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ANTH JAMES FC26: V3 FULL GAMEPLAY PACKAGE' RELEASE DETAILS!!!!!! THE ENJOYMENT IS HERE!💣 HUGE LEAP ✅ CPU BEHAVIOURS ✅ COMPLETE POSITIONING RE-BUILD ✅ CAREER MODE STABILITY TEST ✅ + MUCH MORE
🕑 Added 2025-11-24 11:18:58 +0000 UTC👉Join and download now: https://www.patreon.com/c/anthjames_gameplayoverhaul
🛑V3 is a HUGE leap forward from where EA left us after recent title updates. The main priority has been to bring real enjoyment back to the game!
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🎥 I wanted to get V3 out as soon as possible, so I haven't yet had the chance to put together a release video!
We all need to be honest - EA’s last few updates have had a negative impact on the CPU behaviour and the gameplay as a whole.
We’ve all seen the relentless tika-taka and passive style of football from the CPU. We’ve felt that lack of freedom to create and things have just started to feel a little…dull!
⛔Well, all of that comes to an abrupt end with V3!!
This has required my immediate attention! I have been working tirelessly in the background to completely rework the gameplay balance - and the result is truly game-changing!
✋A quick note if you’re new around here…
Each version builds on the previous, so if you’re new to the mod and you want to catch up on what’s been included in the mod so far, be sure to read the ‘V1 RE-CAP: FOUNDATIONS!🌱’ and the ‘🚀V2 DETAILS - LIFT OFF!!!’ PDF included in the ‘Additional Information’ folder in your download.
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✨ FC26: Philosophy
Before we get to the V3 details, I want to touch on my overall approach to the FC26 gameplay mod - and why it’s different from what you’ll find elsewhere.
While aesthetics are important (and always an area I spend a lot of time on), my main focus is on how the game plays. It needs to be realistic and also enjoyable to play!
Every standalone in FC26 has been carefully tuned to look and feel like real football.
There is a huge emphasis on player individuality - in every way you can imagine.
A major part of my design philosophy is finding the perfect balance between attack and defence.
My mod is designed so that there’s always risk and reward in your decisions.
🌟 For example, when defending positioning and timing are everything. You can’t rely on unrealistic recoveries if you’re caught out - there are real consequences.
Try and press with the wrong team and you’ll quickly see that you don’t have the players to do it effectively!
These are the sort of details that make every match feel authentic, challenging, and deeply satisfying.
I know not every animation transition in FC is perfect, but don’t judge purely by the visuals.
Play it and you will feel it.
You’ll quickly see why this way of playing FC26 is deeply immersive and enjoyable!
The best part?
We’re just getting started. ⚽🔥
Read on for the V3 details…
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✨WHAT’S NEW IN V3?
🛸 SIGNIFICANT CPU RE-WORK (BUILD-UP & ATTACKING FOCUS)
As mentioned above, EA’s last few updates have negatively impacted the gameplay - especially the CPU attacking/buildup behaviour.
🛑THIS ALL ENDS RIGHT NOW!!!
V3 sees a major focus on the CPU’s behaviour - with a particular emphasis on buildup and attacking).
EA forced me to really go deep into WHY certain behaviours were happening. Remember, behavioural changes aren’t rigid - they’re the result of creating the right environment and balanced to facilitate certain behaviours.
It’s been very challenging and time-consuming but you will experience the V3 changes immediately when you start playing!
What to expect:
✅Forward thinking football - without it coming at the cost of crazy high tempo.
✅Far less tika-taka.
✅Increased difficulty.
✅A massive variety of attacking movements.
✅Long balls, crosses, through balls and lobbed through balls (more than you’ve ever seen from the CPU).
✅An increased attacking aggressiveness with more frequent shooting.
✅A variety and ENJOYMENT that you haven’t felt before!
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🔮 TACTICAL RE-BALANCE
In addition to the core CPU behavioural changes, I have worked on balancing various tactical behaviours. This will ensure that teams adopting particular tactics don’t suffer from extremely passive or negative behaviour.
👉For example:
☑️Teams who play with short passing/possession will no longer tika-taka to death or never shoot.
☑️Teams who are designed to put less pressure defensively, won’t sit off entirely in an unrealistic way.
☑️Counter attacking teams will now counter with more purpose.
