The first details aboutNHL 25have been revealed ahead of the game’s release later this year. The next in a long line of hockey video games developed by EA,NHL 25will bring the latest and greatest gaming technology to a realistic simulation of NHL play. The main new introduction this year is the ICE-Q system, which purports to improve player AI across multiple categories. Computer-controlled players will apparently be more viable, and a new set of animations will make everything look smoother and more accurate to real life.
NHL 25will be the 31st NHL video game released by EA, continuing a long tradition that stretches back toNHL Hockeyin 1991. Here’s everything to expect when it comes out later this year.
NHL 25 Release Date, Price, & Platforms
When Does NHL 25 Come Out?
NHL 25will be released on June 08, 2025, just one day after the start of the actual NHL season.At launch,it’ll be available on both Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5consoles. UnlikeNHL 24, it’ll be skipping the previous-generation consoles PS4 and Xbox One, setting it apart from otherEA Sports games releasing this year. Those who pre-order certain editions ofNHL 25(see below) will also receive a week’s worth of early access, so their release date will technically be September 27.
NHL 25 Preview: Skating On The Line Of Realism
An early look at NHL 25 provided a peek at the franchise’s improved visuals, but its enhanced player AI may be the leap forward fans have waited for.
NHL 25: Early Access Details
How To Get Early Access To NHL 25
Preordering the Deluxe Edition ofNHL 25grants players seven days of early access, allowing them to start playing the game as early as September 27. Not unlikeNBA 2K25’s Early Tip-Offfeature, the actual unlock time may vary by region; further details are expected to be revealed closer to launch.
Early access toNHLgames often comes with extra benefits- namely, a head start on the very first season of World of Chel,NHL 25’s competitive online mode. Players will have extra opportunities to rise through the ranks and unlock new tiers of the Battle Pass, unlocking new cosmetic items for both player and team customization. There may be unique, time-limited events during the early access period ofNHL 25, which might reward additional experience points for completing tasks early.
NHL 25: All Editions & Preorder Bonuses
Standard & Deluxe
NHL 25is available in two editions: Standard and Deluxe, as per usual. While the Standard Edition doesn’t include any special bonuses if purchased on or after the release date of October 4, players who preorder it will receive a handful of goodies.
First,they’ll get 500 NHL points, which can be used in either Hockey Ultimate Team or World of Chel mode to purchase new players or other in-game items. They’ll also receive a player pack for HUT mode, allowing them to get a head start on selecting players for their ultimate teams, along with a 2x XP Boost for the World of Chel Battle Pass, which will allow them to reach some of its rewards more quickly. Finally, they’ll be able to select from Jack, Quinn, or Luke Hughes player cards for their custom teams, each of which has a 99 overall rating.
Madden NFL 25 Review: Does Meeting Base Expectations Make It Worth Buying?
Madden NFL 25 is the latest annual release for the Madden franchise. The game has made some improvements to previous versions, but is it worth buying?
The Deluxe Edition ofNHL 25comes with significantly more add-ons, including seven days of early access to the game, allowing them to access it beginning September 27. Besides that, players who preorder the Deluxe Edition will receive 4,600 NHL points, instead of the Standard Edition’s 500. They’ll also receive access to World of Chel’s Premium Battle Pass at no additional cost. The Deluxe Edition also comes with the player’s choice of cover athlete as a player card, along with a Wildcard Starter, a World of Chel player set, and a “Hockey is Family” pack for HUT mode.
Players who want early access toNHL 25will have to preorder it before its official release date of October 4.
Much as with the Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition preorderers can also claim a regular HUT player pack, an XP boost for World of Chel mode, and their choice of Jack, Quinn, or Luke Hughes.The Deluxe Editioncosts $99.99 across both platforms, or $89.99 with a subscription to EA Play.
NHL 25’s Cover Athletes Are The Hughes Brothers
Jack, Quinn, & Luke Hughes
NHL 25’s cover athletes are Jack, Quinn, and Luke Hughes, collectively known as the Hughes brothers. Quinn, the oldest brother, entered the NHL first, being drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018. He’s remained with the team ever since, known for his skillful skating and strategic puck movement. He was named a Calder Memorial Trophy finalist during the 2019-2020 season, but came second in the voting to Cale Makar.
The Hughes family is deeply involved in the ice hockey world; Jack, Quinn, and Luke’s mother Ellen Weinberg-Hughes played for the US women’s national ice hockey team, and their father worked as the director of player development for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jack followed when he was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2019, the first overall pick of that year’s NHL entry draft. Still a center for the Devils, Jack is a co-captain for the team, and finished last year’s season with 27 goals and 74 points in 62 games. Luke followed Jack onto the Devils in 2021, the fourth overall pick in that year’s draft. On defense, Luke leads all NHL rookie defensemen in power-play points, goals, and takeaways.
And that’s everything to know aboutNHL 25at this early pre-release stage. Further details, including those about its ICE-Q system for improved player AI and animations, are expected to be revealed in gameplay deep dives and trailers prior to launch. All the rest will have to wait until afterNHL 25’s October 4 release date.
