Advanced Game Search
NHL 26

NHL 26

PlayStationXbox

EA Sports NHL 26

Released

Release Date: September 12, 2025

Sports, Ice Hockey, For 2 Players, Splitscreen, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Internet

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.

7.3

OpenCritic

Rate It!
Ratings
[8:14] - First Look Gameplay Overview Videos: 4
Screenshot Images: 7
Screenshot
Screenshot
Screenshot

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.

Biggest new features

NHL 26 introduces four main innovations that distinguish this title from its predecessors:

  1. ICE-Q 2.0 is an improved version of the system responsible for the behavior of players controlled by the AI, as well as for the realism of the gameplay. The whole thing was based on NHL Edge data.
  2. Thanks to X-Factors, we get 28 skills, which are divided into 5 categories.
  3. The Be a Pro mode has also undergone changes, which allows us to accompany our player on the journey "from novice to hockey superstar".
  4. The last big novelty is the HUT Seasons mode.
Read More

Platforms:

PlayStation 5

PlayStation 5

Xbox Series X/S

Xbox Series X/S

Early Access:September 5, 2025

Developer: EA Sports

Publisher: Electronic Arts Inc.

Game Series

NHL 26
NHL 26
NHL 26

31GAMES

NHL Game Series

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.

NHL Game Series

Features

News

NHL 26 has a release date. Electronic Arts sees the game's success in 4 new features

NHL 26 has a release date. Electronic Arts sees the game's success in 4 new features

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

NHL 26 has a release date. Electronic Arts sees the game's success in 4 new features

Ratings

Game Ratings for NHL 26 Video Game.

7.3

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 56% of Critics. There are 29 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

GamingBolt: 8 / 10 by Matthew Carmosino

There's a lot to love about this year's NHL game. From the redesigned Be A Pro mode to the enhanced NHL EDGE authenticity, it's a notable step up from previous years. NHL 26 has perhaps the best 'superstar' mode of EA's current sports lineup, which is shocking considering how stuck in the mud it's been prior to now. If you've been on the fence about EA's pro hockey series, now's the time to jump in.

Full Review

Cloud Dosage: 3.8 / 5 by Jon Scarr

NHL 26 feels sharper on the ice with smarter goalies, smoother stick handling, and stars that actually stand out. Be A Pro finally shakes things up with draft pressure and career consequences, while Hockey Ultimate Team adds Cup Chase and a salary cap to keep things balanced. Franchise Mode and presentation still feel behind, but the gameplay and mode updates make this a step forward. It isn’t a huge overhaul, but hockey fans will find plenty to dig into this year.

Full Review

Loot Level Chill: 8 / 10 by Chris White

EA Sports NHL 26 has made some big improvements to gameplay that become more noticeable over time, with a new Be-A-Pro mode that is better than before.

Full Review