- Offline couch play: Supports up to 4 players on most consoles, no internet required, no account login needed for extra controllers, zero lag during matches
- Online friendly matches: Supports up to 2 players per lobby, requires all players to have a stable internet connection and a Konami ID, works for friends in any location
- Online co-op matches: Lets you and up to 2 friends team up against random players online, requires all players to have an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live subscription if playing on console
For casual game nights with mixed skill levels, I almost always recommend offline play first. I’ve seen too many online sessions fall apart because one person’s internet cuts out right as they’re about to score a winning goal, and offline play eliminates that risk entirely.
Step-by-Step Setup for Offline Couch Matches
Offline play is the simplest mode to set up, and I’ve used this setup for birthday parties and lazy Sunday game nights with zero issues. First, make sure all extra controllers are paired to your console or PC before you launch the game. You don’t need to create extra Konami IDs for guest players, which is a huge plus if you have friends who don’t play the game regularly.
Once you launch the game, head to the main menu and select the Exhibition Match option. From there, you can assign each controller to a team, either on the same side or against each other. You can also adjust match length, difficulty level, and even turn off fouls or offsides if you’re playing with people who are new to the franchise.
A common mistake I see people make here is forgetting to turn off the controller auto-shutoff setting on their console first. There’s nothing worse than a controller dying right as you’re about to score a last-minute winner, so double check that setting before you start your match. If you’re playing on PC, make sure all controllers are recognized in your system settings before launching the game, as PES 2022 sometimes struggles to detect new controllers once it’s already running.
How to Fix Common Online Multiplayer Connection Issues
Online play is a bit trickier to get right, but most issues can be fixed with a few simple tweaks. First, every player in your lobby needs to have a valid Konami ID linked to their game account, and you’ll need to add each other as friends on the Konami network first, not just your console’s friend list. I’ve wasted 20 minutes before trying to invite a friend to a lobby only to realize I hadn’t added them on Konami’s system yet, so don’t make that same mistake.
If you’re getting constant lag or dropped connections, the first fix is to use a wired ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for all players. Wi-Fi signals can be interrupted by other devices in your home, and even a small lag spike can ruin a close match. If a wired connection isn’t possible, move your console or PC as close to your router as possible, and disconnect other devices like smart TVs or phones from the Wi-Fi while you play.
Another common issue is cross-region lag. If you’re playing with a friend in another country, set the lobby’s connection priority to low latency instead of high image quality in the match settings. You’ll notice a small drop in graphics, but the gameplay will be far smoother. If you still can’t connect, make sure all players have installed the latest game patch, as older versions of the game often have compatibility issues with newer lobbies.
Fun Custom Match Rules to Make Your Sessions More Exciting
Once you’ve got your matches set up, you don’t have to stick to the standard 90-minute professional rules to have fun. I’ve tested dozens of custom rule sets with my friend group over the years, and these are the ones that always get the most laughs and the most intense competition.
If you’re playing with a mix of skilled and new players, try the handicap mode that’s built into the game. This mode adjusts the stats of lower-rated teams to be more competitive against higher-rated ones, so a new player using a League Two team can still go head to head with a veteran using the French national team. It levels the playing field without making the game feel unfair for more experienced players.
Another fun rule set is all-star only matches, where every player on the pitch has to be a player rated 85 or higher. You’ll get tons of goals, crazy skill moves, and matches that feel like a highlight reel. If you’re feeling really chaotic, turn off all fouls and offsides, and set match length to 5 minutes. These matches are absolute chaos, and they’re perfect for breaking the ice if you’re playing with people who don’t know each other very well. For competitive groups, you can also set up a small tournament bracket, with the loser buying the next round of snacks or drinks for the group. It adds a fun stake to every match without feeling too serious.
At the end of the day, the whole point of playing eFootball PES 2022 with friends is to have fun, so don’t get too hung up on small technical issues or winning every match. If you follow the steps above, you’ll be able to skip most of the common frustrations and spend more time playing the matches you love, whether you’re huddled on a couch together or playing from opposite sides of the world. Don’t be afraid to mess around with custom rules too, sometimes the silliest matches are the ones you’ll remember for years.