Hit the ice in NHL 22!

Superstar X-Factor abilities

The most important new gameplay feature in NHL 22 is the addition of Superstar X-Factor abilities. This new system allows you to perform signature moves, inspired by the best players in the league. Elite superstars will have access to game-changing abilities based on the skills they’re most famous for: skating, shooting, passing, defending, goaltending or hockey IQ. For example, enhance your passing game with Leon Draisaitl’s “Tape to Tape” ability, which increases your backhand accuracy and reduces power penalties on passes within your vision. Play like a superstar with these new X-Factor abilities!

Source: EA

Updated visuals and physics thanks to Frostbite engine

On the visual side, NHL also offers plenty for new and returning players. For the first time in the history of the franchise, NHL 22 uses the Frostbite engine. This groundbreaking game engine powers many visual upgrades to make your matches feel more realistic than ever before. First off, player facial expressions have been completely overhauled with new shaders for hair and skin and improved eye movement animations that react to changes during the game. 

Stick play also feels more realistic thanks to updated stick physics. Your stick now moves more accurately which leads to hyper-realistic battles for the puck and fouls called for stick to body contact. Lastly, you’ll always have the right info at hand thanks to a new augmented reality broadcast feature. This system displays key game stats onto physical surfaces on the rink.

HUT 22

The fan-favorite Hockey Ultimate Team mode is also making a return in NHL 22. HUT 22 is updated with 50 new X-Factor players that can be upgraded with special “Power-up player items”. These items are upgradeable throughout the new seasons, based on live content. Upgrade your favorite players and unlock new synergy slots, ability unlocks or customization options. This means you’ll have access to completely new synergies for team building in HUT 22. You can upgrade your Power-up items with either special Power-up collectibles or HUT Coins, so start saving up!

NHL™ 22 1050 Points Xbox*

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

£7.99

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NHL™ 22 2200 Points Xbox*

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

£15.99

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NHL™ 22 12000 Points Xbox*

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

£79.99

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Rating updates

Of course, a new edition of HUT also comes with new rating updates for your favorite NHL players. To get you started, we’ll briefly go over the highest rated players for each position. 

If you’re looking for a goalie in HUT 22, Andrei Vasilevskiy is your best option, with an impressive 92 Overall Rating (OVR). Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is a close contender for best goalie, rated 91 overall. Swedish legend Victor Hedman is the highest rated (left) defender in NHL 22 and he’ll create an unbreakable defence with the best right defenceman in the game, John Carlson. On the right wing you’ll want to keep an eye out for Patrick Kane with his 92 OVR. Similarly on the left wing, we’ve got 92-rated Alex Ovechkin. The best center in the game, and also the highest rated player in NHL 22, is Edmonton Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid. He’s equipped with a stunning 95 OVR and the “Wheels” X-Factor ability, which allows him to avoid any agility, speed or acceleration penalty when skating with the puck.

Now that we’ve gone over the basics for the newest NHL installment, it’s time to gear up and head out onto the rink. Your ultimate ice hockey adventure starts today, with NHL 22!