Your Pro’s role in The Grounds determines more than their starting position. Each Archetype offers a different combination of Attribute specializations and PlayStyles, letting you develop a goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, or forward around a specific approach to the game. FC 27 makes experimenting easier by unlocking all 13 Archetypes from the beginning and allowing free Attribute adjustments. This guide explains how to choose a build, earn Archetype XP (AXP), use Amps, and unlock permanent Mastery bonuses.
1. How Archetypes Work in The Grounds
Archetypes define how your custom Pro develops and performs in FC 27’s Clubs experience. Each option has its own strengths, Attribute priorities, and Signature PlayStyles, so you can create different builds for different positions and tactical responsibilities.
Unlike progression systems that require you to unlock each class separately, FC 27 makes all 13 Archetypes available from the start. You choose an initial position and Archetype when entering The Grounds, but that decision does not lock you into a single playstyle. The system offers several useful customization options:
- Free Archetype changes: Switch between available builds in The Grounds, the Clubhouse, or supported match lobbies without spending Grounds Coins or using reset items.
- Individual Attribute adjustments: Reduce specific Attributes and redistribute the recovered points instead of resetting the entire build.
- Pre-match flexibility: Change your Archetype before supported League, Rush, and Drop-In matches. For League fixtures, you must be on the bench before editing your setup.
This flexibility makes it worthwhile to experiment. You can maintain separate builds for different positions or develop several Archetypes to collect their permanent Mastery rewards.
2. All Archetype Categories and Roles
The 13 Archetypes are divided into four positional groups. Each one supports a different playing style, so the right choice depends on what you want your Pro to contribute during a match.
| POSITION | ARCHETYPE | MAIN STRENGTHS AND STYLE |
| Goalkeeper | Shot Stopper | Specializes in difficult saves and one-on-one situations, with an emphasis on traditional goalkeeping reactions and positioning. |
| Goalkeeper | Sweeper Keeper | Suits goalkeepers who are comfortable distributing the ball and operating behind a high defensive line. |
| Defender | Progressor | A ball-playing centre-back who steps forward and starts attacks with progressive passes. |
| Defender | Boss | A physical defensive specialist focused on winning challenges, controlling opponents, and protecting the back line. |
| Defender | Marauder | A mobile defensive option with the pace to support attacks and contribute in wide areas. |
| Midfielder | Disruptor | Presses opponents, intercepts passes, and interrupts opposition attacks through aggressive defensive work. |
| Midfielder | Recycler | Focuses on regaining possession, retaining the ball, and linking defensive play with the attack. |
| Midfielder | Maestro | A deep-lying playmaker who controls the tempo and creates opportunities through midfield distribution. |
| Midfielder | Creator | A creative passing specialist who looks for openings and delivers incisive passes to attacking teammates. |
| Forward | Spark | An explosive wide attacker who uses dribbling, pace, and crossing to create opportunities. |
| Forward | Magician | A technical attacker built around close control, skillful dribbling, and creative movement. |
| Forward | Finisher | A dedicated goalscorer who excels at converting chances, particularly in one-on-one situations. |
| Forward | Target | A physical striker who holds up the ball, competes in aerial challenges, and helps teammates join the attack. |
For a traditional defensive role, Shot Stopper, Boss, and Disruptor are natural starting points, depending on your position. Progressor and Maestro are better suited to players who want to initiate attacks from deeper areas, while Creator and Magician favor more technical attacking play. Finisher and Target offer two different approaches to leading the frontline.
3. How to Earn Archetype XP (AXP)
Every Archetype has its own progression track. You earn Archetype XP to develop your selected build, gain Attribute Points, and unlock further customization options. The main ways to collect AXP include:
- Play games in The Grounds: Take part in small-sided Street Football matches, Kickabouts, and Club or Stadium activities. These modes provide opportunities to earn Archetype XP while developing your Pro.
- Complete Objectives: The Grounds includes Daily, Weekly, seasonal, and limited-time objectives. Check the Objectives menu regularly, as challenges can reward AXP, consumables, Grounds Coins, and other progression items.
