Why everyone is using 95 depth in FC 25 – and should you? ⇒ FUTFC

If you’ve been getting overwhelmed in FUT Champs or Rivals and noticed your opponent’s defenders are pressing you non-stop, there’s a high chance they’re using 95 depth. It’s become the go-to setting for elite players in FC 25, and in the right hands, it can suffocate even the best attackers. But is it the right setting for you?

The short answer: it depends on your play style and defensive skill. While 95 depth is incredibly effective in certain situations, it’s also one of the riskiest settings in the game if you’re not confident in your defending. Let’s break down what it does, why pros use it, and what depth settings work best for different types of players.

How 95 depth works in FC 25 and why it’s so aggressive

Setting your defensive depth to 95 essentially pushes your backline right up the pitch. That means your defenders and midfielders are positioned in the opposition’s half, ready to pounce the moment possession is lost.

Once you hit that 90+ range in the tactics menu, you activate what many players refer to as the “auto-press zone.” The AI starts pressing much more aggressively, defenders mark attackers more tightly, and your team begins applying pressure almost like it’s the final minutes of a FUT Champs game where you’re desperate for a goal.

So why are people using it from kick-off?

Simple. Pressure wins games. Especially against lower-division or casual players, starting the match with 95 depth can lead to early goals just from mistakes caused by panic and lack of space. It’s like playing in the final 10 minutes… for the full 90.

The risk of 95 depth: space in behind

There’s a reason this setting is mostly used by top-tier players. When you push your defensive line that high, you leave a massive gap between your backline and your goalkeeper. All it takes is one first-time through ball or a sprinting attacker to break the line and you’re toast — especially if your defenders aren’t fast.

This is why 95 depth demands elite defensive awareness. You have to be ready to manually track runs, switch defenders quickly, and time your tackles. If you’re not confident with that, you’re better off staying awayfrom it unless you’re chasing the game.

What depth setting should YOU use?

If you’re not already in the Elite Division or hitting 12+ wins in FUT Champs, 95 depth is probably not the best default for you. Here’s a rough guide depending on your experience level and style:

New players / Division 7 and below:
Use a depth of 40 to 60. It keeps your backline compact without sitting too deep. You’ll be less exposed to through balls and still able to press in midfield.
Average players / Division 4 to 6:
Try 60 to 70 depth. This gives you a higher line to apply pressure while still giving you a buffer to recover defensively. It’s also a great place to learn manual defending.
Advanced players / Division 2 to Elite:
You can experiment with 70 to 80 or even 90+, depending on how confident you are with your switching and timing. Just be prepared to suffer if you make a mistake.
Situational use of 95 depth:
95 is perfect if you’re losing and need to force a goal or if you know your opponent is trying to waste time. But don’t start every game with it unless you’re truly confident.

CDMs vs CMs: how they impact depth

Another key factor in using a higher depth effectively is your formation and midfield setup.

Formations with CDMs, like the 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2, are much safer when using higher depth. CDMs naturally sit deeper and shield your backline, helping close the space between the midfield and defense – a common area where opponents exploit high depth players.

Compare that to a formation like 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 (flat), where your CMs push forward, leaving huge gaps that can be punished. In these cases, a 95 depth setting becomes far riskier unless you’re constantly tracking back manually.

This is exactly why formations like 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-3-1 narrow are currently considered elite – they give you the freedom to use higher depth while keeping defensive structure intact.

So more tips about defending from NealGuides on YouTube here.

Why 70 depth is the sweet spot for most players

For most people, 70 depth hits the balance perfectly. It keeps your team high enough to apply pressure and push your opponent back, but not so high that one bad switch leads to a one-on-one.

At 70, you avoid the extreme AI overcommitting that happens around 90+, and you still get solid positioning from your midfielders. It also allows you to adapt mid-match. If you notice you’re getting exposed to through balls, drop it to 60 or 50. If you’re dominating and want more pressure, you can push it to 80.

Why deep defending is outdated in FC 25

Playing with ultra-deep defensive lines, like 20 or even 30 depth, is generally no longer viable in FC 25’s meta. Here’s why:

You invite your opponent into your box
Low-driven shots and Travela shots are stronger this year
You give players too much space to create and pass around the edge of the box

If you’re set on playing more defensive, the absolute lowest you should go is 31, which keeps you in a “balanced” defensive state. Anything lower, and your backline starts standing off way too much, leading to easy goals.

Adapt your tactics – don’t copy codes blindly

One of the biggest mistakes players make is blindly copying tactic codes from YouTubers or pro players without adjusting to their own playstyle. You wouldn’t share a car with someone half your size without adjusting the seat – same goes for tactics.

If you’re using 95 depth because a content creator does it, but you’re constantly getting hit on the counter, it’s time to adapt. FC 25 rewards intelligent defending and punishes poor positioning more than ever.

Final advice: use 95 depth sparingly unless you’re elite

In summary, 95 depth is real and it works, but only when used properly. It’s like a power tool – in skilled hands, it’s lethal. In average hands, it’s dangerous to yourself. Stick with 60–70 for consistent results unless you’re confident in your defending, and always be ready to adjust mid-game.

High-level players will continue to use it as a way to smother weaker opponents and push for comebacks. But if you’re not one of those players just yet, focus on balance and gradually build up your defensive confidence.

The meta might be 95 depth – but the real meta is knowing when to switch gears.