EA Sports Unveils Major Upgrades to NHL 26’s HUT Mode
EA Sports has announced significant enhancements to the Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) mode in its upcoming release, NHL 26. The updates aim to provide a more engaging experience for players while introducing new features and core system improvements.
One of the standout additions is the new Cup Chase feature, designed for fans of offline gameplay. This mode allows players to participate in an 18-game season, culminating in playoffs that follow a best-of-three format. Unlike traditional competitive modes, Cup Chase does not have a leaderboard or reset, enabling users to progress at their own pace. Players will also benefit from experience points (XP) that contribute to the overall reward track.
Ranked mode will complement the competitive landscape of HUT. This mode focuses on player progression, allowing individuals to advance in rank rather than struggling to regain lost standings after setbacks. Climbing the ranks comes with enhanced rewards, including exclusive jerseys. The ranking system will reset seasonally, ensuring a fresh competitive environment.
In addition to these features, EA Sports is making notable changes to team-building mechanics. Players will now need to consider a salary cap and various combo effects when assembling their teams. By combining players from specific nationalities, teams, or item types, users can unlock benefits such as rating boosts and increased ability points.
The overall structure of HUT is also being streamlined, with four core programs—Captains, Heroes, Icons, and Rookies—serving as anchors for the experience throughout the year. This new seasonal approach aims to keep players engaged and provide a clear framework for progression.
To further enhance user experience, EA Sports has redesigned HUT’s main menu. The updated menu is intended to be more intuitive and responsive, reducing loading times and minimizing the number of clicks required to navigate the interface.
These updates reflect EA Sports’ commitment to improving the Hockey Ultimate Team mode in NHL 26, offering players a more rewarding and engaging experience as they build their teams and compete in various formats. As the release date approaches, fans are eager to explore these new features and take their gameplay to the next level.
