Many are correctly noting the changes to Face of the Franchise mode in Madden NFL 23 and calling it an overhaul. Maybe that's not the right word. With how gutted the story and plot are and how reduced the leveling mechanics are, it's actually more of an "underhaul."
That's not to say that this is a bad change for Madden NFL 23. The acting and dialogue were cringy and the systems were so complex that it felt no different from franchise mode. The simplicity and re-focus on what matters are appreciated, it just might have veterans confused if they got used to the old way. Here are some tips for a successful career.
10 Match Physique With Style
There aren't wrong answers for how to build a player, but there are certainly optimal physiques. Those who want to be a cornerback will find that the "Bruiser" physique, for example, will make the game immensely difficult. Think about the preferred playstyle, and choose a physique that makes the most sense.
It's totally fine to be a Bruiser or an Agile running back, for example, but keep in mind that the former will want to run up the gut and the latter will do better on the outside. Either build can potentially be the best running back in the game, just be sure to know which plays to call.
9 Ignore The Yard (For Now)
The Yard is entirely separate from Face of the Franchise other than that the mode uses the same avatar. When initially making the avatar, players will have to choose a position but that decision is not locked in for Face of the Franchise. Gamers can be a great quarterback in one and a top-tier wide receiver in the other.
This also includes the cosmetics for The Yard. Not only are they expensive, but none of them will function in Face of the Franchise. The Yard is fun, but put it aside for now, it can always be picked up after leveling for a bit in the campaign.
8 Choose Position Wisely
After finishing with the avatar, start up a new career and select a position to play. While previous iterations of the game allowed for a moment to change positions, this is no longer present in the game. A new position means an entirely new career.
Again, there aren't wrong answers. Quarterbacks have the most control over the outcome of a game, but being an elite shutdown corner also feels incredible. This is, after all, a game designed for player enjoyment, so do what feels best.
7 Understanding Cred & Rep
There are two "currencies" offered while playing Face of the Franchise that aren't immediately explained. The first is Cred, which gets used to unlock equipment in The Yard. Those without interest in that mode will find Cred worthless to them in Face of the Franchise.
Rep, though it's delivered as a currency, is just slang for experience. More Rep will lead to leveling up faster. Becoming the best linebacker around, or any other position, will mean wanting to grab Rep at every opportunity.
6 Pick A Favorite Team
Players are advised to pick a team that pays them well and go to a scheme where they fit nicely. There are moderate reasons, like small amounts of Rep and Creds, to pick a certain team, but it's more important to pick a favorite team.
The scheme is completely irrelevant since players get to choose their own schemes and plays in this mode, both offensively and defensively. If the rewards were more substantial, there might be a significant incentive to play for a specific team, but they're all very close to the same.
5 Player Will Automatically Start
In most installments of the Madden franchise, wanting to be a quarterback for a team like the Green Bay Packers presents a major issue. They've got one of the best quarterbacks in the league and aren't eager to start the new player anytime soon.
In Madden NFL 23, the team selected will automatically trade away their starter at the position and give the role to the created player. So don't sweat all that OVR business, taking over the starting job is totally automatic.
4 Equipment Is Purely Customization
When gamers choose "Upgrade Player" they are asked to choose between upgrading skills and changing gear. Common sense would indicate that some gear is superior to others or that there are unlockable upgrades. There are not.
That's not to say that none of it matters. Customization matters to most people who play Face of the Franchise. Go ahead and make a player that looks the part without worrying about if the gear is "good" or not.
3 Upgrade Skills & Abilities Between Each Game
As players simply play, their Rep will go up. This Rep should be spent quickly, making the player get even more Rep due to better abilities. Saving up Rep is playing with one hand tied behind the player's back.
The goal is to get the experience to snowball. More experience means a better player, which means more experience, and so on. Don't forget the abilities in the second tab over when upgrading skills, they truly play a defining role on the field.
2 Set Obtainable Goals
It can be tempting to choose the most Rep for each weekly and drive goal. Indeed, that's a good reflex to have, snatching up as much Rep as possible is a wise decision. But sometimes the goal is completely out of the player's control. In that case, choose something else.
For example, on defense, if players are asked to limit the opponent to less than ten yards, they could have one of their teammates blow the coverage and, through no fault of their own, lose the experience. Don't take these kinds of challenges.
1 Prioritizing Side Activities
Side activities often offer boosts for one or two games. There is no way to tell anyone what to choose without seeing the character build. Running backs will favor speed while linebackers who blitz could use strength, but both statistics work well for the other player.
However, Rep should always take priority until at max level. This is a permanent bonus that doesn't expire, compared to other bonuses that last for one or two games.
Madden NFL 23 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.