While a lot of games are still getting released on last-gen, that doesn’t mean they have feature parity with their newer, shinier siblings. One of the genres that this is very evident to see are sports sims. In Madden NFL 25, those on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, will have more features to look forward to aside from shinier graphics.
From the newest iteration of FieldSENSE and the all-new BOOM tech, to even the presentation, there’s a lot of new features that last-gen Madden players won’t be able to experience since the franchise has been prioritizing current-gen for the last few seasons (as it should). Read on what to expect in the current-gen versions of Madden 25 and what new stuff it brings to the table.
Madden NFL 25 New Gameplay Features (Exclusive to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC):
Madden NFL 25 gameplay on PS5®, Xbox Series X|S, and PC brings new levels of control to players through FieldSENSE™ upgrades powered by BOOM Tech, plus signature styles and new mechanics with ball carriers, catching and pre-play, and a focus on football fundamentals within blocking, playbooks, and more:
Physics-Based Tackling: Cut loose and attack the ball with powerful Hit Sticks, Cut Sticks, trucks, dives, and stiff arms with more control and realism than ever. A new data-driven physics system considers timing, momentum, weight, speed, strength, and player ratings to inform 1-on-1 ball carrier impact for a wider variety of explosive and authentic physical outcomes.
Reloaded Hit Stick: Bring power in every phase of the game. The re-engineered Hit Stick uses a timing-based mechanic to provide more control determined by your angle of impact, stick skill, and accuracy for cut sticks, big hits, and trucks, with more realistic physical movements and results.
Ball Carrier Control: Run the rock with unparalleled confidence and command with the new Ball Carrier Balance and Recovery System. Feel the impact of every hit and experience the thrill of breaking tackles like never before with more realistic and dynamic ball carrier experience. Absorb big hits, regain your balance, and continue the drive, all based on the intensity of the collision and the ratings of the players involved.
Foundational Football: The latest additions to FieldSENSE™ deliver increased authenticity in all three phases of the game – offense, defense, and special teams – to celebrate and reward fans’ love of the NFL. New team-specific plays from some of the NFL’s most innovative play-callers bring enhanced strategy and gameplay variety, including the new NFL hybrid kickoff. Signature pre- and post-snap animations deliver a new level of immersion, and all-new skill-mechanics for ball carriers, receivers, and defenders provide players with ultimate control across the field.
The older features and modes are getting revitalized as well, which is par for the course for every sports sim that gets an annual release.
Presentation: Play by play never sounded so good with two additional commentary teams – Mike Tirico & Greg Olsen, and Kate Scott & Brock Huard – across the game plus fresh pregame montages, camera angles, environments, Super Bowl celebrations, and immersive audio that looks, feels, and sounds different at every level.
Franchise: Recharged Franchise mode provides a rebuilt NFL Draft night experience featuring Roger Goodell, a redesigned Franchise Central that delivers dynamic storylines and strategic insights, and more ways to customize your team and season on the Team Builder website.
Superstar Mode: Customize your avatar with new archetypes, faces, hair, tattoos, and more. Utilize new Combine drills to grow your avatar, then dominate The League, show off in Showdown, and collect rewards in year-round live events and dynamic seasonal experiences.
Ultimate Team™: Build the ultimate roster with more customization options that simplify lineup adjustments and include new challenge types, Solo Seasons, and fresh playbook content every update. Collect rewards with refreshed content all year long, and experience new ways to play including events that feature a 6v6 arcade-like experience.
Online H2H: Climb redesigned leaderboards by playing competitive seasons and mastering the new ranked structure in head-to-head divisions. Progress through divisions to gauge success; only the best of the best will qualify for a spot in the elite Top 100 division (on PS5®, Xbox Series X|S and PC).
EA showed off some of the new tech and features for Madden NFL 25 in short clips:
— Madden NFL 25 (@EAMaddenNFL) June 14, 2024
— Madden NFL 25 (@EAMaddenNFL) June 14, 2024
— Madden NFL 25 (@EAMaddenNFL) June 14, 2024
— Madden NFL 25 (@EAMaddenNFL) June 14, 2024
Why EA didn’t just release a trailer showcasing these off instead of tweets, I have no clue. You can read more about each new feature right here.
In addition to the info above, the Madden NFL 25 closed beta kicks off today for PS5, Xbox Series and PC.
Madden NFL 25 Closed Beta Info:
Schedule:
Weekend One: 2:00 P.M. EDT (Estimated) Friday, June 14th to 2:00 P.M. EDT Tuesday, June 18th
Weekend Two: 2:00 P.M. EDT (Estimated) Thursday, June 27th to 2:00 P.M. EDT Tuesday, July 2nd
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE MADDEN NFL 25 CLOSED BETA
Weekend One + Weekend Two:
- Play Now
- H2H
- Practice Mode
- Madden Ultimate Team
- Superstar
Weekend Two:
- Franchise Mode
- Training Camp
For those who didn’t get a code, you can still get one by regularly checking Madden’s official Twiter accounts where extra codes are being sent out (EAMaddenNFL, @EASPORTS_MUT, @MaddenNFLDirect).
More details regarding the closed beta is available here.
Madden NFL 25 is out this August 16, and you can read up on the different editions of the game to know which one to buy come launch.