☑️Plus so much more. These all add up to a deeper, more tactical experience - without the negative consequences.
‼️Be sure to read the section below on CAREER MODE GAMEPLAY STABILITY TEST for some additional tactical rebalance information that sits outside of this.
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🦊 COMPLETE POSITIONING RE-BUILD!
Positioning has been fully rebuilt in V3.
For very specific and important reasons I have entirely rebuilt the positioning system in my mod.
The result?
⚡You’re going to experience a flow and rhythm to the gameplay that you’ve never seen in FC before!
It not only improves behaviours, but it also makes the game so much more enjoyable.
Every style of attack and defence is now more viable than ever, offering unprecedented variety and CREATIVE EXPRESSION for you and the CPU.
I have heavily focused on natural spacing and creating an organic rhythm.
🛑Every space, distance and behaviour has been analysed.
You’ll find teams pressing higher up the pitch and creating a really nice balance between attack and defence.
👉 I have also ENTIRELY REBUILT all of the Positioning Alternatives in the Full Gameplay Package as well (plus there are several new additions).
The positioning alternatives ‘bases’ are:
✅Positioning Alternative: More Pressing
✅Positioning Alternative: Ball Side Subtle
✅Positioning Alternative: Higher Line Hold
✅Positioning Alternative: Space
✅Positioning Alternative: Narrow
✅Positioning Alternative: Wider Defensive Line
✅Positioning Alternative: Compact Moderate
✅Positioning Alternative: OG (the V1 & V2 positioning if you want it back)
In addition to these ‘bases, you will find an enormous amount of combinations - allowing you to pair up one system with another (Ball Side Subtle + Space for example).
Each alternative of course still allows for varied tactical expressions, but they lean into a particular shape.
There are also a large number of positioning ‘extras’ which can be used WITH these alternatives for even more positioning refinement.
These include:
✅Compact Lines - (Subtle and Strong)
✅Compact Lines - (Subtle and Strong)
✅Increased Attacking Width Option (Regular, Strong and Subtle)
✅Increased Defensive Width Option (Regular, Strong and Subtle)
✅Reduced Attacking Width Option
✅Reduced Defensive Width Option
✅Slightly Increased Defensive Lines Option
✅Slightly Reduced Defensive Lines Option
⚠️It is absolutely ESSENTIAL that you take the time to read the POSITIONING ALTERNATIVES GUIDE (updated for V3). There are some crucial details that are necessary to understand when it comes to choosing your positioning.
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🪩‼️ CAREER MODE GAMEPLAY STABILITY TEST
This has the potential to be massive!!
Background:
If you’re at all familiar with FIFA or FC gameplay, you will know that career mode gameplay can feel a little different to kick-off or tournament gameplay.
It might not be as difficult or as varied - or you may see some strange behaviours that you wouldn’t see elsewhere.
There are many theories as to the exact reasons for this, but simply put there are a huge amount of additional variables that are taken into account in career mode, that simply aren’t there in other mods.
Things like form, sharpness, morale etc all play a part - and there are many others. These sit outside of the gameplay files themselves, but do have an impact.
Option:
You will find an option called ‘CAREER MODE - GAMEPLAY STABILITY TEST’.
In V3, I have been exploring the potential causes for this and looking to find true solutions. I made some extremely interesting discoveries in my searches!
‼️IMPORTANT: This option has intentionally been labelled as a TEST, as this needs to be monitored over time.
I am absolutely not concluding this is a complete fix - I’m saying I’ve found some very interesting things, have made adjustments - and now let’s all monitor it over time.
It’s going to need a large sample size to truly test its effectiveness.
Changes include:
✅The removal of many, many attribute/chemistry boosts that create imbalances.
✅A significant adjustment to morale, form and other unnecessary inconsistencies in career mode - all of which I think have been contributing to the strangely fluctuating gameplay you may have seen for many years.
✅An extensive reworking of some specific tactical related CPU behaviours.
The changes I have made are designed to stabilize the gameplay, whilst still offering tactical variety - and ensure that the CPU behaviour remains as challenging and attacking as it now does in the V3 standalones.
As well as USER v CPU, those playing TACTICAL VIEW or PLAYER CAREER or CPU v CPU these changes in particular can potentially also help make your experience much more interesting also!
