If you’ve been playing eFootball 2026 for a while, you’ve probably noticed something called AI Playing Styles on player cards. For many players, this section can be confusing. Does it actually matter? Does it affect gameplay? Or is it just extra information? Let’s break it down in simple terms and my take on how it works in the game.
What are AI Playing Styles for your players in eFootball 2026
KONAMI’s definition of AI Playing Styles is how a player behaves when controlled by the AI while in possession of the ball. In short, it determines how that player moves, dribbles, passes, or attacks when the game’s AI is making decisions for him.
This applies when:
- You are controlling a different player on the pitch
- The team is partially AI-controlled
- You are using Auto Control (Manager Mode previously)
It does not directly change how the player feels when you are manually controlling him. Unlike the playing style for your player, one particular card can have more that one AI Playing Styles.
List of AI Playing Styles
We currently have a decent number of AI Playing Styles. The list is below:
Trickster
This player will actively try skill moves and fancy dribbles. Expect step-overs, quick feints, and more runs holding the ball when he’s on the ball under AI control.
Mazing Run
He loves driving deep into opposition territory. These players will carry the ball forward aggressively, using tight turns and close control to break lines.
Speeding Bullet
Pure pace. When there’s space ahead, this player will look to burst forward immediately and attack with speed.
Incisive Run
Perfect for wide attackers. These players look to cut inside from the wings, searching for goal-scoring chances rather than just staying wide.
Long Ball Expert
Instead of short buildup, this player will often look for longer passes to switch play or find runners in behind.
Early Crosser
As soon as there’s an opening, he’ll attempt an early cross rather than dribbling all the way to the byline.
Long Ranger
If given space outside the box, he won’t hesitate to try a shot from distance.
Does AI Playing Style affect you when you are in control
Officially, AI Playing Styles are meant to apply when the AI controls the player in possession. There’s no confirmed proof that it changes how the card performs when you are manually dribbling or shooting. However, from experience, it feels like it doesn’t matter in certain situations.
For example, my Gerd Müller makes far more attacking runs than you’d expect from a typical Fox in the Box. I kind of attribute this to the fact that he has Speeding Bullet as an AI Playing Style.
When I’m controlling another player, Müller’s movement off the ball feels sharper and more aggressive. His forward bursts are much more explosive, almost like the AI is pushing him to attack space instantly.
Especially with Speeding Bullet, the player doesn’t need you to be manually controlling him. If you’re using someone else, the AI handles the remaining 10 outfield players, and that’s where these styles seem to kick in. You’ll notice it even more in off-ball runs during build-up play.
While it hasn’t been officially proven how deep the impact goes, in practical gameplay, AI Playing Styles clearly influence movement and decision-making when the AI is in charge. So choosing players on this basis is also good practise.
Read other related eFootball 2026 articles:
- eFootball 2026: Complete list of Link-up playstyles and managers
- eFootball 2026: Playstyle guide for Forwards
- eFootball 2026: Playstyle guide for Midfielders
- eFootball 2026: Playstyle guide for Defenders
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