eFootball (PES 2022): patch 1.0 is finally here, with gameplay improvements and licenses

As announced by Konami a few days ago, the football simulation game eFootball 2022, a direct sequel to the PES franchise, has finally rolled out its 1.0 updatethe first stable version of the game which was released more than six months ago now as a widely criticized demo, making this rebranded and free-to-play opus one of the worst games ever on Steam.

Unfortunately for players, the single player mode is still weak, with new licenses added but only for those who love Japanese and American championships. However, many bugs are fixed and Konami announces new team tactics and new moves for gamers. the Dream Team mode also makes an appearance in what the publisher calls the “Season 1”, indicating that each season will have a theme related to football trends, and that this first will be about gameplay, team building and licensing. The first one will start on April 21.

The full patch note can be found on this link and the summary can be seen in this video or in the recap just below:

New Gameplay Approach

■ Passes

・Power Strikes

Change the tempo on offense in the blink of an eye with an incisive “power strike”.
Using the sheer speed of the ball, a “power pass” into a player’s feet can initiate a series of passes. It just might be the deciding factor that gives you a vital breath of air in tense situations.
A “powerful cross” presents a taut and dipping ball flight, providing that decisive opening between the defense and the goalkeeper. All that’s left for the striker to do is put it in the back of the net with a single touch.
Power passes are not limited to decisive passes in tight spaces… Anchored in their own half of the field, the ball carrier spots their completely free teammate on the opposite wing. If he manages to turn the game around effectively, his teammate can ignite the game by dribbling.
The precise passer has the ball and plenty of space around him. The whole stadium holds their breath as soon as he lifts his foot, anticipating a pass that is sure to surprise friends and opponents alike.

・Pass and Run (Crossover)

Diagonal moves are essential in a football match. They allow you to create space for your players to receive passes, but they can also be used to attract the opposition and provide more passing and shooting options to the ball carrier. You can now perform this tactical move with the new command, “Pass and Run (Cross)”.
On the wings or in the axis, it’s up to you to create new offensive patterns thanks to diagonal runs.

・Balloon lifts

The ball arrives at the feet of the playmaker in an advanced position, the stadium holds its breath. Concentrated, the maestro puts in opposition the outside of the right foot and deflects the ball in one touch to address a caviar in the race of his teammate, who sprints towards the opposing penalty area. All he has to do is put it down.
In this version, we have considerably improved the variations and the management of dive balls. From ultra-precise floating balls to decisive power passes, you are master of one-touch combinations, thanks to the palette of trajectories at your disposal.

■ Shots

・Power shots

“Power Shot” is a new command that allows players to take longer strides towards the ball before unleashing a Power Shot. Between diving shots, sharp kicks and net-ripping soaring shots, this command will allow you to employ a whole host of ball trajectories. A confident goalscorer always seeks to assert himself with his powerful shots.
As soon as he rushes in full force towards the ball, he already has in mind the trajectory of the imminent shot and already anticipates the reaction of the public, the roar and the deafening applause of a whole stadium which will celebrate in unison. an inevitable goal.

・Down shots

The match is close, the winger has the ball on the side and waits for the right moment to distill one of the centers of which he has the secret. In the area, the striker stands ready to pounce, despite his opponent marking him closely. In the blink of an eye, the cross specialist sees an opening and hits it with a perfect cross. In perfect timing, the striker leaps into the air, just a little earlier than the opposing defender, before planting a powerful header between the goalkeeper’s legs.
When performing a power shot on a ball in the air, players perform headers and volleys towards the ground. Very difficult to manage for goalkeepers, such strikes also offer scoring opportunities for attackers on rebounds and blocked shots.

・Countless finishes

A floating cross looking for a well-placed header, a quick back pass slid just past the goalkeeper just waiting for a deflection, a rebound pass that finds the foot of a slender teammate in the opposing side… Being able to play crosses with various trajectories should allow the scorers at the reception to offer superb conclusions with each action.
Thanks to the realism of your offensive phases, you will be constantly in search of more sublime goals than the others.

■ Dribbling

・Sudden change

Facing the opposing defence, mastering the rhythm of dribbling is a proven tactic that ensures the dribbler maintains the advantage. Watch the opposing defender approach the ball carrier, who multiplies the small touches of the ball, before pushing him into space and taking him on the wrong foot when the opportunity arises. That’s the whole point of “Abrupt Change”.
Don’t think Sudden Change is only useful when you have space around your player. You can use it to subtly evade opposing defenders or confuse them with a small surprise bridge or a frustratingly large bridge. It is an essential weapon for any dribbler.

·To go past

The defender keeps an eye on the fast dribbler, alert to any sudden moves. These are the kinds of situations where the “Overtake” command really shines. By performing this feint, the ball carrier can deceive the defender and throw him off balance. The dribbler can then easily get rid of their frustrated opponent and rush towards the goal.

·Shield

Although the public is often fascinated by the crazy pace and the incredible fakes, a good dribbler must know how to use his body to maintain control of the ball before serving a teammate. The “Shield” command allows you to maintain possession by encouraging your players to put their bodies in opposition between the opponent and the ball in order to create space and better plan their next action.

■ Defense

·Contain

“Contain” is one of the best moves a player has to stop a dribbler from passing. As the opposing dribbler approaches, the defender adopts a lower stance and takes shorter strides in order to cover their goal. If he can direct the opponent by pushing them to the wings, then he can easily win the ball.
Containing is just as effective against passing as it is against shooting. The defender can deflect opposing crosses with their toes, or even use their whole body as cover in desperate moments.

・Shoulder contact

Any player can scratch a ball, but a true defender knows their superior power is a vital weapon in ensuring no one gets through. Defenders love to hear their opponent lament that they can’t do anything against them.
As the opposing dribbler pushes their ball forward, run alongside them and use “Shoulder Contact” to collect the ball. It is also effective when the opponent tries to control an approaching ball or to follow up a shot. After eating the turf several times, the opponent will not be so motivated to receive a pass.

New Team Building “Dream Team”

・Request a laundry

Due to the explosive nature of modern football, it is very difficult to defend one’s goal with just one player. To recover the ball strategically, it is important to order the whole team to put pressure on the ball carrier, to block passing trajectories and to bring up the defensive line.
With the new “Request Press” command, you can inflict this modern defensive approach on your opponent. Reclaim possession by putting pressure on the team and prepare for the counterattack.

A brand new game mode that allows you to create your original team by recruiting players and managers to compete against users from all over the world.

With ‘Dream Team’ you can handpick and recruit players and managers who match your philosophy of football. Plus, you can develop and strengthen your players to match your own style of play.

Use in-game items you can get through matches, organize your squad by recruiting and developing players, find the style of team play that suits you the most… Create your own “Dream Team” and donate life to your vision of football.

Above all, participate in tense clashes against the “Dream Teams” of other users around the world to prove your superiority!

New Licenses

Added licenses for Japanese and American championships.
Watch for the next in-game events of the season themed around these incredible leagues: J.League, MLSPA, and USLC

real faces

Updated faces for nearly 1,200 players from new licensed teams as well as various existing clubs and national teams

Jerseys

Updated around 400 national team and club shirts, including new licensed teams.

Official balls

Added 13 official balls from championships around the world.

Shoes

Added 12 new shoe models from adidas, LOTTO, NIKE and PUMA.

Gloves

Added 3 new Kaliaaer, LOTTO and SELLS glove models.