For reference, EA have made some very strange tactical interpretations in this area that I think have been hindering the career mode gameplay.
My time with the option seemed to really help, and I felt the CPU played with an intent and stability that I hadn’t really seen in career mode before, but give this a run and report back your findings!
In the meantime, it’s something I will actively continue to explore!
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🔥SKILL MOVE FLUIDITY
Slow, Slow Flow and Fluid Flow have all seen an improvement in skill move fluidity and animations - and are now much more viable in game.
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🔑 KEY FC IQ IMPROVEMENTS
Multiple player roles have been re-tuned to ensure more natural, varied and accurate behaviour.
Defensive Midfielders look to help out more in the build up and are less glued to the defensive line for example.
Strikers and Wingers are also more forward-thinking and aggressive, with less passive types of behaviours attached to their roles.
There are other additional changes in here, all tested and thoroughly balanced to provide the most natural behaviour experiences with FC IQ.
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🧤 IMPROVED GOALKEEPER HANDLING
Goalkeepers are now better at holding onto shots and will be less likely to parry the ball unnecessarily.
➕ PLUS MANY OTHER TWEAKS AND ADJUSTMENTS - ALL PULLING IN THE SAME DIRECTION TO CREATE A MUCH IMPROVED EXPERIENCE.
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💥 ALL NEW OPTIONS (FULL GAMEPLAY PACKAGE)
The V3 Full Gameplay Package features some all new (and updated) options. These are just the NEW options included in V3.
For the FULL INCLUSIONS list, please see further down this document.
✅Positioning Alternative: Higher Line Hold
✅Positioning Alternative: Higher Line Hold (More Pressing)
✅Positioning Alternative: Space
✅Positioning Alternative: Space (More Pressing)
✅Positioning Alternative: Narrow
✅Positioning Alternative: Narrow (More Pressing)
✅Positioning Alternative: Wider Defensive Line
✅Positioning Alternative: Wider Defensive Line (More Pressing)
✅Positioning Alternative: OG
✅Positioning Alternative: OG (More Pressing)
✅60+ all new positioning alternative combinations - designed to provide the maximum amount of positional refinement.
✅💥Career Mode Gameplay Stability Test Option
✅Open Lines Option - Very Subtle
✅Increased Defensive Reactions - Strong
✅Increased Elite Defender Option - Strong
✅Increased Marking Intensity + Defensive Reactions - Strong
✅Increased Marking Intensity + Elite Defender Option - Strong
✅Pass Speed Option - Slightly Slower
✅Looser Marking Near Goal Option
✅Tighter Marking Near Goal Option
✅Early Trigger Running Option
✅FC IQ - CB Ball Playing Aggressive + CB Wideback Aggressive - Attacking
✅FC IQ - Deeplying Playmaker - Come Short Restored
✅Attacking Reaction Times - Strongly Increased
✅Slower Pass Tempo Option (UPDATED)
✅Slower Pass Tempo Option - Strong (UPDATED)
✅Increased Pass Tempo Option
✅Increased Pass Tempo Option
✅Increased Defensive Width Option (regular, subtle, strong)
✅Increased Attacking Width Option
✅Reduced Attacking Width Option
✅Reduced Defensive Width Option
✅Slightly Increased Defensive Lines Option
✅Slightly Reduced Defensive Lines Option
➕ MORE!!!
⛔EDIT 1/12: ALL NEW OPTIONS ADDED TO THE FULL GAMEPLAY PACKAGE ON TOP OF THE ORIGINAL V3 RELEASE.
⚠️If you're just after the original V3 release details, please skip this section and go straight to the 'What's New in V3' section!
The following options have been ADDED on top of the original V3 Full Gameplay Package release:
✅Positioning Alternative – Expression #1 & ✅Positioning Alternative - Expression #2
The party piece of these new options - Positioning Alternative #1 and #2 are extremely fun and built for maximum player expression!
The decisions made in these variants are very intentional and specific.
Using unique spacing and distances, they are designed to allow for creativity and variety - and you will experience this in the way the CPU attacks.
This #1 variant has particular spaces slightly more open than what you will find in #2 - but please try these before dismissing them!
✅Goalkeeper – Humanised Option
I haven’t been totally satisfied with the weaker goalkeeper options impact, so I have reworked the goalkeeper to create this all new ‘Humanised Option’. This option is significantly more impactful than even the original ‘Significantly Weaker’ GK option.
