PES 2017 introduced several mechanics that refined the series' "on-the-pitch" feel:

: Players can set specific philosophies like "Tiki-taka" or "Gegenpressing" to define their team's identity.

: For the first time in a soccer game, the AI learns how you play. If you frequently pass to a star winger, the AI will begin to double-team that player to shut down your strategy.

: A system that calculates how different players control and pass the ball based on their unique stats and the physics of the situation.

: Keepers in this edition saw a significant jump in quality, featuring more varied save animations and better decision-making. The PC Experience: Pros and Cons