Import Tactics in FM23 Guide

Football Manager 2023 offers endless possibilities for tactical experimentation, but discovering winning formations created by the community can transform your save. Importing user-created tactics allows you to access strategies tested across thousands of matches, saving hours of trial and error. This guide walks you through every step, from finding reliable tactics to integrating them into your game, ensuring smooth adoption without glitches.

Why Use Community Tactics in FM23?

Community tactics stand out because they are battle-tested in real scenarios. Players upload formations that have delivered titles, high goal tallies, or defensive solidity, often with detailed stats like win percentages and goals per game. Unlike default tactics, these are optimized for specific playstyles, such as high-pressing gegenpress or possession-based tiki-taka.

Benefits include:

• Proven Results: Many tactics boast 60-70% win rates in lower leagues or against top teams.
• Customization Ready: Start with a solid base and tweak player instructions.
• Variety: From 4-3-3 attackers to 5-3-2 parks the bus, options suit any squad.

Platforms like Sortitoutsi aggregate thousands of uploads, complete with screenshots, results, and user reviews, making selection straightforward.

Finding the Best Tactics for Your FM23 Save

Start your search on trusted sites. Sortitoutsi’s FM23 tactics section lists options sorted by popularity, downloads, and performance metrics. Filter by formation, style (e.g., counter-attack, control possession), or league suitability.

Key criteria for picking tactics:

• Recent uploads for current patches.
• High download counts (over 1,000) indicate reliability.
• Screenshots of team instructions, player roles, and match stats.
• User comments on adaptability to different squads.

Steam Workshop offers subscribed tactics that auto-download, ideal for quick access. Search for “FM23 tactics” and subscribe to favorites—no manual file handling needed.

Downloading Tactics Safely

Once you’ve chosen a tactic, download the .fmf file. On Sortitoutsi, click the tactic’s page, scroll to the download button (often green), and save the file to an easy spot like your desktop or Downloads folder. Files are small, typically under 100KB.

Pro Tip: Always scan downloads with antivirus software, though community sites are generally safe. Avoid tactics without screenshots or descriptions—they might be incomplete.

Locating the Tactics Folder in FM23

The heart of importing is the correct folder path. FM23 stores tactics in your user documents directory:

1. Navigate to Documents/Sports Interactive/Football Manager 2023/tactics on Windows.
2. On Mac: ~/Documents/Sports Interactive/Football Manager 2023/tactics.
3. Steam users: Same path, regardless of install location.

If the ‘tactics’ folder doesn’t exist, launch FM23 once—it creates automatically. Existing custom tactics appear here as .fmf files, like ‘My 4-2-3-1.fmf’.

Installing Downloaded Tactics Step-by-Step

With the .fmf file ready:

1. Copy or drag the downloaded file into the tactics folder.
2. Launch FM23 and load your save.
3. Go to Tactics screen (keyboard shortcut: T).
4. If no tactic slot is open, click the + button to add one.
5. Click the dropdown arrow next to tactic name > Load.
6. Browse to your tactics folder, select the new .fmf, and confirm.

The tactic loads instantly, displaying its formation, instructions, and set pieces if included. Test in a friendly to check compatibility.

Handling Set Pieces and Advanced Imports

Many tactics bundle set pieces (.fmf files for corners, free-kicks). Place these in the same tactics folder—they load together. For separate set piece packs:

• Download from sites like FM Base or Sortitoutsi.
• Drag into tactics folder.
• Load via Tactics > Load, same as formations.

Steam Workshop tactics auto-handle this, subscribing updates them seamlessly.

Troubleshooting Common Import Issues

Problems arise, but fixes are simple:

• Tactic Not Appearing: Ensure .fmf extension is intact; resave in-game if corrupted.
• Game Crashes on Load: Outdated tactic for your patch—check upload date.
• Wrong Path: Verify Documents folder; use search for ‘tactics.fmf’.
• Mac Permissions: Right-click FM23 > Get Info > grant Documents access.
• Multiple Saves: Tactics are global, available across saves.

If beta testing, re-save tactics in the beta folder before main game import.

Creating and Uploading Your Own FM23 Tactics

Success with a tactic? Share it!

1. In Tactics screen, refine and Save As with a descriptive name.
2. Take screenshots: Overview, In Possession, Transition, Out of Possession, league table.
3. Visit Sortitoutsi > FM23 Tactics > Upload Tactic.
4. Fill form: Title, formation, description, upload .fmf and images, add YouTube link if available.
5. Submit for review—approved tactics gain visibility fast.

Authors often include results screenshots, boosting credibility and downloads.

Optimizing Imported Tactics for Success

Don’t use blindly—adapt:

• Match Squad Attributes: High stamina for pressing tactics.
• Tweak Roles: Swap AML to IF for creative wingers.
• Monitor Stats: Use data hub for xG, possession post-match.
• Evolve: Blend with opponent instructions.

Top tactics evolve; track performance over 10+ games before full commitment.

FM23 Tactics Trends and Recommendations

2023 meta favors fluid attacks:

• 4-2-3-1 Gegenpress: High press, overlapping fullbacks—great for mid-table.
• 4-3-3 DM Wide: Balanced, suits underdogs.
• 3-4-3: Wing-back heavy for promotion pushes.

Check sites weekly for patch updates refining these.

FAQs

Q: Do imported tactics work on console?
A: No, console FM23 lacks custom tactic imports; PC/Mac/Steam only.

Q: Can I edit downloaded tactics?
A: Yes, load and modify freely—save as new to preserve original.

Q: Tactics reset on new save?
A: No, they persist in the folder for all saves.

Q: Steam Workshop vs. manual download?
A: Workshop auto-updates; manual offers more options.

Q: How to delete bad tactics?
A: Remove .fmf from folder; they vanish from load menu.