If you’re feeling like GKs are ‘superhuman’ in FC26, then you’ll definitely want to check out this option.
NOTE: I’m still monitoring the adjustments and refining this, but I wanted to get it out to you all as soon as possible- so expect more in this area in V4!
✅FC IQ – Default Defender Roles (Read Instructions)
This option is for those who specifically want to REVERT the changes made to defenders in my mod (using this option will result in CBs sitting deeper when in possession and FBs being more conservative, with only one advancing at a time).
Also included:
✅PA – Expression #1 (MP)
✅PA – Expression #1 + Ball Side Subtle
✅PA – Expression #1 + Ball Side Subtle (MP)
✅PA – Expression #1 + BSS + HLH
✅PA – Expression #1 + BSS + HLH (MP)
✅PA – Expression #1 + Higher Line Hold
✅PA – Expression #1 + Higher Line Hold (MP)
✅PA – Expression #2 (MP)
✅PA – Expression #2 + Ball Side Subtle
✅PA – Expression #2 + Ball Side Subtle (MP)
✅PA – Expression #2 + BSS + HLH
✅PA – Expression #2 + BSS + HLH (MP)
✅PA – Expression #2 + Higher Line Hold
✅PA – Expression #2 + Higher Line Hold (MP)
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‼️A QUICK NOTE ON FOULS!
Fouls are being worked on - but give me a chance!
My plan was to have fouls in V3, but EA’s title updates changed my plans and I had more immediate areas that needed attention first.
I have started the process, but it’s necessary to understand WHY there’s a lack of fouls in the first place. This isn’t simply about changing the referee to be more strict. There’s so much more that needs to go into it than that, to truly have more physicality in the game.
One of the areas I’m looking into is the fact that tackling itself is quite muted this year. It’s very difficult to accurately make a standing tackle for example (for the user and the CPU) - and in many instances the tackle is nowhere near the ball. These factors massively contribute to the lack of fouls.
In short - I’m on it, but it’s going to take some time - and there’s no guarantee.
My mod already includes some improvements to the CPU fouling, but I’m fully aware that more is needed and I am working on it!
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📚FULL INCLUSIONS LIST
Here is a list of everything you will currently receive in each of my Patreon tiers. This will continue to grow and expand significantly as the mod progresses.
💎‘MOD TESTING AND SUPPORTING’ TIER:
AIO Standalone Versions:
🟧V3 Regular
🟧V3 Slow
🟧V3 Fluid Flow
🟧V3 Slow Flow
🔥‘FULL GAMEPLAY PACKAGE’ TIER:
AIO Standalone Versions:
🟧V3 Regular
🟧V3 Slow
🟧V3 Fluid Flow
🟧V3 Slow Flow
Older Versions:
🟦V2 Regular
🟦V2 Slow
🟦V2 Fluid Flow
🟦V2 Slow Flow
🟦V1.01 Regular
🟦V1.01 Slow
Options:
🟩Alternative Attack Option
🟩Attacking Reaction Times - Increased
🟩Attacking Reaction Times - Strongly Increased
🟩 Attacking Runs Option - Extremely Increased
🟩 Attacking Runs Option - Greatly Increased
🟩 Attacking Runs Option - Increased
🟩 Attacking Runs Option - Reduced
🟩 Attacking Runs Option - Significantly Increased
🟩 Attacking Runs Option - Slightly Increased
🟩 Attacking Runs Option - Slightly Reduced
🟩 Attacking Runs Option - Strongly Increased
🟩 Attacking Runs Option - Strongly Reduced
🟩 Attacking Runs Option - Ultimately Increased
🟩 Authentic Mode - Enable Option
🟩 Ball Physics - Bonus Option
🟩 Ball Physics - Heavier Flight - Larger Ball Option
🟩 Ball Physics - Heavier Flight - Much Smaller Ball Option
🟩 Ball Physics - Heavier Flight - Slightly Smaller Ball Option
🟩 Ball Physics - Heavier Flight - Smaller Ball Option
