PES 2021 can feel amazing when everything clicks: slick passing, tight defending, and a 90th‑minute winner. The problem is that most players never touch the key settings or tactics that make the game feel that good.
This guide focuses on practical gameplay changes you can make in an evening: control tweaks, camera choices, basic tactics, and simple Master League habits that translate into more consistent results.
1. Fix the Basic Settings That Quietly Ruin Your Matches
Before working on skills, you want the game to feel readable and responsive. A few options have a bigger impact than most people expect.
1.1 Camera angle that lets you see the pitch
The default camera can be too zoomed or too flat for many players.
- Recommended starting point: use Stadium or Dynamic Wide.
- Increase Zoom Out slightly so you can see passing lanes ahead.
- Lower Height a bit if it feels like you’re playing from the clouds.
Spend 2 3 friendlies just tweaking camera settings until you can see both your passer and at least three passing options most of the time.
1.2 Assist levels: find your comfort zone
Too much assistance makes passes go somewhere you didn’t intend. Too little and you repeatedly send the ball out of play.
- Passing: Basic or Normal is fine if you’re new; step up to Advanced once you’re comfortable aiming passes manually.
- Shoot assist: Leave some assistance on if you’re still learning; fully manual finishing is unforgiving.
- Through balls: Even with assists, they’re sensitive. Practice in Training before relying on them online.
If you constantly shout that’s not where I aimed, you probably have pass support too high. Drop it one step and re‑learn the aiming.
1.3 Match speed and game tempo
PES 2021 rewards patient build‑up, but you can slightly adjust match speed in Exhibition mode. If everything feels frantic:
- Lower match speed by one notch.
- Avoid mashing sprint; use it only to attack space or recover urgently.
2. Core Controls You Actually Need in PES 2021
PES has a lot of moves, but you’ll win more often by mastering a small set of actions first and ignoring fancy skills until later.
2.1 Passing and moving as a unit
- Simple passes: Focus on short passes and one‑twos (give‑and‑go) rather than risky long balls.
- One‑two (give and go): Pass, then immediately press the one‑two button combo and aim the run. This is enough to break most basic defences.
- Manual through pass: If you keep over‑hitting assisted through balls, try manual ones with a softer touch and clear diagonal angles.
2.2 Defending: stop chasing, start containing
The classic mistake in PES 2021 is holding sprint and charging at every attacker. That just creates gaps.
- Use jockey / contain to stay in front of the attacker and guide them wide.
- Switch to the nearest defender early using player switch, not at the last second.
- Only commit a tackle when you’re side‑on or slightly ahead; never from directly behind.
Defence in PES is more about position and patience than constant pressing. Think of delay, then trap instead of steal immediately.
2.3 Shooting: aim for corners, not power
- Tap shoot for low shots; hold longer for powerful drives.
- Aim slightly across goal into the far corner rather than blasting at the keeper.
- Practice finesse or controlled shots from the edge of the area PES rewards placement over power.
Use the Training mode’s shooting drills and repeat the same shot type 10 15 times to build a feel for power bars.
3. Simple Tactics That Make Your Team Play Smarter
You don’t need to rebuild an entire tactic from scratch. A few tweaks get you 80% of the benefit.
3.1 Formation basics
Pick a system that fits how you naturally play:
| Formation | Style | Best if you… |
| 4‑3‑3 | Wide, balanced | Like using wingers and crosses |
| 4‑2‑3‑1 | Compact, solid | Prefer patient build‑up and a safe midfield |
| 4‑4‑2 | Simple, direct | Want two strikers and straightforward roles |
3.2 Advanced instructions worth using
PES 2021’s advanced tactics can look overwhelming. These few are consistently useful:
- Counter Target: Stops a forward from dropping too deep, keeping them ready for counters.
- Wing Rotation: Adds movement on the flanks so your attack doesn’t feel static.
- Anchorman / Defensive fullbacks: Keep at least one midfielder and your fullbacks from leaving huge gaps on counters.
Turn on one or two instructions, play a full match, and notice how your team shape changes before adding more.
3.3 Manual substitutions and stamina
PES punishes tired players with slower reactions and sloppy touches. Common mistake: leaving exhausted wingers on until 85 minutes.
- Check the stamina bar around 60 65 minutes and plan 2 subs.
- Prioritise high‑intensity roles: wingers, fullbacks, box‑to‑box midfielders.
- Use substitutions to change style: bring a tall striker if the opponent is parking the bus.
4. Set Pieces: Easy Goals If You Have a Plan
4.1 Free kicks
- Pick a player with high Place Kicking and Curl.
- From around 20 25 yards, aim just outside the near or far post and apply curl back towards goal.
- Don’t always shoot. A short pass or low driven cross into a crowd is often safer.
4.2 Corners
- Use different delivery types: near post flicks, far post headers, and short corners.
- Manually select a tall centre‑back to attack the ball.
- Mix in quick short corners to stop opponents from easily predicting your crosses.
5. Master League: Building a Squad That Suits PES 2021
Master League isn’t just about signing big names. The match engine rewards balanced squads and clear roles.
5.1 Transfer priorities
- Spine first: Solid goalkeeper, reliable centre‑backs, one defensive mid, and a clinical striker.
- Versatile players: Look for players who can cover 2 3 positions to handle injuries and rotation.
- Physical attributes: Pace and stamina matter more than they appear on the stat sheet.
5.2 Player development
- Set growth focus based on how you use a player: speed and dribbling for wingers, passing and stamina for midfielders.
- Loan out young players who rarely make your matchday squad.
- Don’t overload your team with youngsters; mix experience and potential so you don’t collapse under pressure.
5.3 Season rhythm and morale
Form and morale affect how players perform in PES 2021.
- Rotate your squad slightly during busy periods to avoid long slumps.
- Keep an eye on post‑match comments and morale icons; avoid benching in‑form players without a reason.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid in PES 2021
- Always holding sprint: Makes first touches worse and increases fouls. Sprint in bursts only.
- Forcing through balls: If the lane isn’t clear on screen, recycle possession with a short pass instead.
- Ignoring tactics vs. different opponents: Use a more compact setup against high‑press teams and a slightly wider, faster style against deep defences.
- Changing too many settings at once: Adjust one or two assists or tactics, then play several games before changing more.
7. Quick FAQ
Is PES 2021 still worth learning now that newer football games exist?
Yes. Many players still enjoy PES 2021’s gameplay and offline modes. If you like tactical football and a slower, more deliberate style, it’s still enjoyable on PC and consoles.
What difficulty should I use to improve?
Choose a level where you can occasionally lose but still score and learn (usually Professional or Top Player). If every game is a 5‑0 defeat, drop down one step and focus on defending and passing.
Do custom tactics or option files change gameplay?
Option files mostly change kits, team names, and leagues. Tactics affect team shape and movement, but the core gameplay engine stays the same. Always prefer reputable community files and follow platform rules.
Is it better to play with manual controls?
Manual settings give you more freedom but require more precision. Many strong players use a hybrid: some assist on passes and shots, manual crosses or through balls where accuracy matters most.
If you only take one thing from this guide, focus on defending calmly and passing simply. PES 2021 rewards that more than constant tricks or long shots.
