## Hockey Season Kicks Off Early with NHL 26 Launch
Get ready for a season of competition, community, and culture as NHL 26 drops weeks before the real puck drops.
- NHL 26 is now available on PlayStation 5.
- The game features ICE-Q 2.0 technology for authentic gameplay.
- Be A pro mode has been fully revamped with new storylines.
- HUT Seasons introduces new ways to compete in Ultimate Team.
NHL 26 is here to bring the hockey season to fans worldwide. The game arrives three weeks before the start of the NHL’s 2025-26 regular season. With its ICE-Q 2.0 technology, a revamped Be A Pro mode, and the new HUT Seasons, NHL 26 provides an early pathway into the hockey season. It offers fans a dedicated space for competition, community, and the vibrant culture of the sport.
“Launching NHL 26 before the start of the real season is our way of celebrating fans who make the culture of hockey so electrifying,” said Mike English, Creative Director of EA Sports NHL. “This year, NHL 26 focuses everything on offering a truly authentic experience, making athletes feel like real superstars in-game. We invite every player to bring their own personality onto the ice and compete at the highest levels with a variety of game modes and experiences that engage and immerse them in the passionate hockey community.”
Pro tip: Utilize the new Goalie Control system to fine-tune positioning and timing for improved saves. Mastering this system is key to dominating in net.
Authentic Gameplay Powered by ICE-Q 2.0
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At the core of NHL 26 is the enhanced ICE-Q 2.0 technology. It’s now powered by official NHL Edge positional data, including puck and player tracking. For the first time, real skating speed, shooting tendencies, and player attributes directly influence in-game performance. This ensures stars like Auston Matthews, Leon Draisaitl, and Matthew Tkachuk play with unparalleled realism. The new Goalie Control System sharpens positioning, awareness, and saves. X-Factors 2.0 also redefines player abilities, giving them a strategic edge in matches.
Reader question: Does NHL 26 support cross-platform play? Currently,NHL 26 does not offer cross-platform play between PlayStation 5 and other consoles.
Be A Pro: A Renewed Journey
The fan-favorite be A Pro mode returns entirely revamped.Players can now live out their NHL dreams, experiencing the challenges and emotions of a professional hockey player. New storylines, characters, and cutscenes add drama both on and off the ice. Post-game performances directly impact opportunities, from highlights to potential call-ups from the minor leagues. Whether you aim to be a locker room leader or a flashy superstar,Be A Pro offers the most personal journey yet in the NHL franchise.
Dynamic Presentation and Visuals
NHL 26 elevates its presentation with expanded television replays and Dynamic Cinematic Lighting. A new arena and highly detailed player models bring fans closer to the sport they love. New cinematic scenes and key moments create an authentic dramatic atmosphere on the ice. It promises the most engaging depiction of hockey ever seen in a video game.
HUT Seasons and New Competitive Modes
NHL 26 introduces HUT Seasons, a dynamic new mode for competing in Hockey Ultimate Team. With innovative team-building mechanics, ranked competitive games, and offline HUT Cup Chase, players of all styles can find their competitive advantage. This mode offers fresh ways to engage with the popular Ultimate Team experience.
