The puck has officially dropped on a new season of world-class hockey simulation, as the next chapter in the iconic EA SPORTS series has hit the ice. It’s time for NHL 26.
EA SPORTS NHL 26 is available to play right now, at least for those who purchase the Deluxe Edition. This new instalment is now live on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, packed with a host of new features designed to make superstars truly feel like superstars.
Prepare to experience the most authentic hockey journey yet, powered by the new ICE-Q 2.0 system and an all-new Goalie Crease Control System. The Standard Edition (£69.99) launches on September 12th, but you can get on the ice today with the premium version.
A New Season of Innovation
The biggest leap forward this year comes from ICE-Q 2.0, now powered by real-world NHL EDGE data. This new system informs player attributes and tendencies, making your favourite superstars think, move, and play just like their on-ice selves. This is backed up by a fine-tuned and enhanced arsenal of 28 X-Factors, turning each star player into a formidable weapon.
Goaltenders have been given a huge upgrade too, with the all-new Goalie Crease Control System. This brings an upgraded awareness between the posts, with new close-range and reflex saves that allow for readjustments in reaction to puck deflections, crucial poke checks, and improved AI positioning.
You can live out your authentic hockey journey in a completely redesigned Be A Pro mode. Each choice you make will impact your career, with fresh storylines, new characters, unique challenges, and cinematic cutscenes that will take you from a rookie to a superstar.
The Tkachuk Era Begins
We’ve been following the road to NHL 26 for a while now. It was just a few months ago that we got the first details when EA SPORTS NHL 26 crowned the Tkachuk family as its cover stars and set the release date. Now, that day is finally here for early access players.
Choose Your Path to the Cup: Editions and NHL Points
As always with a major sports release, there are a number of ways to get into the game.
- Standard Edition (£69.99): Launches on September 12th.
- Deluxe Edition (£99.99): Playable NOW with 7-day early access. Includes 4600 NHL Points and a host of HUT and WOC content.
- NHL Points: For those looking to build their ultimate team, a number of optional NHL Points packs are also on offer, ranging from 250 NHL Points for £2.29 right up to a massive 20,000 NHL Points for £116.99.
Key Features
- ICE-Q 2.0 Powered by NHL EDGE Data: Star players think, move, and play like their on-ice selves.
- All-New Goalie Crease Control System: Increased control over the blue paint with new saves and improved AI.
- Redesigned Be A Pro Mode: Live out an authentic hockey journey with fresh storylines, characters, and challenges.
The lights are bright and the ice is calling. If you’re ready to team up with friends, build your own legend, and tell the world to Check My Game, EA SPORTS NHL 26 is ready for you on the Xbox Store right now. Find it on the PlayStation Store too.
Is NHL 26 on Game Pass?
At launch, NHL 26 is not on Game Pass. Expect to find it drop into the subscription service as part of EA Play later down the line though. The question is, can you hold back from hitting the ice? We doubt it.
NHL 26 Description
Play like a superstar in EA SPORTS NHL 26. That starts with ICE-Q 2.0, now powered by NHL EDGE data, so your favorite superstars think, move, and play like their on-ice selves.
