Pro Evolution Soccer 2016, developed by PES Productions and published by Konami, rewards players who treat each match like a sequence of small soccer problems: where to receive, when to shield, when to tackle, and when to wait for a teammate’s run. This beginner guide focuses on the clean base habits that help across exhibition matches, Training, UEFA competitions, Master League, and offline play.
The guide itself is beginner-friendly. The game can still be demanding if you rush attacks, force tackles, or expect every loose challenge to be called as a foul.
Essential Tips
1. Build Attacks Around First Touches
PES 2016 is not just about sprinting into space. A good first touch gives you time to pick the next pass, protect the ball, or draw a defender out of shape. When receiving under pressure, angle your player before the ball arrives and look for the simple outlet first.
If a pass arrives awkwardly, avoid forcing an instant forward ball. Settle possession, move it sideways, and restart the attack. The game’s stronger ball physics make loose touches and blocked passing lanes matter.
2. Use Physical Play Before Skill Moves
Player contact is central to PES 2016. You can hold up play, jostle, challenge aerial balls, and fight through shoulder pressure, but you still need timing. Use body position to keep the defender away from the ball before trying a feint or turn.
This matters most near midfield and at the edge of the box. Winning a small physical duel can open the next pass; losing one can expose your defense immediately.
3. Pass Into Runs, Not Just Feet
Teammates make smarter off-ball movements than beginners often notice. Watch for wide players overlapping, midfielders dropping into support, and forwards pointing or moving into pockets between defenders.
Instead of waiting until a teammate is fully open, pass as the run starts. That habit makes give-and-go moves feel natural and keeps your attack from becoming a line of stationary players.
4. Treat Tackles as Timing Tests
A well-timed challenge can create an immediate counterattack, but a desperate challenge can leave you behind the play. Step in when the ball is exposed, when the opponent takes a heavy touch, or when your second defender is ready to cover.
Because PES 2016 can be lenient with some physical contact, do not rely on the referee to rescue bad positioning. Defend with shape first, then tackle.
5. Use Training Before Changing Everything
Training is the fastest way to isolate shooting, passing, defending, and set-piece habits without the noise of a full match. If you keep missing chances or losing aerial balls, spend a few minutes practicing that specific action before changing formation or difficulty.
Small skill gains carry into every mode. A better shot selection habit helps in Exhibition, Master League, and cup matches.
6. Start Master League With Stability
Master League is built for long-term management, so your first priority should be a stable team shape. Do not overhaul the squad just because transfers are available. Learn which players can receive under pressure, which fullbacks can overlap safely, and which forwards make useful runs.
Once you understand your squad, transfers and tactical changes become targeted fixes rather than random churn.
7. Use Dynamic Wide Camera Information
The wider match view can reveal overlapping runs, aerial contests, and weak-side space before the ball gets there. Train yourself to scan the far side of the pitch when building from midfield.
If you only watch the ball carrier, you will miss the run that makes the attack easy. The camera is most valuable when you use it to plan two passes ahead.
8. Adapt When Weather Changes
Rain can change the feel of passing and trapping. When the pitch is wet, reduce risky first-time passes, give less technical players easier touches, and avoid defending as if every loose ball will stop cleanly.
Dynamic weather is not just visual. If the match starts to feel faster or messier, simplify your passing until you regain control.
9. Separate myClub Habits From Offline Habits
myClub adds squad-building layers such as managers, coaches, player levels, GP, and coins. Do not let those systems distract from the core match skills. A stronger squad helps, but poor spacing and rushed tackling still lose matches.
If you move between myClub and offline modes, keep one consistent tactical shape while you learn. Changing teams, managers, and formations at the same time makes it harder to know what actually improved.
10. Use Edit and License Gaps Pragmatically
PES 2016 has strong on-pitch play, but not every team or competition presentation is equally licensed. If correct kits, names, or emblems matter to you, treat Edit mode as setup work before starting a long save.
For a first week with the game, prioritize learning match rhythm. Cosmetic setup matters more once you know which mode you want to keep playing.
Match Control Priorities
| Situation | Best Habit | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Receiving under pressure | Shield, then pass simple | Keeps possession alive |
| A teammate starts a run | Pass early into space | Uses improved off-ball movement |
| Defender closes fast | Change direction before sprinting | Makes 1v1 control useful |
| Cross is coming | Fight for position early | Aerial battles reward body placement |
| Opponent dribbles centrally | Hold shape before tackling | Prevents easy counters |
| Wet match conditions | Shorten risky passes | Reduces bad traps and turnovers |
Mode and Progression Habits
| Mode or Feature | Beginner Focus | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Practice one weak skill at a time | Random drills with no goal |
| Exhibition | Test controls and camera comfort | Treating every match like a final |
| Master League | Build a stable tactic first | Constant transfers and formation swaps |
| UEFA competitions | Manage pressure and possession | Forcing hero shots too early |
| myClub | Learn squad fit and team shape | Assuming ratings solve spacing |
| Edit mode | Fix presentation before a long save | Restarting later over cosmetic issues |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Do not sprint through every attack - Fast players still need angles, first touches, and passing options.
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Do not force skill moves before shielding - Physical positioning often creates the safer opening.
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Do not ignore off-ball runs - Teammates can open space before they are visibly free.
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Do not slide tackle as your default defense - Shape and timing are more reliable than panic challenges.
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Do not blame every lost duel on fouls - The game allows a lot of contact, so protect the ball and recover quickly.
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Do not rebuild Master League immediately - Learn the squad before spending resources on changes.
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Do not let myClub systems replace fundamentals - Squad building helps only if your match habits are sound.
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Do not ignore weather changes - Rain can make control and passing less forgiving.
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Do not start a long save before checking presentation needs - Edit setup is easier before you are invested.
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Do not change camera, formation, and difficulty all at once - Adjust one variable so you know what helped.
Summary
| Category | Top Tip |
|---|---|
| Passing | Play into early runs instead of waiting for perfect openings |
| Possession | Use shielding and first touch to survive pressure |
| Defending | Keep shape, then tackle when the ball is exposed |
| Aerial Play | Establish position before the cross arrives |
| Training | Isolate one weak skill before changing tactics |
| Master League | Stabilize your team before making transfers |
| Weather | Simplify passing when rain changes the match feel |
| myClub | Treat squad building as support for core match skills |
| Camera | Scan beyond the ball carrier with the wider view |
| Setup | Handle Edit-mode presentation before long saves |
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8 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 Pro Evolution Soccer 2016.
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