Link-Up Play Styles

by Elena Misko

UFL’s Link-Up System is a dynamic new feature that enhances your team’s performance by modeling chemistry between footballers based on their shared traits. It works by assigning each Player Card three core attributes — Play Style, Nationality, and League — which UFL players can take into consideration when building their team in order  to unlock performance bonuses. This system rewards strategic team-building with instant boosts, adds variety through random, serendipitous combinations, and keeps gameplay engaging by avoiding repetitive mechanics.

Link-Up is heavily influenced by a Player Card’s tier — higher tiers unlock stronger bonuses and more strategic options.

Please note: Basic Cards are not affected by the Link-Up System.

The Link-Up System features several Play Styles, which we will explore in this article to help you understand it better and see how it enhances player performance.

  • Basic

    • Description: Basic style. Provides a small bonus to a footballer’s basic stats. At Link-Up levels 1 and 2, it slightly improves the overall flow of the game. At level 3, it gives a more noticeable boost to the effectiveness of key footballer actions.

    • Field Footballers: Finishing, Tackles, Acceleration, Pass Accuracy, Stamina, Dribbling

    • GK: GK Reflexes, GK Diving, GK Handling

    • Bonus: Link-Up Point 1: +1, Link-Up Point 2: +2, Link-Up Point 3: +3

  • Versatile 

    • A unique style for Legend cards.

    •  It provides 2 Link-Up Points to any adjacent player, regardless of their style. 

    • The Legend does not receive any Link-Up bonuses.

  • Rapid

    • Description: Style focused on speed. Increases speed and maneuverability with and without the ball; at high chemistry, very substantially.

    • Field Footballers: Sprint Speed, Acceleration, Dribbling, Ball Control

    • GK: Sprint Speed, Acceleration

    • Bonus: Link-Up Point 1: +2, Link-Up Point 2: +5, Link-Up Point 3: +8

  • Approaching

    • Description: Style focused on attack. Increases key attack parameters plus the ability to receive the ball. As chemistry increases, it noticeably boosts the effectiveness of shots on goal.

    • Field Footballers: Finishing, Attack Positioning, Heading, Ball Control

    • GK: GK Kicking, GK Handling

    • Bonus: Link-Up Point 1: +2, Link-Up Point 2: +5, Link-Up Point 3: +8

  • Guardian

    • Description: Style focused on defense. Increases key defense parameters plus the ability to shoot from long distances. As chemistry increases, it significantly improves footballers’ ability to tackle and block the ball.

    • Field Footballers: Long Shots, Tackles, Defense Positioning, Reactions

    • GK: GK Reflexes, GK Diving

    • Bonus: Link-Up Point 1: +2, Link-Up Point 2: +5, Link-Up Point 3: +8

  • Reliable 

    • Description: Style focused on flexibility in attack and defense. Improves both attack and defense simultaneously by boosting positioning and some shot and tackle characteristics. High chemistry makes the footballer very effective when possession changes.

    • Field Footballers: Attack Positioning, Shot Power, Tackles, Defense Positioning, Acceleration

    • GK: GK Positioning

    • Bonus: Link-Up Point 1: +2, Link-Up Point 2: +5, Link-Up Point 3: +8

  • Engine

    • Description: Style focused on running and passing. The essence of the style is the ability to run long, maneuver quickly, pass effectively, and intercept opponent passes. Allows footballers to maintain high pressure and exhaust the opponent.

    • Field Footballers: Interceptions, Acceleration, Pass Accuracy, Stamina

    • GK: GK Reflexes

    • Bonus: Link-Up Point 1: +2, Link-Up Point 2: +5, Link-Up Point 3: +8

  • Tactical 

    • Description: Style focused on positioning in attack and ball retention. It allows correct positioning in attack, ball receiving and control, and boosts accuracy of shots under pressure.

    • Field Footballers: Attack Positioning, Dribble, Composure, Ball Control

    • GK: GK Diving, GK Handling

    • Bonus: Link-Up Point 1: +2, Link-Up Point 2: +5, Link-Up Point 3: +8

Here's how the Link-Up Points Are Calculated:

  • Link-Up Point = 0

 The footballer has no connections or isn’t in the right position.

  • Link-Up Point = 1

The footballer has some links, but not enough to hit all the possible connections.

  • Link-Up Point = 2

The footballer has enough links to match the number of possible spots, but still not double that.

  • Link-Up Point = 3

The footballer has double or more links than they could have.
You’re now ready to experiment with Link-Up play styles! Try it right away and enjoy the rewards of a well-connected squad. To read more about the Link-Up System in general, follow this link. (Link-Up System article) Don't forget to join our Discord server to share ideas, learn from other players, and keep the fun going. м