
Release Date: September 12, 2025
The thirty-fifth installment of the hockey sports series, published by Electronic Arts. NHL 26 offers various innovations, including an ICE-Q 2.0 system, an improved Be a Pro mode, a HUT Season mode and the X-Factors feature with 28 different skills.
The sports game series titled NHL, published by Electronic Arts, was initiated by the game NHL Hockey released in 1991. NHL 26 described here is its thirty-fifth installment, prepared by the EA Vancouver studio.
NHL 26 introduces four main innovations that distinguish this title from its predecessors:
NHL 26 was built on a proven gameplay scheme, in which we play matches, leading our team to victory. We can play both alone, competing with AI, and with other players (locally or over the Internet).
Platforms:
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S



31GAMES
A series of ice hockey simulators based on the license of the largest American hockey league. The brand is owned by Electronic Arts, and the development is handled by EA Canada studio.
On the occasion of the announcement of NHL 26, we learned about the game's release date, target platforms, and key new features.
video games
Christian Pieniazek
August 7, 2025
Game Ratings for NHL 26 Video Game.
IGN: 6 / 10 by Marc Deschamps
NHL 26 is a fine take on the sport of hockey, but it largely fails to offer any significant jumps from last year’s game.
TheXboxHub: 4 / 5 by Gareth Brierley
NHL 26 is one of those games that will easily last you the year, working as a welcome return to the franchise. Whether you are a hockey fan or not, you’ll get thrills from the on-ice action, taking you back to the glory days of decades gone by.
Rectify Gaming: 7 / 10 by Tyler Nienburg
While EA Sports NHL 26 successfully captures the realistic elements of the sport, there is still room for improvement. The game lacks arcade-style modes, and the overall gameplay feels monotonous. At times, it seems that the franchise gets overshadowed by other EA Sports series. NHL 26 has the potential to be even better, but aside from two improved game modes and minor gameplay adjustments, it resembles its predecessor.