Konami announced the long-awaited update for eFootball 2022, bringing the game up to version 1.0. The patch was originally planned for release last year, but the mixed reception to the initial rollout pushed the shift to a semi-free, free-to-play model. The release date has been set for April 14, giving fans a chance to experience the promised football simulation with a renewed focus on quality.
The development team explains that a two-year project was undertaken to deliver eFootball 2022, but the emphasis on releasing on schedule led to compromises on overall quality. Feedback from disappointed players highlighted the need to reassess the game’s fundamentals, and the team apologizes for the shortcomings that followed.
defense improvements
A cornerstone of the update is a reworked defensive system. The new “Press the Order” mechanic assigns multiple players to pressure the ball and closes passing lanes, increasing the chances of recovering possession. The defense now supports more aggressive actions, better lane control, and a steadier line progression.
The update also simplifies defending by adjusting default controls, making it easier to shield and win the ball. In addition to the reintroduced shoulder charge, the pressure commands from earlier chapters return, enabling players to apply stronger pressure on opponents.
the importance of transitions
Passing speed has been boosted to better reflect the tempo of high-stakes matches with defensive upgrades in place. A new mechanic leverages the recoil of the ball to act as an acceleration boost. This proves useful for first touches, where a quick pass can carry more pace. The team identified that many errors stemmed from miscommunications between the passer and the receiver, both during and after passes.
As a result, decision-making during transitions was refined, with smarter AI choices when receiving a pass and smoother movement during reception. These fixes substantially reduce unusual errors and contribute to a more natural flow in buildup play.
The strategic evolution of dribbling and shooting
In shooting, speed is tuned to favor realism, with shot accuracy adjusted to mirror real-match conditions. A variety of shot types and trajectories were added to suit different scenarios, including a sharp, decisive “Impressive Shot.”
The game promises meaningful improvements in dribbling, featuring more authentic ball tracking and more responsive input from the left stick. Additional refinements improve ball physics and the behavior of the ball with the new “Snap Touch” command, making control feel more immediate. The aim is a refreshed head-to-head experience against opposing defenses.
The eFootball brand is the heir to the PES series
eFootball continues the legacy of the Pro Evolution Soccer lineage as a free-to-play format that helped it reach a broad audience. With the rollout of version 1.0.0, the team seeks to create a new, more engaging football experience by delivering a wide array of improvements and new elements.
[Citation: Konami official communications]