🟩 Ball Physics - Heavier Flight Option
🟩 Ball Physics - Increased Roll Option
🟩 Ball Physics - Larger Ball Option
🟩 Ball Physics - More Curve and Dip Option
🟩 Ball Physics - Much Smaller Ball Option
🟩 Ball Physics - Reduced Roll Option - Strong
🟩 Ball Physics - Reduced Roll Option - Subtle
🟩 Ball Physics - Slightly More Curve and Dip Option
🟩 Ball Physics - Slightly Smaller Ball Option
🟩 Ball Physics - Smaller Ball Option
🟩💥Career Mode Gameplay Stability Test Option
🟩 Compact Lines Option - Strong
🟩 Compact Lines Option - Subtle
🟩 Contain - More Intense Option
🟩 Contain - Very Intense Option
🟩 Default FC26 Authentic Mode Movement Option
🟩 Default FC26 Goalkeeper Option
🟩 Default FC26 Shooting Behaviour Option
🟩 Default Splashscreen Option
🟩 'Dynamic Positioning' Option
🟩 Easier Tackling Option
🟩 Early Trigger Running Option
🟩 FC IQ - CBs 'Defend' - Conservative Option
🟩FC IQ - CB Ball Playing Aggressive + CB Wideback Aggressive - Attacking
🟩FC IQ - Deeplying Playmaker - Come Short Restored
🟩 FC IQ - Everyone Defends Option
🟩 FC IQ - Everyone Defends Option (Updated)
🟩 FC IQ - FB 'Defend' - Conservative Option
🟩 FC IQ - FB Defend - More Defensive
🟩 FC IQ - Falseback Balanced - Attack
🟩 Goalkeeper - Default FC26 Option
🟩 Goalkeeper - Much Weaker Option
🟩 Goalkeeper - Stronger Option
🟩 Goalkeeper - Weaker Option
🟩 Huge Ball Test Option
🟩 Increased Attacking Aggression Option
🟩 Increased Defensive Reactions Option
🟩 Increased Defensive Reactions Option - Strong
🟩 Increased Dribble Aggression Option
🟩 Increased Dribble Separation Option
🟩 Increased Elite Defender Option
🟩 Increased Elite Defender Option - Strong
🟩 Increased Marking Intensity + Increased Defensive Reactions Option
🟩 Increased Marking Intensity + Increased Defensive Reactions Option - Strong
🟩 Increased Marking Intensity + Increased Elite Defender Option
🟩 Increased Marking Intensity + Increased Elite Defender Option - Strong
🟩 Increased Marking Intensity Option
🟩 Increased Trap Errors Option
🟩 Jockey - Faster Option
🟩 Jockey - Much Faster Option
🟩 Jockey - Much Slower Option
🟩 Jockey - Slightly Faster Option
🟩 Jockey - Slower Option
🟩 Kick-off Option - Authentic Mode
🟩 Looser Marking Near Goal Option
🟩 No AutoTackle Option
🟩 Open Lines Option - Strong
🟩 Open Lines Option - Subtle
🟩 Open Lines Option - Very Subtle
🟩 PA - Ball Side Subtle
🟩 PA - Ball Side Subtle (More Pressing)
🟩 PA - Ball Side Subtle + Compact Moderate
🟩 PA - Ball Side Subtle + Compact Moderate (MP)
🟩 PA - Ball Side Subtle + Higher Line Hold
🟩 PA - Ball Side Subtle + Higher Line Hold (MP)
🟩 PA - Compact Moderate
🟩 PA - Compact Moderate (MP)
🟩 PA - Compact Moderate + BSS + HLH
🟩 PA - Compact Moderate + BSS + HLH (MP)
🟩 PA - Compact Moderate + Higher Line Hold
🟩 PA - Compact Moderate + Higher Line Hold (MP)
🟩 PA - Default FC26
🟩 PA - Higher Line Hold
🟩 PA - Higher Line Hold (MP)
🟩 PA - More Pressing
🟩 PA - Narrow
🟩 PA - Narrow (MP)
🟩 PA - Narrow + Ball Side Subtle
🟩 PA - Narrow + Ball Side Subtle (MP)
🟩 PA - OG
🟩 PA - OG (MP)
🟩 PA - OG + Ball Side Subtle
🟩 PA - OG + Ball Side Subtle (MP)
🟩 PA - OG + Higher Line Hold
🟩 PA - OG + Higher Line Hold (MP)
🟩 PA - OG + BSS + Higher Line Hold
🟩 PA - OG + BSS + Higher Line Hold (MP)
🟩 PA - OG + NDL + BSS
🟩 PA - OG + NDL + BSS (MP)
🟩 PA - Space
🟩 PA - Space (MP)
🟩 PA - Space + Ball Side Subtle
🟩 PA - Space + Ball Side Subtle (MP)
🟩 PA - Space + Ball Side Subtle + HLH
🟩 PA - Space + Ball Side Subtle + HLH (MP)
🟩 PA - Space + Narrow Defensive Line
🟩 PA - Space + Narrow Defensive Line (MP)
