FIFA 23: How To Play Only Penalties?

by Jhon Lennon 37 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered if you could just skip the whole match and dive straight into the nail-biting penalty shootout in FIFA 23? Well, you're in luck! Whether you're looking to practice your penalty skills, settle a bet with your friends, or just enjoy the high-pressure moments, FIFA 23 offers a few ways to get you right into the action. Let's break down how you can jump straight into penalty kicks and become a shootout superstar.

Understanding Your Options

So, you're itching to get into those penalty showdowns, right? FIFA 23 doesn't have a direct "Penalty Shootout" mode sitting on the main menu like some older versions. Instead, you've got a couple of cool workarounds to get your penalty fix. The key is to leverage the game's existing modes and tweak them to focus solely on penalties. Think of it as a little creative gaming! This way, you can still enjoy the thrill of the shootout without slogging through a full 90-minute match. Plus, you can customize your experience to some extent, making each penalty session unique. Whether you're playing on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, the steps are generally the same, so you can follow along regardless of your platform. The goal here is to make sure you understand all the available avenues so you can pick the one that best suits your needs and gets you into those crucial penalty moments as quickly as possible. Remember, practice makes perfect, so the more you play, the better you'll become at those game-deciding kicks!

Method 1: Skill Games – Perfecting Your Technique

One fantastic way to hone your penalty skills in FIFA 23 is through Skill Games. Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Skill Games? That's for beginners!" But trust me, the Penalty Kick Skill Game is a goldmine for practicing your technique under various conditions. It's not just about blasting the ball into the net; it's about mastering the finesse, the power, and the placement of your shots. When you head into the Skill Games section, you'll find different levels of penalty challenges, each designed to test a specific aspect of your penalty-taking ability. Some challenges might focus on accuracy, requiring you to hit specific targets within the goal. Others might emphasize power, pushing you to find the sweet spot between a weak shot and an over-the-bar screamer. And then there are the challenges that throw in distractions and pressure, simulating the kind of environment you'd face in a real shootout.

What's great about Skill Games is that they provide instant feedback. You'll immediately see where your shot went wrong (or right!) and get a chance to adjust your approach. Plus, you can repeat the challenges as many times as you like, allowing you to really drill down on your technique. Pay attention to the visual cues the game provides, such as the aiming reticle and the power bar. These tools are there to help you refine your shots and develop a consistent style. Don't just mindlessly kick the ball; think about your body position, your run-up, and the timing of your shot. All these factors play a role in the outcome. And remember, practice makes perfect! The more time you spend in the Skill Games, the more confident you'll become in your penalty-taking abilities. So, next time you're looking to sharpen your skills, don't overlook the Skill Games. They're a valuable resource for any FIFA 23 player looking to improve their penalty record.

Method 2: Kick-Off Mode – Custom Penalty Shootout

Alright, so you want to jump straight into a penalty shootout without any fuss? Kick-Off mode is your best friend! This is where you can quickly set up a game and then simulate your way to the penalties. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Head to Kick-Off: From the main menu, select "Kick-Off."
  2. Choose Your Teams: Pick any two teams you like. It really doesn't matter which ones, since you're skipping the match anyway.
  3. Game Settings: Before starting the match, go into the game settings. You can usually find this in the pre-match menu.
  4. Halftime Length: Set the halftime length to the minimum (e.g., 1 minute). This will make simulating the game much faster.
  5. Simulate the Match: Start the match, and then immediately go to the pause menu. Look for the "Simulate" option. This will fast-forward you to the end of the game.
  6. Overtime and Penalties: If the score is tied after the simulation, the game will automatically go into overtime and then penalties. If one team wins during the simulation, just restart the Kick-Off match and simulate again until you get a draw.

This method is super quick and gets you straight into the penalty action. Plus, you can repeat it as many times as you want, making it perfect for practicing those clutch moments. Remember to stay calm and focus on your technique when taking those penalties!

Method 3: Tournament Mode – Creating a Custom Tournament

For a more structured approach, you can use Tournament Mode to set up a custom competition and simulate the matches until you reach the penalty shootout stage. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Enter Tournament Mode: Navigate to the Tournament Mode from the main menu.
  2. Create a New Tournament: Choose the option to create a new, custom tournament.
  3. Customize Your Tournament:
    • Teams: Select a small number of teams (e.g., 4 or 8) to keep the tournament short.
    • Knockout Stage: Ensure the tournament is set to a knockout format, so each match is crucial.
  4. Simulate the Matches: Start the tournament and simulate each match. You can usually find the “Simulate” option in the pre-match menu or during the game.
  5. Reach the Penalties: Continue simulating until you reach a match that ends in a draw and goes to penalties. This might take a few tries, but it’s a fun way to add a bit of unpredictability.

Using Tournament Mode gives you a sense of progression and stakes, even though you're primarily interested in the penalty shootouts. It's a great way to mix things up and avoid the repetition of constantly setting up Kick-Off matches. Plus, you can tweak the tournament settings to your liking, making each playthrough unique.

Mastering Penalties in FIFA 23

Okay, so you know how to get to penalties, but how do you actually win them? Here are some tips to help you become a penalty-taking pro:

  • Practice Your Aim: Use the left stick to aim your shot. Pay attention to the aiming reticle and try to place it just inside the post. Remember, the goalkeeper is more likely to save shots that are directly in the center of the goal.
  • Control Your Power: The power bar is crucial. Too little power, and the keeper will easily save it. Too much, and you'll blast it over the bar. Aim for the green or yellow zone for optimal power.
  • Mix Up Your Shots: Don't be predictable. Alternate between different shot types, like finesse shots (R1/RB) and power shots (L1/LB + shoot). This keeps the keeper guessing.
  • Watch the Keeper: Pay attention to the keeper's movements. If they're leaning one way, try shooting the other way. This requires quick reflexes and a bit of luck, but it can pay off big time.
  • Stay Calm: Penalties are all about pressure. Take a deep breath, focus on your technique, and don't overthink it. Confidence is key!

Goalkeeping Tips for Penalty Shootouts

Don't forget about the other side of the coin! Being a good penalty-saving goalkeeper is just as important as being a good penalty taker. Here are some tips to help you become a shootout hero:

  • Mind Games: Use the right stick to move your keeper around and try to distract the penalty taker. This can throw them off their game and increase your chances of a save.
  • Watch the Player's Stance: Pay attention to the penalty taker's body language. Are they looking to one side? Are they leaning a certain way? This can give you clues about where they're planning to shoot.
  • Dive Strategically: Don't just dive randomly. Try to anticipate where the shot is going and dive in that direction. Timing is crucial, so practice your reflexes.
  • Stay in the Center: Sometimes, the best strategy is to stay in the center of the goal. Many players will aim for the middle, especially under pressure. Staying put can surprise them and result in an easy save.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! Whether you're using Skill Games, Kick-Off mode, or Tournament Mode, there are plenty of ways to enjoy penalty shootouts in FIFA 23. Practice your skills, stay calm under pressure, and remember to have fun. Good luck, and may your penalties always find the back of the net!