What is Pace in FIFA? A Complete Guide

Pace is the speed and acceleration rating of a player in FIFA games that determines how fast they can run on the virtual pitch. Pace has always been an overpowered attribute in FIFA play, with lightning fast players able to blow by slower defenders. But how exactly is pace calculated in the FIFA series? And what does the addition of the AcceleRATE animation system mean for utilizing pace in FIFA 23?

As a FIFA gamer and content creator, I‘ll explain everything you need to know about maximizing pace in the latest edition.

How Pace Ratings Work in FIFA Games

In all modern FIFA titles, a player‘s pace rating is calculated using two main attributes:

Sprint Speed: This determines the player‘s maximum velocity they can reach at a full sprint.

Acceleration: This measures how fast a player can reach maximum sprint speed from a complete stop.

Here is a breakdown of how pace is derived from these attributes in FIFA:

So in a nutshell, sprint speed makes up 75% of the pace rating, while acceleration contributes the remaining 25%.

Let‘s compare two quick players and how their attributes stack up into pace:

Even though both players have identical 96 sprint speed, Mbappé edges out Traoré in acceleration by 15 points. This gives Mbappé a sizeable advantage in the pace rating.

In short – the higher the sprint speed AND acceleration, the better the pace.

Historical Importance of Pace in FIFA Games

To understand why pace has become such an overpowered trait in the FIFA series, let‘s analyze the history:

FIFA 12: Introduction of Tactical Defending – suddenly pace abuse became an easy way to score goals

FIFA 13: Contain defense and lobbed through balls made pace even more effective

So pace has been strong in FIFA for over a decade at this point. With that context, it‘s easy to see why the lightning fast players naturally rise to the top in-game.

Here‘s a look at the fastest base cards (Before special versions) in recent FIFA history:

Unsurprisingly, pace merchants like Traoré and Mbappé perennially have some of the highest pace ratings in all of FIFA.

Pace Changes Introduced in FIFA 23

For FIFA 23, EA Sports introduced a new animation technology named AcceleRATE. This changes how pace works in-game by sorting players into three distinct acceleration types:

Lengthy

Usually taller players with a bigger stride that take longer to reach top speed but can maintain it easier once there

Controlled

Quick and agile players who accelerate rapidly but tire quicker over long distances

Explosive

Lightning fast acceleration and agility to blow past defenders, but drain stamina quickly

So which acceleration type is best? The FIFA 23 pace meta has shifted towards lengthy players thanks to some key buffs:

• Lengthy CB‘s can keep pace with most attackes
• Lengthy strikers have straight line speed to get behind
• Nerfs to explosive players stamina gives lengthy types better fitness

However, there is no definitive "best" acceleration type – it depends on playstyle preferences and tactical setups. But AcceleRATE has expanded the viable player pool instead of just relying on raw pace ratings.

Here are the fastest base cards in FIFA 23 sorted by acceleration type:

Pro Tips for Using Pace Effectively

As an experienced FIFA gamer, I want to share some high level tips for dominating with speed:

• Use lengthy CBs like Antonio Rüdiger to nullify counterattacks
• Deploy explosive wingers like Neymar Jr. to beat defenders 1v1
• Trigger manual runs for your fastest strikers to reach through balls
• Sub on lengthy subs like Rodrigo late game to run past tired legs
• Take long finesse shots from distance if pace creates space

At the end of the day, the team built for raw speed will likely come out on top, even with the new AcceleRATE system. Use these tips to finesse the pace meta and blow by your opponent!

The Verdict: Why Pace Still Reigns Supreme

While EA Sports has aimed to balance pace abuse in recent FIFA titles, speed still reigns supreme in FIFA 23 thanks to the lengthy acceleration type. And with the return of the chem style system, expect to see chem boosted speed demons running rampant once again.

As a gamer who has played every FIFA title extensively since 2001, I can definitively say pace is still overpowered due to the counters it enables. Unless the defensive AI is drastically improved, pace will continue to be the most effective playstyle to score goals.

So embrace the pace and deploy your fastest FIFA 23 sprinters! Just be cautious of stamina consumption and make sure to set your tactics accordingly. Do this correctly, and your speedy attackers will blow by helpless defenders with ease.