NHL 26: The Review
Ice hockey is back in the spotlight with NHL 26, and fans are buzzing. EA Sports promised this year’s entry would refine gameplay, enhance presentation, and deliver a true-to-life hockey experience. But does it actually live up to the hype? In this NHL 26 review, we’re breaking down everything that matters — from core gameplay to visuals, modes, and overall feel on the ice.
First Impressions: Sharper, Faster, Better
Booting up NHL 26 feels familiar yet fresh. The menus are slicker, the soundtrack is packed with energy, and the visual presentation is sharper. Transition animations between menus and game modes are faster, meaning less waiting and more time on the ice.
Straight away, players notice tighter controls. Passing feels more responsive, skating is smoother, and player agility has been noticeably improved. Compared to NHL 25, there’s less stiffness in movement. This makes skating transitions, pivots, and dekes feel far more natural.
Gameplay: Realism Meets Accessibility
At the heart of NHL 26 is gameplay refinement. EA Sports has clearly listened to feedback, polishing mechanics without reinventing the wheel.
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Skating and physics: The skating engine strikes a great balance between realism and accessibility. You still feel the weight of players, but movement isn’t clunky. Acceleration out of tight turns feels more fluid than in previous instalments.
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Passing and shooting: Passing is crisper, and new stick physics mean intercepted passes happen more realistically. Shooting has also been reworked. Wristers and slapshots carry more weight, and goalies respond with sharper animations.
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Checking and physical play: Body checks are impactful but no longer overpowered. You can’t just steamroll opponents repeatedly. Timing and positioning are key, rewarding skill over brute force.
This blend creates an experience that feels authentic without punishing casual players. Hardcore fans will appreciate the depth, while newcomers won’t feel overwhelmed.
Visuals and Presentation: Bringing the Arena Home
One of the biggest improvements in this year’s game is its presentation. Arena lighting has been upgraded to mimic real NHL broadcasts. Spotlights bounce off helmets, ice reflections look crisp, and crowd animations have more variety.
The commentary team sounds more fluid as well, with fewer repeated lines compared to NHL 25. Crowd reactions now shift dynamically depending on the scoreline or a big hit, helping immerse players even deeper.
Cinematic replays also deserve a mention. They’re smoother and highlight key plays from better angles, giving that genuine TV-broadcast vibe.
New Features in NHL 26
EA Sports has added several new features to keep the series fresh.
Enhanced Be a Pro Mode
Career mode gets subtle but meaningful upgrades. Player progression feels less scripted, with new skill trees offering more customisation. Choices off the ice, such as media interactions, have a stronger impact on your career. These narrative elements are not groundbreaking, but they make the journey more personal.
Franchise Mode Improvements
Franchise mode returns with tweaks rather than an overhaul. The biggest change is improved AI for trades and free agency. General managers now act more realistically, making roster-building both challenging and rewarding.
World of Chel
World of Chel continues to be a fan-favourite, and this year it benefits from smoother matchmaking and reduced load times. Cosmetics have expanded, offering players more freedom to create unique avatars. Seasonal events keep the mode lively, encouraging players to return regularly.
Ultimate Team Updates
Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) adds new seasonal objectives and a streamlined card system. Rewards feel more balanced, reducing the grind that often frustrates players. Microtransactions remain present, but free-to-play users now have more opportunities to compete without spending.
Soundtrack and Atmosphere
A great sports game thrives on energy, and NHL 26 nails this with its soundtrack. A mix of rock, indie, and upbeat tracks set the tone perfectly for matches. Commentary lines flow better, reducing the awkward silences or repetitive moments that plagued older entries.
The authentic arena sounds stand out too. The thud of pucks against boards, skates carving the ice, and roaring crowds build an atmosphere that pulls you right into the action.
Performance and Technical Aspects
Performance has been rock solid during testing on both PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Load times are minimal, frame rates stay steady, and crashes are rare.
On PC, optimisation has been significantly improved. Last year’s version suffered from technical hiccups, but NHL 26runs far more smoothly. Adjustable graphics settings also make it more accessible to players with mid-range hardware.
Strengths of NHL 26
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Refined gameplay with smoother skating and shooting mechanics.
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Realistic presentation, from crowd energy to commentary.
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Strong soundtrack that adds energy to the action.
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Improved Be a Pro and Franchise modes.
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More balanced Hockey Ultimate Team progression.
Weaknesses of NHL 26
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Microtransactions in HUT are still divisive.
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Be a Pro narrative improvements are modest, not revolutionary.
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Some animations, especially celebrations, remain recycled from past games.
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Fans hoping for radical changes may feel underwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
NHL 26 doesn’t reinvent the ice, but it sharpens nearly every aspect of the experience. With refined gameplay, improved presentation, and more balanced progression, it sets a high standard for future instalments.
Hockey fans will find a game that respects the sport, rewards skill, and captures the thrill of the NHL season. Whether you’re chasing the Stanley Cup in Franchise Mode or grinding in World of Chel, this year’s entry ensures the action feels better than ever.
Ready to hit the ice? Grab NHL 26 now through our affiliates — Get it on Xbox or Get it on PlayStation and start your journey today!
