Let me tell you something about competitive gaming that many players never quite grasp - it's not just about your skills with the controller, but how you approach the mental game. I've been playing Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 for years now, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that the difference between good players and great ones often comes down to strategy and mindset. Remember that quote from Lastimosa? "Finals, wala munang kaibi-kaibigan dito. Don't go over our side. Magkalaban tayo eh." Roughly translated, it means "In finals, there are no friends here. Don't go over to our side. We're opponents." That mentality captures the essence of high-level PES 2018 play perfectly - when you're in that competitive match, sentiment goes out the window, and you need to focus completely on outsmarting your opponent.
The first thing I always emphasize to players looking to improve is mastering the basic controls until they become second nature. We're talking about spending at least 15-20 hours in training mode just working on your passing accuracy and shot timing. Most players jump straight into online matches without properly learning the mechanics, and it shows in their 65% pass completion rate. What you should be aiming for is at least 85% pass accuracy consistently. The advanced through balls, specifically the R1 + triangle combination, require precise timing that can make or break your attacking moves. I've found that practicing this specific move for 30 minutes daily for two weeks dramatically improves your ability to split defenses.
Building your team requires more thought than most people realize. I personally prefer formations with three central midfielders because they provide better control in the middle of the park. The 4-3-3 formation has been my go-to for years, offering both defensive stability and attacking options. When selecting players, don't just look at their overall rating - pay attention to their specific stats that match your playstyle. For instance, if you prefer counter-attacking football, you'll want forwards with at least 85 speed and 80 acceleration. My current favorite striker combination features players with 87 finishing and 84 ball control - these specific stats matter more than you might think.
Defensive organization is where many players struggle, and it's probably the area where you can gain the biggest advantage over opponents. The key is patience - don't constantly press the tackle button or drag defenders out of position. I can't tell you how many goals I've conceded early in my career by being too aggressive. Instead, focus on maintaining your defensive shape and using the teammate pressure function strategically. What works for me is pressing with one player while controlling another to cut passing lanes. This approach has reduced the number of goals I concede from 1.8 per match to about 0.9 - that's practically cutting your goals against in half.
When it comes to attacking, variety is your best friend. I've noticed that successful players mix up their approaches - sometimes building up slowly, other times launching quick counters. The through ball behind defenders remains incredibly effective in PES 2018, but you've got to time it perfectly. My personal preference is using low crosses (double tap cross button) for about 40% of my crossing situations because they're more difficult for defenders to deal with. Shooting requires understanding which situations call for finesse shots versus power strikes. From my experience, finesse shots work better when you have space and time, while power shots are more effective in crowded penalty areas.
Set pieces are another area where you can gain an edge. I've spent countless hours practicing free kicks from different distances and angles. For free kicks within 25 yards, I prefer using players with at least 85 curve and 80 place kicking. The key is adjusting your aim slightly outside the post and applying about 70% power - this technique has given me approximately 35% conversion rate from promising positions. Corners are equally important - I like aiming for the near post with about 60% power and having a player with good heading accuracy attack that area.
The mental aspect of PES 2018 cannot be overstated. That quote about having no friends during finals applies here - you need to maintain focus throughout the match and not get emotionally invested in individual moments. I've come back from 2-0 down in numerous matches simply because I stayed calm and stuck to my game plan. Learning to read your opponent's patterns is crucial - after the first 15-20 minutes, you should have a good idea of whether they prefer attacking down the wings or through the middle, and adjust accordingly.
What separates elite players from average ones is their ability to adapt. If your usual tactics aren't working, don't be afraid to switch formations or change your approach mid-game. I typically have 2-3 different formations ready to switch to depending on how the match is going. My personal rule is that if I haven't created a clear chance in the first 25 minutes, I'll switch to a more attacking formation. This flexibility has increased my win rate in tight matches by about 22% according to my tracking over the past six months.
At the end of the day, improving at PES 2018 comes down to understanding both the game mechanics and the psychological elements. It's about developing your own style while being able to counter whatever your opponent throws at you. The "no friends" mentality doesn't mean being disrespectful - it means maintaining competitive intensity and focus from the first whistle to the last. With consistent practice and strategic thinking, you'll find yourself winning more matches and enjoying the game on a deeper level. After all, there's nothing quite like outsmarting an opponent who thought they had you beat.
