NHL 26 is all about this individuality. Setting a new standard for hockey realism, every star plays more like their real-life counterpart with the new ICE-Q 2.0 fueled by NHL EDGE positional data (NHL EDGE Puck and Player Tracking). Real-world sport data now informs player attributes and personal tendencies. Skating speed, shot power, unique behaviors and signature moves are reflected in the game, giving true hockey fans a strategic advantage. The new Goalie Crease Control System also makes netminders more responsive, with smarter positioning and quicker, more natural saves. Combined with an expanded set of X-Factors that amplify superstar abilities with unique playstyle animations and gameplay outcomes, fans will experience a deeper connection to their favorite players, whether they’re controlling them or playing against them.

The fully revamped fan-favorite Be A Pro mode gives players full control over their journey from rookie to NHL superstar. Fresh storylines, new characters, high-stakes challenges, and cutscenes make the experience more realistic and engaging than ever before. From competing in the World Juniors to the draft or working their way from the minors back to the big leagues, players will craft their own legacy on and off the ice.

The new HUT Seasons will give players an all-new, dynamic way to compete by introducing new team-building mechanics, ranked matches, and an offline mode geared for those who prefer to play at their own pace, the HUT Cup Chase. With new Heroes and Icons player cards added each season to celebrate the greatest to ever lace up their skates, plus visual upgrades that elevate every moment, players will experience this and much more in NHL 26.

Today's video delves into NHL 26's gameplay innovations and demonstrates how superstars play more authentically than ever, thanks to the improved ICE-Q 2.0 gameplay system, powered by NHL EDGE positional data (NHL Puck and Player Tracking).

For the first time in franchise history, real-world Puck and Player Tracking data - captured by infrared technology and arena cameras across all 32 NHL rinks - is seamlessly woven into the fabric of NHL 26. The NHL EDGE system tracks millions of data points, from skating acceleration and top speed to shot power, shot location and save types, all of which now inform on-ice behavior in NHL 26. ICE Q 2.0 powered by NHL EDGE ensures the in-game action mirrors the intensity and individuality of the NHL’s best.

With ICE-Q 2.0 players will notice significant differentiation between superstar athletes. Real NHL data directly influences player attributes and personal tendencies like skating speed, shot power, signature playstyles, and even goalie reactions, elevating the experience with authentic intensity and strategic depth. This unique integration allows every player to live their NHL dream - moving, thinking, and playing just like their favorite athletes.

ICE-Q 2.0 Powered by NHL EDGE

Last year, we introduced ICE-Q, a new gameplay intelligence system that enhanced in-game player movement and responsiveness, providing fans with more control and a more authentic hockey experience. For NHL 26, we built on ICE-Q’s defining vision of True Hockey Intelligence by incorporating the data-driven insights of NHL EDGE to impact how players perform in-game, leading to dynamic line construction and evolving tactics that bring the game to life. All together, it means AI players start to think, move and play like real NHL superstars.

Here’s a look at the different areas of the game that have been improved with ICE-Q 2.0:

• 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: NHL EDGE data helps pinpoint the unique traits and intangible behaviours that set superstars apart, and incorporate them, alongside signature moves, into the game — like Draisaitl’s low shooting spot on the goal line and Trouba’s style of laying the body. Twenty-two distinct offensive and defensive tendencies make those in-game NHL players perform in lifelike fashion in NHL 26.

• Goalie Crease System: This new system gives players more control than ever between the posts, with goalies adapting seamlessly, focusing on angles and depth for more consistent saves. Featuring 81 new animations for close-range stops and poke checks, goalies now respond with greater awareness, tracking changes in puck direction even after an initial save attempt, and delivering dynamic, real-time reactions when the puck gets too close.

• ICE-Q 2.0 Presentation: In addition to feeling the difference with ICE-Q 2.0, players will see the gameplay system’s impact instantly with a host of all-new presentation elements that deliver detailed, visualized breakdowns of superstars’ feats. Extended replays now show expanded data insights— from shot and skating speeds to threat analyses on scoring chances, expected goals, and save zones.. New multi-story visual and audio replay packages highlight sequential game narratives, while faceoff comparisons and new camera angles deepen the immersion and storytelling of in-game broadcasts.

Refined and Impactful X-Factors

In NHL 26, X-Factors received a full overhaul, bringing superstar players to life with unique, game-changing abilities. Players this year can look forward to tactical gameplay outcomes for superstar players — explosive speed, pinpoint accuracy, unstoppable force and more — as well as a host of new, unique animations thanks to 28 refined and enhanced X-Factors across five categories. This creates more meaningful gameplay effects for each X-Factor and ensures that all of them bring genuine strategic differences to each game.

Additionally, players can take advantage of the all-new World of Chel X-Factor build system to create, tweak and experiment with their player builds. In NHL 26, X-Factors are now a formidable on-ice weapon that make superstars truly feel like superstars.

Players who pre-order the Deluxe Edition will receive up to seven days of early access, a multitude of perks including Matthew Tkachuk at 99 OVR as an immediate reward in NHL 25, 4600 NHL Points, HUT Starter Choice Pack and much more. All pre-order editions and information can be found here, loyalty offers with up to 10% off are also available.

EA Play members can enjoy a 10-hour early access trial starting September 5th, 2025 and other rewards including 3,000 WOC Coins and Season Pass XP Multiplier Tokens. They also receive 10% off EA digital content including pre-orders, game downloads, NHL Points, and DLC.

EA Sports NHL 26 is coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on September 12, 2025.