Players who locked in the Deluxe Edition of NHL 26 can start playing today. EA Play members on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 also have access to a 10-hour trial, giving them a chance to hit the ice early. Make sure to get a few games in and share your impressions with the community.
In NHL 26, EA Sports is putting more focus on what makes the league’s biggest names stand out. The new ICE-Q 2.0 system, powered by NHL EDGE data, shapes how superstars move, think and play to better mirror their real-life counterparts. Attributes and Tendencies are drawn from real data, so each player’s style and decision-making feel more authentic. The expanded X-Factor system adds 28 abilities across five categories, complete with unique animations and tactical outcomes that can shift the momentum of a game.
NHL 26 also adds more depth in net with the new Goalie Crease Control System, giving goalies smarter reactions and more control in tight spaces. With improved positioning and new reflex saves that respond to deflections and poke checks, the action between the pipes feels more dynamic. Be A Pro has also been overhauled, putting every decision in the spotlight as players work their way from rookie to superstar. Updated storylines, characters, challenges and cutscenes help bring the journey to life in a way that feels closer to the real grind of a pro career.
For anyone skipping Early Access, NHL 26 will officially launch on September 12 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
