In a major move for competitive balance, Konami has officially banned Smart Assist in competitive eFootball modes. This decision comes after months of debate in the community, with many professional players and fans arguing that Smart Assist provided an unfair advantage in high-level matches.
In this article, we’ll cover the full story behind the ban, why it was implemented, and what it means for the future of eFootball esports.
What Is Smart Assist in eFootball?
Smart Assist is an in-game feature designed to help beginners by automatically adjusting passes and shots to improve accuracy.
- Function: Corrects poor aim by guiding passes/shots to the nearest viable target.
- Goal: To make the game more accessible for casual players.
- Issue: At competitive levels, it allowed players to bypass skill-based execution.
👉 While helpful for newcomers, Smart Assist was heavily criticized in ranked and esports play.
Why Was Smart Assist Banned?
1. Competitive Integrity
Esports relies on skill expression. Smart Assist minimized human error, meaning precision wasn’t always rewarded.
2. Player Complaints
Pro players argued that Smart Assist allowed casual tactics to succeed at the highest level, reducing the skill gap.
3. Tournament Fairness
In official tournaments, matches were being influenced by Smart Assist-driven passes that bypassed intended difficulty.
4. Meta Imbalance
With Smart Assist, counterattacks and one-touch plays became too consistent, breaking the balance of tactical diversity.
When Did the Ban Take Effect?
- The ban was announced in August 2025 update notes.
- Smart Assist is now disabled by default in:
- Ranked Online Matches
- eFootball Championship Events
- Official Tournaments (World Festival, FIFAe Qualifiers)
👉 Casual and friendly modes still allow Smart Assist for beginners.
Reactions from the Community
Professional Players
- Most pros celebrated the ban, claiming it levels the playing field.
- Some suggested it should have been removed earlier to avoid distorted metas.
Casual Players
- Mixed reactions: some feel excluded from competitive play.
- Others agree that esports should prioritize skill over assistance.
Konami’s Statement
Konami clarified that:
- Smart Assist will remain in casual modes to support newcomers.
- Competitive integrity takes priority in ranked and esports environments.
Impact on Competitive eFootball
Positive Outcomes
- Skill Gap Restored: Precision passing, shooting, and vision matter again.
- More Tactical Variety: Without Smart Assist, managers and players must rely on true execution.
- Esports Credibility: Aligns eFootball with global standards in competitive gaming.
Challenges
- Casual players may find the transition harder if they move into ranked.
- Some may quit competitive modes entirely, sticking only to casual.
How to Adapt Without Smart Assist
1. Practice Manual Passing & Shooting
- Spend time in training mode to adjust without auto-corrections.
- Learn through-balls and manual lofted passes for precision.
2. Improve Positioning
- Anticipate player runs—Smart Assist won’t cover for bad angles anymore.
- Use manual runs (L1/LB + Stick) to create space.
3. Tactical Adjustments
- Shorter passes are safer than risky long balls without assist.
- Possession-based play is now stronger than “spam through-ball” tactics.
FAQs – Smart Assist Ban
Q1. Is Smart Assist gone forever?
👉 No, it’s only disabled in ranked/competitive play. It still exists in casual modes.
Q2. Will this affect mobile players more?
👉 Yes, mobile players relied on it more, but adaptation is part of competitive growth.
Q3. Does this make eFootball harder for beginners?
👉 Only in competitive modes. Beginners can still use Smart Assist in offline and casual matches.
Q4. Can Smart Assist be toggled manually?
👉 Yes, but in competitive matches, it’s locked to “Off.”
Final Verdict
The ban on Smart Assist in competitive eFootball is a huge step forward for esports integrity. While it may frustrate casual players who relied on the feature, the competitive scene will benefit from fairer, more skill-driven matches.
This move shows Konami’s commitment to making eFootball 2026 a serious esport, on par with other global competitive games.
⭐ Pro Tip: If you plan to compete, start practicing without Smart Assist now. The sooner you adjust, the more comfortable you’ll be in ranked and tournaments.
