Every year, EA drops a few buzzwords and promises a “smarter, more authentic” version of Chel. Sometimes it’s a small step forward, sometimes it’s a fresh coat of paint. Can I say the same about the lead-up to NHL 26? Yeah, most certainly. But when it comes to unreleased games, we have to take developers at their word.
So, what’s the big focus of NHL 26? Supposedly, giving players more ways to express themselves, making the AI behave more like real NHL players, and making sure superstar abilities actually matter. That comes down to three major systems: A completely rebuilt Goalie Crease Control system, a redesigned X-Factor system, and the new ICE-Q 2.0 engine powered by NHL EDGE tracking data.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, why it matters, and how it might change your game.
A Rebuilt Goalie Crease Control System
Goaltending has been one of the most scrutinized aspects of Chel gameplay over the years, often criticized for being too passive or easily beaten by certain exploits. NHL 26 attempts to address this head-on with a total revamp of goalie AI and control.
EA has promised there will be 80+ new save animations. From reflex glove snags to active stick sweeps on low shots, goalies now have far more variety in their toolbox. Updated body seals, quicker pokes, and tighter coverage make them better equipped for second chances in the crease.
Positional awareness and save logic are also purported to be getting a buff. Hopefully, this means gone are the days when a simple cross-crease pass or last-second deke would fool the AI every time. Should the improvements that are promised hold true, new positional logic should let goalies play direction, cut off angles, and preemptively move into blocking position.
Another updated feature that plays into these is style-based AI, which is supposed to make each goalie distinct from one another in terms of style.
X-Factors Are Strategic And Tiered
X-Factors aren’t new to Chel by any means. But NHL 26 promises to redefine its role in gameplay. Should they act as promised, they will no longer be passive boosts and should be actively planned around.
In total, there will be 28 abilities divided into 5 categories. Each one is tied to a specific gameplay identity, from shooting and passing to physical play. Abilities are supported by visual triggers, so you know exactly when they’re in effect.
Abilities are now scaled across three effectiveness tiers. For example, the Rocket X-Factor boosts slapshot speed, trajectory, and can even stun goalies at higher levels. The Ankle Breaker can force panic turns on defenders when dekes are timed well. I’m sure this will give minute-to-minute gameplay some depth, but I doubt it’ll be used in the sim community much.
ICE-Q 2.0 Is A Major Selling Point
The biggest under-the-hood upgrade coming to NHL 26 is ICE-Q 2.0, the game’s AI and decision-making system. ICE-Q 2.0 is powered by real NHL EDGE tracking, which is the same puck and player tracking system used in all 32 NHL arenas. NHL EDGE tracks skating acceleration, top speed, shot location and velocity, heat maps, save percentages, and more. This data informs player attributes, habits, and presentation.
Should it work as advertised, ratings should now translate into visible differences on the ice. Here are some of the examples EA has shared in regards to this:
- Connor McDavid’s first few strides now feel like a true burst. When he gains possession in the neutral zone, you’ll feel that window to turn speed into separation.
- Auston Matthews gets his shot off with a smoother, more deceptive release.
- Cale Makar plays with a level of control that lets him escape forecheckers or recover on broken plays. His movement is fluid, especially when changing direction or transitioning between zones.
There is also a section on player tendencies, which provides similar examples:
- Leon Draisaitl often shoots from sharp angles and low-percentage areas near the goal line. In NHL 26, you’ll see him take those shots from tight space instead of circling wide or forcing a pass.
- Nathan MacKinnon leads with physicality on zone entries. He forces defenders to make contact decisions early and looks to muscle his way inside.
- Alex Ovechkin positions himself in his usual left circle spot during power plays. You’ll see him trail into space and wait for the puck to rotate his way, staying ready for a one-timer.
- Jacob Trouba times up open-ice hits in transition. He reads routes through the neutral zone and looks to step into the lane when attackers cut inside.
Again, these all look good on paper. And if they perform as advertised, I expect this to be one of the more immersive NHL games released in recent memory. It might even sway the OpSports sim and slider community to keep X-Factors and the like toggled on when creating their sets.
Other things are mentioned about presentation and the likes, but these seem to be the biggest takeaways. Let us know in the comments what you think about these latest innovations!
