NHL 25 is set to launch globally on October 4, 2024, with a significant transformation in both gameplay features and console availability.
As the hockey season approaches, with the first preseason games starting in September, EA Sports initiated the excitement by revealing initial details about the game in late August.
The publisher disclosed new gameplay features, the cover athletes, and the release date. Notably, this year’s release will be the earliest since the transition to Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.
Here’s everything we know so far about NHL 25.
Release Date
NHL 25 will officially release on October 4, 2024, with an early access period commencing on September 27, 2024. This announcement was made by EA in August 2024.
Cover Athletes
The Deluxe Edition of NHL 25 will feature three cover athletes: Quinn, Jack, and Luke Hughes. In the U.S., Devils center Jack Hughes will grace the cover of the standard edition, while Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes will be featured on the standard edition cover in Canada and internationally.
Trailer
Here’s the official teaser trailer for NHL 25:
Will NHL 25 Be Available for Nintendo Switch and PC?
No, NHL 25 will not be available on the Nintendo Switch or PC. Throughout its history, the NHL series has not launched on the Switch. As for PC gamers, the last edition available was NHL 09. The development team stated, “Currently, we’re focused on NHL 25 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, with no current plans to release on PC.”
Will NHL 25 Be Available for Xbox One and PlayStation 4?
No, there will not be versions of NHL 25 for Xbox One or PlayStation 4. This will mark the first instance since 2014 where the NHL franchise will not release on either console.
New Features
Gameplay advancements for NHL 25 include next-gen vision controls, enhanced animations, and improved one-timers. The development team mentioned that agility and acceleration attributes will impact next-gen vision controls, allowing players with higher stats in these areas to maneuver more effectively.
EA elaborated on gameplay enhancements in early September with their gameplay trailer:
Moreover, the pressure system has been adjusted; attacking players now regain more stamina when full pressure is applied.
This year, NHL 25 will introduce a “Grudge Match”feature for both online and offline modes. This mode will present pre-game scenes with historical matchup data, and “Impact Players”will receive unique X-Factors based on previous performances.
Introducing Grudge Match 😤 Track the history of matchups against rival teams in #NHL25 pic.twitter.com/KaaBIHps2p
— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) September 11, 2024
On September 20, EA Sports discussed the revamped Franchise Mode. While GM Connected won’t return, the mode will feature a redesigned home hub, complete box scores, split stats, contract negotiations, and no-trade clauses.
Additionally, EA will implement a single-path progression in Hockey Ultimate Team to streamline Squad Battles, Rivals, and the new Wildcard mode. More updates will follow in the coming weeks.
For further details about NHL 25, check out the list of the highest-rated players featured in this year’s game.
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