New loadouts, updated X-Factors among changes to EA Sports NHL 26 World of Chel mode

One of the most popular game modes in the EA SPORTS NHL franchise is receiving as much of an upgrade as the game itself.

On Friday, EA Sports announced that World of Chel is getting more X-Factors, loadouts and more improvements for NHL 26.

For loadouts, “boosts” are no longer a thing. Instead, loadouts come with the X-Factor slots, similar to what the normal NHL players have in the video game. The X-Factors, which are the core abilities to an individual player’s identity, are no longer limited to specific archetypes, rather, skaters can have abilities for different styles of players, such as sniper, grinder, offensive defenseman, etc.

Also, gamers will have to be strategic in how they equip their X-Factors. Ability Point Costs put a player’s abilities on a budget, not allowing players to tack on the strongest attributes.

There are 28 updated X-Factors, including Rocket and Relentless, that give more precise enhancement to a player’s skill set. They are also restructured into five categories and three tiers, going from the lowest cost to the highest cost. The higher the price, the stronger the ability.

Players can earn more points by completing weekly, seasonal, playoff and event obejctives, giving them a better chance of improving their players.

Among the improvements to the EA Sports Hockey League club scene, users can transfer their clubs from NHL 25 into this year’s game. However, there will be a limited time to bring the gamer’s club to NHL 26. Also, Season Pass is free to everyone, meaning every player has access to all tiers of rewards across every season without the need to purchase upgrades.

NHL 26 will be released on Sept. 12 on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition can gain early access as early as Sept. 5.