There has been a lot of talk about how NHL 26 will be unique and different, not to mention more realistic. Well, today, the developers have gone a step further in order to show how, and have done so by releasing a deep dive video.
The first in a planned series, this video focuses on the previously announced and detailed ICE-Q 2.0 and NHL Edge data tracking systems. They promise that these systems will make AI players perform more realistically than ever before.
Going further, today’s deep dive also talks about the updated X-Factors.
Here’s a look at the different areas of the game that have been improved with ICE-Q 2.0:
- Attributes: The NHL EDGE data that powers ICE-Q 2.0 is used to inform player attributes like skating acceleration, top speed, slap shot power and wrist shot power. This provides authentic differentiation for in-game superstars and offers players exciting strategic advantages.
- Tendencies: NHL EDGE data helps pinpoint the unique traits and intangible behaviours that set superstars apart, and incorporate them, alongside signature moves, into the game — like Draisaitl’s low shooting spot on the goal line and Trouba’s style of laying the body. Twenty-two distinct offensive and defensive tendencies make those in-game NHL players perform in lifelike fashion in NHL 26.
- Goalie Crease System: This new system gives players more control than ever between the posts, with goalies adapting seamlessly, focusing on angles and depth for more consistent saves. Featuring 81 new animations for close-range stops and poke checks, goalies now respond with greater awareness, tracking changes in puck direction even after an initial save attempt, and delivering dynamic, real-time reactions when the puck gets too close.
- ICE-Q 2.0 Presentation: In addition to feeling the difference with ICE-Q 2.0, players will see the gameplay system’s impact instantly with a host of all-new presentation elements that deliver detailed, visualized breakdowns of superstars’ feats. Extended replays now show expanded data insights— from shot and skating speeds to threat analyses on scoring chances, expected goals, and save zones.. New multi-story visual and audio replay packages highlight sequential game narratives, while faceoff comparisons and new camera angles deepen the immersion and storytelling of in-game broadcasts.
Refined and Impactful X-Factors:
In NHL 26, X-Factors received a full overhaul, bringing superstar players to life with unique, game-changing abilities. Players this year can look forward to tactical gameplay outcomes for superstar players — explosive speed, pinpoint accuracy, unstoppable force and more — as well as a host of new, unique animations thanks to 28 refined and enhanced X-Factors across five categories. This creates more meaningful gameplay effects for each X-Factor and ensures that all of them bring genuine strategic differences to each game.
Additionally, players can take advantage of the all-new World of Chel X-Factor build system to create, tweak and experiment with their player builds. In NHL 26, X-Factors are now a formidable on-ice weapon that make superstars truly feel like superstars.
NHL 26 will be released on September 12th.