NHL 26: A Familiar Rink with Familiar Skaters – Is It Worth the Ice Time?

The latest installment in EA Sports’ long-running hockey franchise, NHL 26, glides onto the scene with the promise of refined gameplay and an even more immersive experience. For veterans of the series, much of what you’ll find here is comfortingly familiar, like lacing up your favorite pair of skates.

For newcomers, it offers an accessible, thrilling introduction to the fast-paced world of virtual hockey. But while the on-ice action remains as compelling as ever, the journey off the ice into its various modes feels largely unchanged, leaving us wondering if this year’s iteration does enough to truly stand out.

At its core, NHL 26's gameplay shines.

The physics engine feels responsive, allowing for fluid skating, impactful checks, and precise puck control. Scoring goals feels incredibly satisfying, whether you’re deking past a defender for a highlight-reel finish or unleashing a one-timer from the slot. Goaltenders have seen some subtle improvements, offering more realistic animations and smarter decision-making, though the occasional soft goal still slips through, adding to the inherent chaos of hockey.

The revamped passing system, while requiring a bit of a learning curve, ultimately provides greater control and tactical depth, making team play more rewarding.

Visually and audibly, NHL 26 is a triumph. Player models are incredibly detailed, from the subtle nuances of facial expressions to the accurate equipment.

Arenas are brought to life with vibrant crowds, dynamic lighting, and broadcast-style camera work that makes every game feel like a prime-time event. The commentary team delivers their lines with energy and relevance, enhancing the immersion, though after dozens of games, some repetition inevitably creeps in.

The roar of the crowd, the clang of the post, and the satisfying thud of a body check all contribute to an authentic atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of the sport.

Where NHL 26 struggles to differentiate itself is in its perennial modes. Franchise mode, while still offering the deep management simulation fans expect, has received only minor tweaks that don't fundamentally change the experience.

Be A Pro, the narrative-driven career mode, suffers from the same fate, providing a solid foundation but lacking fresh incentives or compelling storytelling to keep players fully invested for multiple seasons. Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) continues its addictive card-collecting formula, with new challenges and reward structures, but it too feels like a refinement of an existing system rather than a bold new direction.

Online play is generally stable, with quick matchmaking and minimal lag in most instances, ensuring competitive matchups are fair and enjoyable.

However, the lack of significant innovation in its competitive modes, beyond seasonal updates, means that those looking for a revolutionary online experience might be left wanting. It’s a reliable online hockey experience, but one that doesn't push any new boundaries.

In conclusion, NHL 26 is a well-crafted hockey simulation that excels in its core gameplay and presentation.

The on-ice action is fluid, fun, and often exhilarating, capturing the essence of hockey beautifully. However, its reluctance to introduce substantial new features or overhaul its existing modes prevents it from being a truly transformative entry. It’s an excellent choice for those new to the series or for hardcore fans who simply crave more of the familiar, high-quality hockey they’ve come to expect.

But if you were hoping for a major shake-up, NHL 26 largely sticks to the tried and true path, delivering a solid, yet ultimately incremental, update to the franchise.