In just over a week, Madden 26 will be released to the world. And if you pre-ordered the game and have Early Access, you will have the game in just a matter of days. But even this close to launch, many longtime players of EA’s football sim might still have a ton of questions about Madden 26 and how it will play when it finally does come out. And rightfully so — for years, fans have maligned new Madden entries as glorified roster updates with little in the way of innovation or improvements. But, if I’m being completely fair, the latest Madden looks like it could be a fairly solid game, if not very good.
Earlier today, EA dropped a first look at Madden 26 gameplay, giving players a good impression of what the game will play like when two people are controlling the action. Obviously, this was pre-recorded and edited, meaning there can always be some ugly surprises in store for day-one buyers. But judging by what we’ve been shown, these are our biggest takeaways from the first good look we’ve been given of Madden 26 gameplay.
Yeah, That Weather Looks Intense
One of the things that EA has pushed the most in the lead-up to Madden 26‘s release is the new weather system, which includes more extreme options than the ones we’ve had available to us in past years. Also, in the past, the weather in Madden has been mostly cosmetic. This year, however, the weather is supposed to play a bigger role than it ever has before, and EA proved it today.
In a game between content creator Fendler and Aaron Jones of the Minnesota Vikings, a snow game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Vikings was showcased. And sure enough, it’s intense.
Through the thick snow, seeing more than 15 or so yards down the field is next to impossible. Players also consistently lose their footing, turning routine plays into battles of attrition against both the opposing team and Mother Nature herself.
I love a good snow game, or any kind of game where inclement weather is a factor. And to see Madden actually incorporate this in such an immersive way is extremely refreshing.
There Will Be Over 2000 Plays At Launch (And More Coming)
Anybody who’s been following our coverage of College Football 26 knows that we here at Operation Sports take our playbooks seriously. And, according to the gameplay first look, Madden 26 will be following suit.
At launch, over 2,000 unique plays will be in Madden 26. And according to EA, more will be added through future updates. This should make playbooks in the game more expansive and diverse than they ever have been. We’re still waiting on word on whether or not the Tush Push will be in the game or included in a future update, however.
These 2,000 plays, in addition to the new “Coach DNA” feature, should provide the game with some dynamism in terms of how different teams play. For sim heads and competitive players alike, this level of depth and authenticity is a big step forward. Well, that’s the hope, at least.
Player Movement And New Animations
At least from looking at it, movement in Madden 26 seems faster and tighter, but without sacrificing realism. Multiple players in the first look noted how the game is quicker than Madden 25, but also more calculated. It’s less arcade, more authentic.
The signature QB styles are a standout here. From Kyler Murray’s quick sidearm release to Aaron Rodgers’ patented flicks, quarterbacks seem to be more distinct than they ever have. Combined with freeform passing, this should open up a ton of nuance in how you place the ball, especially in the red zone or when throwing into tight coverage.
Even mechanics like trucking have seemingly been refined. Trucking is now a right-stick flick instead of a hold, giving you more precise control. On top of that, a new mechanic that allows you to reach the ball out in an attempt to grab that extra yard has been added, though it increases your likelihood of losing the ball.
