Play like a superstar in EA SPORTS NHL™ 26. That starts with ICE-Q 2.0, now powered by NHL EDGE data, so your favourite superstars think, move, and play like their on-ice selves. That includes data-informed Attributes and Tendencies which make star players perform in true-to-life fashion, with their playstyles and decision-making game-aware and impactful. A fine-tuned and enhanced arsenal of 28 X-Factors spans five different categories and is driven by unique animations, tactical gameplay outcomes, and tiers of impact, turning each into a formidable on-ice weapon. Superstars now truly feel like superstars.

The all-new Goalie Crease Control System brings an upgraded awareness between the posts with new close-range and reflex saves that allow for readjustments in reaction to puck deflections, poke checks, and improved AI positioning, giving goalies increased control over the blue paint. In a redesigned Be A Pro mode, each choice you make impacts your career, as you live out the authentic hockey journey from rookie to superstar, with fresh storylines, characters, challenges, and cut scenes.

It’s time to show out and tell the world to Check My Game.

Pre-order* EA SPORTS™ NHL™ 26 Standard Edition and receive:
● 500 NHL Points
● HUT NHL Player Pack
● WOC Battle Pass XP Boost (x2)
*Conditions & restrictions apply. See http://www.ea.com/games/nhl/nhl-26/disclaimers for details.

Gameplay

ICE-Q 2.0 powered by NHL EDGE
ICE-Q 2.0 utilizes powerful NHL EDGE data so you can think, move, and play like your favorite superstars. By informing player Attributes, Tendencies, and with the all-new Goalie Crease Control System, NHL EDGE data brings a deeper level of authenticity to Chel. Those genuine player skill updates and trademark tendencies enhance the action, whether you’re aware of Matthew Tkachuk’s relentless motor or not. Overall, it’s an impact you can see and feel on a strategic level, as ICE-Q 2.0 changes the way lines are constructed, along with players’ tactics from game to game and shift to shift.

ATTRIBUTES
The NHL EDGE data that powers ICE-Q 2.0 is used to inform player attributes like skating acceleration, top speed, slap shot power, and wrist shot power. This provides authentic differentiation for in-game superstars and offers players exciting strategic advantages.

TENDENCIES
What makes a superstar stand out is their individual tendencies on the ice. Highlighting their signature moves — like Draisaitl’s low shooting spot on the goal line and Trouba’s proclivity for laying the body — brings their on-ice character to life. It’s those unique ingredients that make superstars great, and those behaviours are complemented by dynamic new X-Factors for increased impact.

GOALIE CREASE CONTROL SYSTEM
The Goalie Crease Control System brings fresh fire to the netminder with an upgraded awareness between the posts, thanks to new close-range saves, poke checks, as well as upgraded AI positioning that gives goalies increased control over the blue paint. These real-time reactions allow goalies to respond fluidly to changes in puck direction with split-second authenticity.

ICE-Q 2.0 PRESENTATION
When you pick up the sticks, you can feel the difference that ICE-Q 2.0 brings, but now with all-new presentation elements, you get detailed, visualized breakdowns of that impact. Expanded replay insights highlight everything from skating speed, shot speed, and shooting percentage, to save zones, threat analyses on goal, and team stat comparisons. Enhanced broadcast graphics showcase player stats at faceoffs to amp up the in-game storytelling, along with new multi-story visual and audio replay packages that highlight important, sequential game narratives, like when a D-Man of Makar’s ilk orchestrates a steal that leads to a late game-changing goal.

X-FACTORS
X-Factors enhances an arsenal of 28 abilities over five different categories with unique animations, tactical gameplay outcomes, and tiers of impact. This makes X-Factors a formidable on-ice weapon, while also helping superstars truly feel like superstars, including with bold new presentation elements. So when Auston Matthews fires off his Quick Release X-Factor, its speed and power may catch the opponent’s goalie by surprise, just like he does on the regular IRL. In World of Chel, players can now also utilize the all-new X-Factor build system to endlessly create, tweak, and experiment with their player builds.

Game Modes

BE A PRO
A revamped Be A Pro mode allows the player to live their hockey journey from rookie to superstar with fresh storylines, characters, challenges, and cut scenes with a superb cast of voice actors that make BAP more authentic and engaging than ever before, as each choice you make impacts your career. Play your way from World Juniors to the draft, experience the emotions of your first pro game, the highs of being a human highlight reel to getting grilled at post-game pressers for a lingering dry spell — and if that keeps up, having to work your way back to the big league from the minors.

In BAP, craft your personality and playstyle on the big stage. From the abilities and X Factors you use to being a brash superstar or humble locker room hero, your Create-A-Player is as unique and dynamic as you are.

Plus, genuine tunnel walkouts for a selection of NHL teams and all-new facial animations bring an extra dose of authenticity to your journey to the Cup.

HUT SEASONS
Welcome to HUT Seasons, an all-new, dynamic game mode experience where every match-up matters. That starts with revolutionized team-building mechanics that fuel the intensity of HUT Ranked Competitive Matches and bring the fun to HUT Cup Chase, a new offline mode geared for those who prefer to play at their own pace.

TEAM BUILDING
There are infinite ways to construct your squad in HUT Seasons thanks to innovative new team-building mechanics that keep things fresh and engaging all year long. Utilize season-specific rules, rotating team captain themes, and player combinations to unlock powerful boosts to OVR, attributes, salaries, and more. Plus, a streamlined user interface makes crafting a seamless experience.

HUT RANKED COMPETITIVE MATCHES
If you live for edge-of-your-seat competitive kicks, Ranked Competitive Matches are for you. Build your team, and play your way through the ranks until you reach the top. It’s time to find out if you hang onto your number and claim the championship.

HUT CUP CHASE
Ready to play for some hardware? In HUT Cup Chase, it’s you versus the CPU in offline mode, as you battle it out through a mini-season of 18 league games as you attempt to make it to the playoffs, and advance through the bracket on your way to the HUT Cup and exclusive Season rewards.

HEROES AND ICONS
Celebrate the best, play with the best. Each season, all-new Heroes and Icons player cards will be released, spanning teams and eras, adding a dynamic new edge to your deck building.

HEROES have made an indelible mark on the game of hockey, creating lasting memories and legacies.

ICONS are more than just players — they are the greatest to ever grace the ice. Up your game by adding these legends to your lineup.

Legal

NHL, the NHL Shield and the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. © NHL 2026. All Rights Reserved. Officially Licensed Product of the National Hockey League. NHLPA and the NHLPA logo are trademarks of the NHLPA and are used under license by Electronic Arts Inc.

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