The v4.4.0 update for eFootball delivers one of the most impactful gameplay overhauls in the popular sports game. With refined mechanics that boost realism and elevate the core football experience, this patch isn’t just about polishing—it’s about redefining how the game feels on the pitch. KONAMI listened to community feedback, balancing the spotlight between strategy and skill, and it shows.

Whether you’re a casual weekend player or a daily eFootball League grinder, the changes in this update are bound to affect how you play. Let’s break down the most important improvements and what they mean for your game.

The Passing Mechanic Gets an Overhaul

Passing finally gets the respect it deserves. In v4.4.0, your player’s passing stats now directly affect the ball’s speed, trajectory, and precision. High-rated passers will deliver sharp, fast passes that allow your attackers to receive the ball in stride—crucial for maintaining momentum during build-ups or slicing through defenses.

When building your squad, you will need to prioritize midfielders or playmakers who have high Low Pass and Lofted Pass stats. This will result in cleaner transitions and fewer turnovers, as players with weaker passing ability are more likely to have their passes intercepted. Therefore, prioritizing passing ability adds a layer of strategy to your squad building. The addition of the Pass Search Guide also helps players anticipate pass direction more accurately, making complex through balls and curved crosses more manageable.

Defense and Goalkeeper AI Get A Massive Step Up

Defending AI has taken a serious leap forward. Off-ball defenders now apply balanced pressure after a pass—no more frustratingly chaotic lunges or inexplicably passive marking. The result is a more fluid, realistic defensive structure where space is defended intelligently, and passing lanes are actually contested.

Goalkeepers also feel like they’ve woken up. They now react faster, reposition more effectively during fast breaks, and show better awareness in one-on-one situations. These tweaks remove a lot of the random, infuriating moments where goalies wouldn’t even flinch at a shot. High awareness stats for keepers now actually matter, especially when dealing with crosses or through balls.

Smarter Attacking Runs and Support Positioning

Attackers and midfielders have learned to read the game better. In this update, your front line doesn’t hesitate when breaking the offside line, and midfielders time their support runs more logically. Wingers drift into space rather than crowd the middle, which improves the natural flow of attacks.

It also makes fast-paced build-ups smoother and more rewarding, with AI teammates actively helping you create chances instead of standing around or zigzagging unpredictably.

Dribbling and First Touch Improvements

Dribbling finally feels like a weapon again. The clunkiness that once plagued 1v1s is gone. Players stay tighter to the ball, and touches are cleaner. You can now pull off quick turns or breakaway moves without fearing an awkward fumble.

This also makes tight-space play more viable—your attackers won’t lose the ball simply for trying to be creative, which is huge for players who rely on finesse and quick reactions.

Smart Assist and Cross-Platform Play Enhancements

Smart Assist is now available in competitive modes, offering subtle boosts to direction and shot power. This setting is completely adjustable and ideal for both newcomers and experienced players who are trying out new builds or getting acquainted with the game.

Even bigger news—cross-platform play is now officially supported. Whether you’re on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Steam, you can compete in leagues, ranking events, or even casual matches with friends regardless of their setup. It opens up a broader competitive field and makes teaming up easier than ever.

New Squad Management Features

Managing your lineup just got less tedious:

• Mass Release: Release multiple players after scouting without navigating through clunky menus.
• Backup Player Slots: Once you hit 900 players, you can now expand storage by 500 extra slots. These backup slots are ideal for unused players or event-specific lineups.
• Full Team Display (Mobile): You can now view both starters and subs on one screen in Game Plan—ideal for sharing lineups on social media or planning strategies more efficiently.

The v4.4.0 update is the most player-centric update eFootball has seen in a while. It refines gameplay on every level—from the basic mechanics of passing and dribbling to the deeper tactical behavior of AI on both sides of the pitch. With better responsiveness, smarter play, and expanded features, it finally feels like eFootball is hitting its stride.

And to truly make the most of these enhancements, consider playing eFootball on PC with BlueStacks. Better controls and smoother performance give you every edge you need in competitive play.