Introduction to the Engine

If we want to explain this topic even to those who don’t yet know the term “engine” — for example, beginners — we need to start with a short explanation. So, let’s go:

1.) What is the “engine” in Sokker

The engine is the calculation mechanism that decides what happens on the field during a match — from passes to goals. We can’t see it directly, but every pass, shot, duel, or goal comes from its calculations. It’s like a referee and a scriptwriter in one: it evaluates all the players’ skills, tactics, and adds a touch of randomness to create the flow of the match.

2.) Visible player skills used by the engine

Speed – How fast a player moves.

Technique – Ball control, dribbling, and first touch.

Playmaking – Game intelligence and decision-making (who to pass to).

Passing – Accuracy and distance of passes.

Scoring – Ability to finish and shoot on goal.

Defending – Ability to stop attacks and read the game.

Stamina – How long a player can maintain performance during a match.

Tactical Discipline – Ability to follow instructions and maintain positioning.

Form – The player’s current performance relative to their base skills.

Height, weight, BMI – May slightly influence physical duels (e.g., headers).

Experience – Influences how effectively a player can use their other skills.

3.) Hidden or hypothetical factors (according to various theories)

Some players believe the engine also includes hidden attributes — such as bravery, mentality, or luck. Others think the main elements are tactics, visible skills, and a random factor.

4.) How the engine determines personal duels between players

When two players meet in a one-on-one situation — one attacking and the other defending — the engine sums up their relevant skills and compares the results.

Attacking player: Technique, Speed, Playmaking (+ form, tactical discipline, and experience).

Defending player: Defending, Technique, Speed (+ form, tactical discipline, and experience).

Additionally, a random factor is added to the result, and (according to some theories) a small influence from height/BMI.

Simple example: If an attacking player’s technique is much higher than the defender’s defending skill, he’ll get past him more easily. If they’re close in ability, speed, playmaking, other values, or even luck may decide the outcome.

5.) Summary for beginners

The engine is not a magical black box — it’s a formula trying to simulate football. If a player doesn’t understand why they lost, it’s not always just “bad luck” — tactical choices, form, and skill interactions all play a role. Your strategy and understanding of these factors can often change the outcome of a match more than the raw strength of your team.

And now, let’s look at some theories about how the engine might work (it could work differently in reality).
(edited)

No hidden skills in SK. Thread to be closed.

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I edited my first post.
(edited)

but....but...what about BMI :D

BMI is not a hidden value, as it is clearly documented on each player’s profile page. The issue with BMI is that it is a 'dead' value – it is present, but not implemented in the match engine..

What about height is that taken into account?

I've read that taller players are better attackers. But that's also just the opinion of one coach of a national team.

I know...

:D

So nothing concrete that it actually means something in the match engine?

Sorry for the ignorance, but from what I know, a tall, chubby player will accelerate slower, and a short + skinny player will accelerate faster. Am I wrong?!

And playing higher has the option of getting a headshot before a shorter player, no?

My understanding was that height was never implemented. Headers are typically won by the first player to get in set position under the ball.
As for BMI. High BMI players are slower to accelerate.

To my knowledge, height was implemented around 2010. BMI, however was not.

And it is like DIDIz says

+1 but I am not portuguese to confirm

not really...
bigger players have too much muscle so they are less explosive
slim players have too little muscle and accelerate also slower.
The closer players are to the perfect bmi for the game... 23.75 the faster they are
The smaller players are, the faster they accelerate