ISS Pro Evolution 2 is a PlayStation soccer simulation from Konami, sitting before the later Pro Evolution Soccer naming era. This guide is for ISS Pro Evolution 2 specifically, not Pro Evolution Soccer 2 or later PES entries.
The game rewards patient passing, deliberate shooting, and basic tactical setup more than constant sprinting. Start by learning the ball buttons, then add one-two passes, chip shots, formation tweaks, and Master League squad choices once your match rhythm is stable.
Essential Tips
1. Learn the Four Main Ball Buttons First
Treat X, Circle, Triangle, and Square as your foundation. X is your short pass, Circle handles long balls and crosses, Triangle plays through passes, and Square handles shots, headers, and many clearances. Until those feel automatic, advanced moves will only make your attacks messier.
In your first matches, avoid forcing spectacular plays. Move the ball with X, use Triangle only when a runner has space, and shoot with Square after the receiver has room.
2. Use R1 as a Tool, Not a Default
R1 sprint helps you break into space, chase loose balls, and stretch a fullback down the wing. It also makes turns and control less forgiving. New players often hold sprint from kickoff to full time, then wonder why attacks run straight into tackles.
Release sprint before tight turns, short passing combinations, and shot setups. Use it again once the ball carrier has open grass or a defender is beaten.
3. Build Attacks With One-Twos
L1 plus X triggers a one-two pass. It sends the first passer forward after laying the ball off. Use it between strikers, from an attacking midfielder into a forward, or near the edge of the box when a defender steps toward the ball.
Do not spam it in crowded midfield. The move works best when the runner has a lane and the return pass will arrive before the defense can recover.
4. Chip Only When the Keeper Commits
L1 plus Square gives you a chip or lob shot. It is tempting because it looks clean, but it should answer a specific keeper position. If the goalkeeper rushes out during a one-on-one, chip over him. If he stays near the line, a normal shot is the safer option.
This habit also keeps your finishing simple: look at the keeper first, then choose the shot.
5. Open the Formation Menu Before Important Matches
Before entering the field, use the match menu to check formation, member changes, kicker selection, captain selection, defense type, awareness, and strategy. A good free-kick taker should take close dead balls, a stronger crosser should handle corners, and a weak defender should not be left isolated against fast forwards.
When a match starts badly, pause and adjust instead of chasing the score with the same setup.
6. Use Tactical Level Changes Deliberately
R2 combinations can shift your side more defensive or more offensive, and professional strategy settings can be tied to L2 plus face buttons. Beginners do not need constant switching, but should learn two moments: protect a lead late, and push forward when trailing.
If you go more attacking, expect more space behind your midfield. If you go more defensive, expect fewer runners ahead of the ball.
7. Practice Free Kicks and Corners Separately
Practice mode is worth using because set pieces have their own rhythm. Free kicks involve aiming, shot power, height, and curve. Corners can target the near post or a runner around the penalty spot. Ten minutes of dead-ball practice will do more for your scoring than another rushed exhibition match.
Once you can reliably clear the wall or place a corner into a dangerous area, set pieces become a real comeback route.
8. Start Master League With a Spine
Master League asks you to win, earn points, and improve a squad over time. Do not spend only on attackers. Build a spine: reliable goalkeeper, strong central defender, useful defensive midfielder, creative attacker, and one or two quick forwards.
Wide players matter too, but a solid middle keeps you competitive while the team is still growing.
9. Choose Substitutes for One Clear Strength
A substitute does not need to be great at everything. Speed can change a late wing duel, heading can rescue a corner-heavy match, shooting can punish clearances, and passing can steady a tired midfield.
This makes substitutions easier during matches because each bench player has a purpose.
10. Win Cups for Useful Extras
Cup and league play can unlock extra teams or stadium options. If you enjoy exhibition matches, spend time in International Cup, League Mode, Konami Cup, and Master League rather than only replaying friendlies.
Treat these as long-term goals, not chores. The core skills you build in cups carry straight into Master League.
Passing and Chance Creation
ISS Pro Evolution 2 works best when you create space before the final action. Short passes pull defenders toward the ball, through passes punish a defender who steps too high, and crosses reward a forward who has position in the box.
Use three simple patterns. First, play X passes through midfield until a defender leaves his line, then send Triangle into the gap. Second, pass wide, sprint briefly down the flank, then cross with Circle before the defender fully closes. Third, play a one-two between two forwards and shoot as the runner reaches the return ball.
The fake shot, Square then X quickly, can wrong-foot a keeper or defender, but it is not a magic button. Try it near goal after you already have the defender leaning into a block.
Defending and Match Control
Defending starts with position. Use X for softer pressure and easy tackles, Circle for sliding tackles only when you are sure, Square for clearances or defensive support, and Triangle to bring the keeper out when a striker has broken through. L1 switches the controlled player.
The biggest beginner improvement is to stop diving in. Hold a line, make the attacker choose a side, and tackle when the touch gets heavy. Sliding from behind can push or miss, leaving your back line exposed. When in doubt, block the lane and clear with Square or Circle.
Use the in-match menu when the screen feels cluttered or too fast. Camera angle, radar, indicators, and speed can be adjusted.
Master League Priorities
Master League is about turning wins into better players. Early on, prioritize reliability over famous names. A quick striker helps, but not if your midfield cannot deliver the ball or your central defense collapses under every long pass.
Set your captain, kickers, and formation before beginning a run of matches. Assign close-range free kicks to a precise attacker, longer free kicks to a player with power or curve, and corners to a reliable crosser.
When improving the squad, look for balance. A team with one elite forward and no midfield outlet becomes predictable. A team with a strong defender, ball-winner, passer, winger, and finisher can win in several ways.
Set Pieces and Finishing
For normal shots, create room first. A rushed shot under pressure is less accurate, so pass once more or cut back if the defender is blocking the lane. In one-on-one chances, watch the keeper. Normal shot if he holds, chip if he rushes.
For free kicks near the box, do not overload power. Aim away from the keeper, use lift or curve when needed, and practice the timing until the shot clears the wall without floating too slowly. From longer range, power and curve matter more, but only certain players will make those attempts worthwhile.
For corners, aim for either the near-post runner or the area around the penalty spot. If the ball is cleared, be ready for a controlled long shot from a midfielder instead of immediately recycling the ball backward.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not hold sprint through every attack - You will overrun turns, narrow your passing angles, and make tackles easier.
- Do not shoot before making space - Pressure lowers the quality of the attempt, so pass or turn before firing.
- Do not use sliding tackles as your main defense - Mistimed slides leave open lanes and can hand the attack a better position.
- Do not ignore kicker selection - Free kicks, corners, and penalties are easier when the right player is assigned before kickoff.
- Do not chip every one-on-one - Chip only when the keeper rushes; use a normal shot when he stays back.
- Do not build Master League with forwards only - A weak midfield and defense will waste even strong finishers.
- Do not spam one-twos in traffic - Use them when the runner has a lane for the return ball.
- Do not forget the pause menu - Camera, speed, formation, and indicators can fix problems during a match.
Summary
| Category | Top Tip |
|---|---|
| Controls | Master X, Circle, Triangle, and Square before adding tricks |
| Passing | Use short passes and one-twos to create forward lanes |
| Shooting | Look at the keeper before choosing normal shot or chip |
| Defending | Hold shape, pressure with X, and slide only when certain |
| Master League | Build a balanced spine before chasing luxury attackers |
| Set Pieces | Practice free kicks and corners outside important matches |
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5 checked for this guideEvery factual claim in this guide was checked against at least two independent sources before publication. These are the references used for ISS Pro Evolution 2.
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