NHL 26’s ICE-Q 2.0 and NHL EDGE Gameplay Innovations Explained

NHL 26 is changing up the series’ gameplay formula with a slate of new bells and whistles. With its new ICE-Q 2.0 system, NHL 26 will be able to deliver fans a heightened level of realism.

This time, the franchise will be given a boost by the ICE-Q 2.0 system, fueled by NHL EDGE data. The combination of ICE-Q2.0 and NHL EDGE will be key to NHL 26‘s gameplay trappings, allowing for improved presentation and more realism in its physics. EA Sports has recently revealed more details about how this system works, and what it will look like when the game launches in September.

NHL 26’s ICE-Q 2.0 And NHL EDGE Explained

NHL Edge Data In ICE-Q 2.0

New to the EA Sports NHL series is the ICE-Q 2.0 system. The ICE-Q 2.0 system is powered by NHL Edge data, which is taken straight from the ice; NHL EDGE data is captured by infrared cameras placed across all 32 NHL arenas. These cameras track millions of data points across a huge number of players, and this information is typically used by teams in the sport for strategic analysis.

Now, for the first time in the EA NHL franchise, this data is being used to improve the in-game experience. This data is used to inform a number of details in the game, including goalie behavior, superstar attributes, and gameplay presentation. On the whole, this live league data will make every playable superstar feel unique, adding precise polish to every aspect of the title’s action, down to the specific feel of individual movements.

Breaking Down The NHL EDGE Data Features

Perhaps the linchpin regarding the use of EDGE data in the upcoming NHL 26 is the way in which this data will, as stated prior, influence how each hockey superstar feels in-game. Each superstar will have dynamic skating and shooting attributes, meaning that each star will feel different enough; each player will better reflect the individual nuances of their real-life style. Players will also have offensive and defensive tendencies, which are also informed by the infrared data. Just as with the unique attributes, these tendencies will make every player feel like their real-life selves, using tactics personal to their style of play in addition to their individualized feel in the arena.

NHL EDGE data will bring NHL‘s top players to life in a whole new way, and it’ll do the same for the goalies. The data will bring goalie crease control to NHL 26, giving each goalie far more life in the virtual realm. Goalies have 81 new animations for a variety of new real-time reactions, including additional emotional reactions to what’s happening on the ice; moreover, this more dynamic set of animations and reactions will also stop goalies from lacking reaction and appearing unaware. ‘Save Wall’ technology will give goalies more options for protecting the goal, making them adapt better to a wider variety of shots. Goalies will also be able to seal up the post better, dealing with close-range saves more effectively. The AI positioning and control for goalies has also been greatly improved, injecting a further dose of reliability and realism into that area of the title.

Moreover, the use of EDGE data in the next NHL game will deliver a vast number of presentation improvements. Players can expect deeper insights with a number of expansions to replays, with goal replays, save replays, and multi-story replays all seeing new data points. Shot speeds, skate speeds, shooting percentage, and new replay types will be visible through goal replays, and save replays will now show off save zones, expected goals, and more new replay types. Multi-story replays will give fans more insight into the narrative moments of a game, showing off hat-tricks, goalie POV camera angles, and new third-person shots.

NHL 26’s X-Factors 2.0

NHL‘s X-Factor system is back, joining the ranks of this title’s gameplay innovations with a notable makeover. Following ICE-Q 2.0’s focus on making every superstar distinct, the X-Factor 2.0 system will bring fans a list of 28 new and refined X-Factors to modify their chosen stars with unique attributes. In addition to this list, the improved X-Factors have been bundled with evolved gameplay and tactical mastery mechanics, as well as a new World of Chel experience.

Based on NHL 25 data, the X-Factors in NHL 26 have been streamlined in a big way. In that game, it was discovered that players leaned into a select number of incredibly impactful X-Factor traits. Therefore, NHL 26 will see a list of 28 X-Factors that are all designed to be worthwhile options for fans to try out. Each X-Factor will add a great deal of strategic depth, and will offer dynamic value to encourage adaptation on the fly. These newly improved X-Factors are designed to all be entirely meaningful, but have also been balanced to ensure that no one X-Factor can break the game. Furthermore, when a certain X-Factor comes into play in-game, it’ll be highlighted underneath a player—though this extra info can also be toggled off.

The business of NHL 26‘s X-Factors also spills into the improved World of Chel experienced. Players can now spend a pool of ability points when building their setup, something implemented to encourage greater diversity of playstyle in a team. The greater level of customization in the builds available with World of Chel is designed to make it more of a challenge to find a singular ideal build. Rather, fans will have to discuss among themselves and investigate the new point system to find the best builds out of a far greater array of possible combinations, vastly enhancing the number of viable builds available.