🟩 PA - Wider Defensive Line
🟩 PA - Wider Defensive Line (MP)
🟩 PA - Wider Defensive Line + Ball Side Subtle
🟩 PA - Wider Defensive Line + Ball Side Subtle (MP)
🟩 PA - Wider Defensive Line + Ball Side Subtle + Higher Line Hold
🟩 PA - Wider Defensive Line + Ball Side Subtle + Higher Line Hold (MP)
🟩👆Many more of the above combinations (as I’ve certainly missed some)
🟩 Pass Speed Isolation Option - Extra Slow
🟩 Pass Speed Isolation Option - Regular
🟩 Pass Speed Isolation Option - Slow
🟩 Pass Speed Option - Slightly Faster
🟩 Pass Speed Option - Slightly Slower
🟩 Pass Speed Option - Slower
🟩Reduced Attacking Width Option
🟩Reduced Defensive Width Option
🟩 Reduced Defensive Reactions Option
🟩 Reduced Defensive Width Option
🟩 Reduced Shot Speed Option
🟩 Reduced Shot Speed Option - Strong
🟩 Reduced Shot Speed Option - Subtle
🟩 Reduced Trap Errors Option - Strong
🟩 Reduced Trap Errors Option - Subtle
🟩 Settled Attack Option
🟩 Shooting Errors - Default FC26 Option
🟩 Shooting Errors Option
🟩 Slower Pass Tempo Option (UPDATED)
🟩 Slower Pass Tempo Option - Strong (UPDATED)
🟩 Test Option
🟩 Tighter Marking Near Goal Option
🟩 Plus many more!!!
🧩 EASY SETUP – NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED
Whether you're a modding pro or brand new to it all, my mod is designed to be incredibly easy to use.
✅ Step-by-step setup guides
✅ Clear, easy-to-follow instructions
✅ Express Notes & Considerations
✅ Explanations for every option and preset
Everything is written with simplicity in mind - so you can jump straight into the game, no guesswork required. If you're new to modding you'll be up and running in minutes.
🧮 There is no BEST or MOST REALISTIC standalone or combination
Let’s clear this up right away - my entire mod is built with realism in mind.
The term realistic means something different to everyone. I know this especially well, because after years of hearing feedback from players, I’ve learned that people can give completely opposite opinions about the exact same thing.
We all see football differently. What feels “realistic” to one person can feel totally off to another - and even your own view can change depending on your reference point.
Something as simple as your half length can completely change how a certain behavior feels.
We all lean on each other to find the best combination or the best standalone, but the truth is: the only thing that really matters is your own experience.
The mod isn’t built this big just for the sake of it - it’s designed this way so that each of you can find your ideal setup.
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🟥 Please remember to spend the time reading the documentation. You will never get the most out of the mod if you fail to do this!
⛔IMPORTANT: WORK ON FOULS, PHYSICALITY, PASSING ERRORS + MORE WILL BE RELEASED IN V4.
These are some very complex areas that need evaluating over a period of time.
⭐ As always, my mod is FULLY compatible with FIFER’s Realism Mod.
🔵 My mod is compatible is any mod that doesn’t use gameplay.
💭 REMEMBER, THIS IS STILL THE BEGINNING…
There’s still so much more to come! Remember, V3 is still a CHECKPOINT RELEASE.
There are still many areas yet to be worked on - and there is much more to come!
I know we all want a complete experience immediately, but gameplay is complex and takes time. I’m working on this 10+ hours a day - let’s give it time to build out entirely.
It’s shaping up to be a great year!
Anth
👉Join and download now: https://www.patreon.com/c/anthjames_gameplayoverhaul
