How to Set Up Formation Player Packages
Formation Player Packages let you pre-set EXACTLY which players you want in specific formations — before you even start the game. No more scrambling to make subs in the play call screen. No more getting stuck with the wrong halfback in short yardage.
Here's how it works: Dynasty mode only. Right bumper (R1 on PlayStation) → "Team" → "Formation Subs." Pick your formation. Pick your position. Pick your player. Done.
Example: Gun Normal Y-Off Close for short yardage — swap out your regular back for your power runner. Game starts, you call the formation, power back's already there.
This is HUGE for Dynasty guys who want to run multiple packages without the headache of constant manual subs.
When to Use Formation Player Packages
Three main situations where this saves your life:
Short yardage situations — You don't want your speed back getting destroyed on 3rd and 2. Set up formations with your bruiser already in place.
Speed packages — Formations like Gun Wing Trips where you need your burner in the slot. Pre-set it so your fastest guy's automatically there.
Pass protection — Some formations need your best pass-blocking back or your most reliable lineman. Set it once, use it all season.
Works best when you know your gameplan ahead of time. If you're playing a team you KNOW you'll need short yardage plays against — set those packages before kickoff.
How to Execute Formation Player Packages
Step-by-step breakdown:
- Right bumper/R1 — gets you to the main menu
- Tab over to "Team" — keep moving right until you see it
- "Formation Subs" — this is your money screen
- "Select Formation Set to Edit" — pick the formation you want to change
- D-pad toggle — move to whatever position needs a different player
- Select new player — pick who you actually want there
Specific examples that work:
Gun Normal Y-Off Close — swap Jaylen Buckley for Devin Miles (more physical threat)
Double Stack — change right tackle to Trevor Shaw (better pass pro)
Gun Wing Trips — put Kevin Coleman in the slot (speed advantage)
Why Formation Player Packages Work
Saves TIME. No more panic-subbing when you call a play and realize you've got the wrong guy out there.
Better MATCHUPS. You can build specific packages for specific down-and-distance situations. Power formation with your bruiser. Speed formation with your burner.
More DIVERSE offense. When you don't have to worry about manual subs, you'll actually USE more formations. Most people stick to 3-4 formations because subbing is annoying.
GAMEPLAN execution. You can set these based on your opponent. Playing a team with terrible run defense? Set up your power packages. Playing a team that struggles with speed? Set up your burner packages.
What Counters Formation Player Packages
Nothing really COUNTERS this — it's just personnel management. But here's what can mess you up:
Injuries — Your pre-set player gets hurt, formation might auto-sub someone terrible.
Stamina — If your power back is tired and you call his formation, he's still coming in tired.
Forgotten packages — Set these up weeks ago and forgot? You might have weird personnel groupings you don't remember.
Smart opponents will notice your personnel and adjust. If you always bring in your power back on 3rd and short, they're loading the box.
Common Formation Package Mistakes
Over-complicating it — Don't set packages for EVERY formation. Pick 4-5 key situations and nail those.
Forgetting about depth — Your starter gets hurt, your backup might not fit the package you built around the starter.
Ignoring attributes — Just because a guy's rated higher doesn't mean he fits the package. Speed formations need SPEED, not overall rating.
Set-and-forget mentality — Players develop during the season. Your freshman might be package-worthy by October.
Not practicing with them — You set up all these packages but never actually practice the plays. Game time hits and you don't know your own offense.
Formation Player Packages are simple — but they separate Dynasty guys who just play from Dynasty guys who PLAN. Set them right, your offense runs smoother all season.