- Follow the Mentors: Four characters guide different parts of the experience, each offering objectives connected to particular activities:
- Alex Hunter: Focuses on general progression and challenges throughout The Grounds.
- Kylian Mbappé: Guides players through small-sided Street Football, including 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 matches.
- Chloe Kelly: Introduces Kickabouts and their different activity-based challenges.
- Paulo Dybala: Focuses on Clubs and Stadium activities, with objectives involving teamwork and Club progression.
Remember that Kickabouts and Street Football are separate activity types. Kickabouts have their own rules and objectives, while Street Football follows small-sided match formats. Both can contribute to your progression, so check their activity boards and the available objectives before joining.
4. AXP Consumables and Amps
Consumables and Amps can speed up progression or temporarily improve your active Archetype, but they serve different purposes.
AXP Consumables
Instant AXP items award experience directly to the Archetype you currently have selected. Some consumables can be used on any Archetype, while others have specific requirements or level limits.
AXP multiplier consumables work differently: instead of granting experience immediately, they increase the amount of AXP you earn for a limited period or number of matches. Select the Archetype you want to develop before using an Instant AXP consumable. The experience is applied to whichever build is active when you use the item, so selecting the wrong one can waste valuable progression.
Amps (Accelerated Match Performance)
Amps provide temporary gameplay improvements to your active Archetype. Depending on the item, these benefits can include Attribute boosts, PlayStyles, PlayStyles+, or Perks. Some Amps also have an Archetype Affinity. Equipping one to its matching Archetype activates an additional benefit, making it worthwhile to check compatibility before choosing your loadout.
Unlike AXP consumables, Amps are designed to influence match performance rather than directly award progression experience. They also have limited match uses, so consider saving stronger options for important fixtures. Note that Amps do not apply during Kickabouts.
5. Archetype Masteries: Permanent Attribute Bonuses
Masteries provide one of the strongest long-term incentives to develop multiple Archetypes. Reaching Level 10 with an Archetype grants permanent +1 bonuses to two associated Attributes. These improvements carry over to your other Pro builds rather than benefiting only the Archetype you used to earn them. You can earn another permanent +1 bonus to the second Mastery Attribute when that Archetype reaches Level 30.
| ARCHETYPE | LEVEL 10 MASTERY BONUSES | ADDITIONAL LEVEL 30 BONUS |
| Shot Stopper | +1 GK Positioning, +1 GK Reflexes | +1 GK Reflexes |
| Sweeper Keeper | +1 GK Handling, +1 GK Diving | +1 GK Diving |
| Progressor | +1 Long Passing, +1 Standing Tackle | +1 Standing Tackle |
| Boss | +1 Aggression, +1 Strength | +1 Strength |
| Marauder | +1 Sliding Tackle, +1 Sprint Speed | +1 Sprint Speed |
| Disruptor | +1 Stamina, +1 Interceptions | +1 Interceptions |
| Recycler | +1 Defensive Awareness, +1 Short Passing | +1 Short Passing |
| Maestro | +1 Reactions, +1 Ball Control | +1 Ball Control |
| Creator | +1 Free Kick Accuracy, +1 Vision | +1 Vision |
| Spark | +1 Crossing, +1 Dribbling | +1 Dribbling |
| Magician | +1 Curve, +1 Acceleration | +1 Acceleration |
| Finisher | +1 Composure, +1 Finishing | +1 Finishing |
| Target | +1 Balance, +1 Jumping | +1 Jumping |
These bonuses make it worthwhile to develop Archetypes outside your primary position. For example, a player who mainly uses Finisher can still benefit from leveling Boss for additional Aggression and Strength, or Magician for Curve and Acceleration. You do not need to use those builds permanently to benefit from their Mastery rewards.
Make the Most of Your Archetype Progression
FC 27 gives you plenty of room to experiment with different Pro builds, and there is little reason to commit all your progression to a single Archetype. Start with the role that suits your preferred position, use matches and Mentor objectives to earn AXP, and take advantage of free Attribute adjustments as your playstyle develops. Once your main build feels comfortable, begin leveling complementary Archetypes to unlock Mastery bonuses that improve every version of your Pro.
