Free to Play?

Yes.

The Android version is available as a free download, but it contains advertisements and optional in-app purchases. Google Play also identifies randomized in-game purchases.

Players should therefore distinguish between the free availability of the game and optional spending inside the game.

Is eFootball™ Good for Beginners?

Yes, although the game has a learning curve.

The Smart Assist feature and step-by-step tutorial make the initial experience easier, while the deeper controls and tactical options give experienced players room to improve.

New players should spend time learning the fundamentals before worrying about competitive rankings or advanced techniques.

Is eFootball™ Worth Playing?

For football fans who enjoy realistic matches, squad building and online competition, eFootball™ offers a substantial mobile football experience.

Its biggest strengths are the depth of team building, real-time matches, player development, regular events and competitive multiplayer.

The main disadvantages are the need for a reliable internet connection, the large storage requirement and the presence of optional purchases and randomized items.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Realistic football gameplay

• Evolved from the PES series

• Large player pool

• Team building and player development

• Smart Assist for beginners

• Friend Matches

• Co-op Matches

• Competitive online gameplay

• Regular events and updates

• Detailed football presentation

• 100M+ Google Play downloads

Cons

• Requires an internet connection

• Large storage requirement

• Online matches depend heavily on connection quality

• In-app purchases are present

• Randomized virtual items are included

• Competitive gameplay can have a steep learning curve

Frequently Asked Questions

What is eFootball™?

eFootball™ is KONAMI's digital football game and the successor to the PES series, featuring realistic matches, squad building, player development, online competition and regular events.

Is eFootball™ the same as PES?

eFootball™ is the modern evolution of KONAMI's PES football series. KONAMI officially describes the game as the evolution from PES to eFootball™.

Can I play eFootball™ offline?

The current Google Play listing states that an internet connection is required to play.

Does eFootball™ have multiplayer?

Yes. The game supports competitive online matches, Friend Matches and Co-op Matches. Co-op supports teams of up to three players per side.

Does eFootball™ have Smart Assist?

Yes. Smart Assist is designed to make the game easier for newcomers by helping with actions such as passing, dribbling and shooting.

How much storage does eFootball™ need?

The current Google Play listing recommends approximately 3.1 GB of free storage for downloading and installing the game.

Can I build my own team?

Yes. Team building, player acquisition and player development are major parts of the eFootball™ experience.

How can I become better at eFootball™?

Focus on passing, positioning, defending and decision-making before trying to master advanced skills. Learn one formation thoroughly and review your mistakes after difficult matches.

What is the best formation in eFootball™?

There is no universally best formation. The ideal setup depends on your players and preferred style. 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 can all be effective when used correctly.

How do I defend better?

Stay compact, avoid chasing the ball unnecessarily, protect dangerous spaces and use pressure selectively. Good positioning is often more valuable than constant tackling.

Final Verdict

eFootball™ successfully carries KONAMI's long-running football identity into a modern online format.

The transition from PES to eFootball has created a football game centered around live competition, squad building, player development and constantly evolving content.

For beginners, the best approach is to complete the tutorial, use Smart Assist while learning, build a balanced squad and practice the fundamentals of passing and defending.

For experienced players, the real depth comes from tactical decisions, player selection, formations, online competition and learning how to adapt to different opponents.

Whether you remember the game as PES or know it primarily as eFootball™, the core appeal remains the same: building your team, stepping onto the pitch and trying to outplay the opposition.