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10 challenges you’ll face in PES 2020
There are lots of new features headed to Konami’s series – here's what you’ll need to be prepared for come September.
The new game in Konami’s long-running football series will be released on September 10, and this year, the name of the game has changed. It's going to be called eFootball PES 2020, the new title relating to Pro Evolution Sobccer's continued focus on esports.
There are plenty of new features to expect in PES 2020, with everything from the gameplay, to the visuals, and the game modes being updated. With just a few months to go until launch, we’ve taken this opportunity to highlight the biggest new challenges you’ll face in eFootball PES 2020. Start preparing for them now, and you’ll hopefully be dominating the competition come release day.
1. Work on your dribbling
Konami have made big enhancements to PES’ dribbling mechanics in recent years, and this is set to continue in PES 2020. New gameplay features will be highlighted by the addition of Finesse Dribble, providing new ways to beat defenders with outstanding agility.
With the greater focus on dribbling set to appear in the game, now is the perfect chance to hone those skills in PES 2019. Be sure to practice close-control dribbling and beating players with consistency, especially via the game’s training features.
2. Take advantage of contextual accuracy
PES 2020 is to place more attention on player error, and it seems much of this will be in relation to contextual kick accuracy. This relates to the way in which you strike the ball, taking factors into account such as posture, defensive pressure and the ball’s movement.
This has already been implemented to a degree in PES 2019, allowing you to pull off stunning strikes in the right circumstances. We suggest trying to score more varied goals in the run-up to September, helping you to better identify contextual sweet spots.
3. Expect more choices in Master League
You’ll be able to tackle Master League scenarios with various responses
© Konami
The series’ famed career mode is set to undergo a significant overhaul in PES 2020, with the biggest new feature being that of interactive dialogue choices. Specific details remain sparse for now, with more info set to be unveiled ahead of release.
These new aspects represent the second in a three-year overhaul project for the popular mode, so expect even more changes next year. For now, it seems like there will be plenty of new features to enjoy in Konami’s upcoming take on Master League.
4. There will be a new default camera
The new camera will offer a wider view of PES 2020’s stadiums
© Konami
If you’ve been playing with the Dynamic Wide camera in PES for the last few years, don’t worry – it won’t be going anywhere in PES 2020. That said, the new game will feature a brand-new default option in the form of the immersive, TV-like Stadium camera.
You don’t have to use this, of course, but it looks like it’ll prove popular with its realistic angles and broadcast approach. The closest thing PES has to it at the moment
5. Work on your defending
If you’re already proficient at defending in PES 2019, there’s good news - it looks like it’ll be even more user-friendly in the new game. New sliding tackle and aerial clearance animations should allow for plenty of goal-saving opportunities. There will also be the ability to make an intentional foul in desperate situations.
But ultimately, defending should remain largely the same in terms of controls, so master it now, and reap the rewards online when September rolls around.
6. Be more disciplined with transfers
The new transfer system is being built with real-world football data
© Konami
Another aspect of the new Master League in PES 2020 will be a realistic transfer system. The idea is to make things such as salaries and transfer fees more in-line with the real world, and force AI teams to conduct more authentic market activities.
There will also be multiple ways to customise the experience, such as how difficult transfer negotiations will prove. Additionally, you'll be able to turn off the first year’s pre-season transfer window, allowing the game’s rosters to remain briefly intact.
7. Focus on your players’ strengths
The series has long focused on player individuality, but new systems are making this even more crucial in PES 2020. The first is something called Inspire, with which players’ behaviours will adapt to the skills of those in possession of the ball.
There are also new abilities that might be applied to certain players in PES 2020, such as a more accurate through ball, increased aggression and more. Be sure to keep an eye out for these abilities when the game is released.
8. Prepare to choose sides in Matchday
The new mode will provide in-game rewards for all players
© Konami
There’s a brand-new mode coming to PES 2020 in the form of Matchday. Konami haven’t revealed much about it just yet, but we do know that it’ll involve competing for one of two sides based around big matches and rivalries from the real world.
The Grand Final of these events will be contested by the top performing users from each side, and will be available to watch via a livestream. So if you’re hoping to find yourself in the Matchday final, it might be worth getting in some online practice ahead of time.
9. Learn to dictate the pace of the game
Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho are the cover stars for PES 2020
© Konami
Konami’s E3 livestreams of PES 2020 have provided an early look at the game, and it seems as though it’ll provide more tempo-driven gameplay this year. And by learning to dictate the pace, you should be able to get a better stranglehold on the outcome of the match.
Conserving a lead? Make smart cross-field passes and slow the game down. Chasing a goal? Burst down the wings or put added pressure on defenders to force them into mistakes. We’ve seen this in PES 2019, but it looks to be more prominent in the upcoming release.
10. You’ll be able to use Legend managers
Yes – you can select Maradona as your manager in Master League
© Konami
PES 2020’s revamped Master League will include the ability to use Legend managers if you so desire. So far, Diego Maradona, Zico and Johan Cruyff are the only announced names, but more are set to be included as optional choices in the game.
We don’t yet know of whether these managers will boast unique abilities or traits, but regardless, they’re sure to be a popular option. The big question, of course, is who will you go for? Good thing you’ve got a few months to figure it out!
