NHL 24: Release date, platforms, & more

❘ Published: 2023-09-28T15:27:43

Electronic Arts

Every year, EA Sports has released a new simulation hockey game. Here’s all the information we know about NHL 24.

Last year, EA Sports brought several new features to the NHL franchise, including crossplay and female hockey players in Hockey Ultimate Team.

So, what does EA have in store for the NHL franchise in 2023?

Here’s a look at what’s known about NHL 24.

Is there a release date for NHL 24?

EA confirmed that the worldwide release date for NHL 24 will come on October 6.

Those who purchase the X-Factor Edition will receive three days of early access prior to the 6th, while EA Play Members receive a 10-hour trial starting on October 3.

This release date fits the precedent that EA has set in recent years with the franchise. Last year, the developer of the franchise opted to release NHL 23 on October 14, and October 15, 2021 for NHL 22.

A closed beta for the NHL 24 game went live for a week in late August.

Is there a cover athlete for NHL 24?

On August 14, EA confirmed that Avalanche star Cale Makar will be on the cover of NHL 24.

Makar was a Stanley Cup champion in 2021-22, a season that also saw the young defenseman win the Norris Trophy.

NHL 23 saw Team Canada forward Sarah Nurse and Ducks center Trevor Zegras grace the cover.

Will NHL 24 be available for the Nintendo Switch or PC?

No. NHL 24 will not be released for either the Nintendo Switch or on PC.

NHL 24 will be released for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, much like for NHL 23.

It’s been over fifteen years since EA Sports released a NHL game on PC, with NHL 09. And as for Nintendo consoles, one would have to go back to NHL 06 on the GameCube to find an official EA Sports NHL game.

What new features will be in NHL 24?

EA Sports has promised a number of new features that will come to NHL 24.

The crux of the gameplay changes come by way of the new Exhaust Engine system. The system will reward players with sustained pressure and possession in the offensive zone, while defending teams will be under the gun to clear the zone.

There will also be a new Goalie Fatigue System that affects a goaltender’s ability to make saves as pressure is sustained and pucks are thrown towards the netminder. And, the controls have been revamped to provide hockey fans with a simpler way to perform complex moves like the Michigan.

NHL 24 will also include the Vision Passing System, which will “remap face buttons to teammates, allowing for more direct passing and the ability to pass anywhere at any time on the ice.”

Hockey Ultimate Team will receive several new additions, including Objectives 2.0, which will track Objective progress in real-time and HUT Moments. Hockey fans will be able to re-live moments in NHL history in Hockey Ultimate Team and unlock rewards.

For World of CHEL, individuals will be able to match up and join clubs with players from other consoles. Rewards from CHEL have also been re-worked, as bags have been removed. Users can purchase rewards with earned in-game currency, and also pick up new ones with free and premium Battle Passes.

Among other additional features include:

A shared Hockey Ultimate Team across PlayStation and Xbox platforms
HUT Share, which will allow players to share accomplishments and rosters on social media
New goal celebrations and changes to dynamic rink boards to reflect notable moments
Tuned goaltender mechanics to make it easier to stay in position
New control layout
Former Olympian and TSN analyst Cheryl Pounder named new color commentator

Have player ratings been released for NHL 24?

Yes, EA Sports released player ratings for the best at each position during the week of September 25.

Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, and David Pastrnak are among the best skaters in this year’s game. Andrei Vasilevskiy, Ilya Sorokin, and Igor Shesterkin rank among the best goaltenders in NHL 24.

While you’re waiting for more news on NHL 24, be sure to check out our other release hubs: