Starting a game: Before use, carefully read the instructions supplied with the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system. The documentation contains information on setting up and using your system as well as important safety information.

Touch the (power) button of the PlayStation 4 system home screen, and then press the cross button. Refer to this manual for information on using the software.

Quitting a game: Press and hold the PlayStation button, and then select [Close Application] on the screen that is displayed.

Returning to the home screen from a game: To return to the home screen without quitting a game, press the PlayStation button. To resume playing the game, select it from the content area.

Removing a disc: Touch the eject button after quitting the game.

Trophies: Earn, compare and share trophies that you earn by making specific in-game accomplishments. Trophies access requires a Sony Entertainment Network account.

WHAT’S NEW IN MADDEN 21

SUPERSTAR KO

Madden’s quickest way to play is back. Pick a team, then draft your Superstar X-Factors to take on the world. Each team has a specially selected roster and playbook that suit a specific style of play, while the X-factor players can be chosen to accentuate your strengths of cover up your weaknesses. With special house rules and limited-time events, Superstar KO is the perfect change of pace.

THE YARD

New mode, who dis? The Yard changes all you think you know about Madden. Welcome to a world where anyone can receive the snap, double passes behind the line are the norm, and style means everything. Six players on each team duke it out ironman style, playing on both sides of the ball, in a version of Madden’s gameplay that amps up the creativity and fun.

Create Your Player

Your created player is at the center of The Yard experience. They will represent you in every game, but how the play, and even where they line up, is up to you. In each game, you will choose your positions on the field and the Prototype that defines how you play.

Power Up Your Prototypes

Every game is different, and your prototypes. Based on NFL’s greatest players, past and present, you can choose which Prototype you want to apply to your Create-A-Player and change up the way they play. Want to be a Scrambling QB? Sure. A fearsome Defensive Back? We got you. As you play through each game, you will be earning progress that will let you power up your Prototypes and earn customization items for your Create-A-Player.

Set High Scores Around the World

Choose events in a variety of locations and focus on setting the highest score. All of your best scores will count towards your Rank and unlock awesome rewards.

COMPLETE CONTROLS

PLAY CALLING

Adjust play call settings at any by visiting SETTINGS> VISUAL FEEDBACK> PLAY CALL STYLE, or customize your settings in the options that appear before each game:

Enhanced

Gives you three suggestions at a time from a full range of options, including Coach Suggestions, Formation, Concept, Play Type, Personnel, and Recent Plays.

Slim

This option has all the same choices as Enhanced while showcasing the beautiful broadcast presentation of Madden NFL 21.

Change the Tempo setting to fine-tune how you compete against the clock:

Normal

The default option.

No Huddle

Your offense automatically goes into No Huddle offense when it gets tackled in bounds while the clock is running.

Check Clock

This runs the play clock down to 10 seconds—a great option late in the game when you’re looking to deplete the game clock!

GAME CONTROLS

Offense

PRE-PLAY OFFENSE

Snap ball (Hurry to line): cross button

Switch player: circle button

Audible: square button

Hot route: triangle button

Motion player: left stick left + left stick right (hold)

Pass protection: L1 button

Fake snap: R1 button

Show Play Art: L2 button

X-Factor Vision: R2 button

Player lock: L3 button (double tap)

Pre-play menu: R3 button

Zoom in gameplay camera: Dpad down

Zoom out gameplay camera: dpad up

PASSING

Throw to receiver (1): cross button

Throw to receiver (2): circle button

Throw to receiver (3): square button

Throw to receiver (4): triangle button

Throw to receiver (5): R1 button

High throw: L1 button

Playmaker: right stick (flick directional)

Low throw: L2 button

Check out play action/ Scramble: left stick + R2 button

Pump fake: cross button, circle button, square button, triangle button, or R1 button (double tap)

Throw ball away: R3 button

BALL CARRIER

Stiff arm: cross button

Spin: circle button

Dive: square button

Truck: triangle button

Pitch: L1 button

Protect: R1 button

Celebrate (in open field): L2 button

Sprint: R2 button

Spin: right stick (move half circle)

Hurdle: right stick up

Dead leg: right stick down

Juke: right stick left, right stick right

BALL IN AIR OFFENSE

Possession catch: cross button

Switch player: circle button

RAC catch: square button

Aggressive catch: triangle button

Auto play/ Defensive assist: L1 button

Strafe: L2 button

Sprint: R2 button

BLOCKING

Switch players: circle button

Player movement/ Block on collision: left stick

Aggressive impact block: right stick up

Aggressive cut block: right stick down

PLAYER LOCKED RECEIVER

Conservative change-up release: cross button

Individual Play Art: L2 button

Just-go release: R2 button

Player lock (pre-play): L3 button(press twice)

Route—running/Move player: left stick

Online The Line- Change Up: right stick (flick)

Online The Line-Foot Fire: right stick (hold)

Off The Line-Cut Out of Press: right stick (flick)

SPECIAL TEAMS OFFENSE

Snap/ Set kick power/ Set accuracy: cross button

Switch player: circle button

Audible: square button

Flip play: square button + R2 buttons

Fake snap: R1 button

Defense

PRE-PLAY DEFENSE

DEF hot route: cross button

Switch player: circle button

Audible: square button

Coverage audible: triangle button

Defensive line audible: L1 button

Linebacker audible: R1 button

Defensive keys: L2 button

Off the line: R2 button (tap)

Show Play Art: R2 button (hold)

Show strong/weak side gap assignment: R2 button + cross button + circle button

Zoom in gameplay camera: dpad up

Zoom out gameplay camera: dpad down

Defensive line: dpad left

Linebackers: dpad right

Defensive player lock: L3 button (double tap)

Pre-play menu: R3 button

Pump up crowd: right stick

DEFENSIVE (ENGAGED)

Switch player: circle button

Swat: triangle button

Contain: L2 button

Speed Rush: R2 button

Rip: right stick up

Ball rush: right stick down

Club/ Swim: right stick left, right stick right

DEFENSIVE (PURSUIT)

Breakdown tackle: cross button

Switch player: circle button

Dive tackle: square button

Defensive assist: L1 button

Strip ball: R1 button

Strafe: L2 button

Sprint: R2 button

Hit stick: right stick up (flick)

Cut stick: right stick down (flick)

BALL IN AIR DEFENSE

Play receiver: cross button

Switch player: circle button

Swat ball: square button

Play ball/ Ball hawk: triangle button

Strafe: L2 button

Sprint: RT button

Defensive assist: L1 button

SPECIAL TEAMS DEFENSE

Switch player: circle button

Audible: square button

Jumping block attempt: triangle button

Diving block attempt: square button

Flip play: R2 button + square button

Show Play Art/Jump the snap: R2 button

DEFENSIVE COVERAGE MECHANICS

Press/ Chuck receiver: cross button + left stick

Switch player: circle button

Player movement: left stick

Strafe: L2 button

Defensive assist: L1 button

NEW GAMEPLAY

IMPROVED PASS RUSH CONTROLS

Feel the control and responsiveness of our improved pass rush. Choose your moves via the right stick, then branch to combo moves at any time. Use these pass rush moves wisely—you’re limited to only a few per play, and the offensive linemen will learn to anticipate repeated moves.

SKILL STICK

Ball Carrier evasive moves are now tied to the right stick, allowing you to chain moves together with power moves to create highlight-reel-worthy combo moves. You can even swag your way to the endzone using Celebration Runs with L2 button—just be careful, you’ll be more susceptible to fumbles if tackled!

ADAPTIVE AI ADJUSTMENTS

CPU-controlled teams and QBs are more attentive than ever. They will notice your repeated play-calls, and start using audible, adjustments, and concept-counters to combat your strategy. Make sure to change up your calls to keep them guessing!

TACKLING

Breakdown Tackles are a new, low-risk way to tackle a ball carrier. Both user and AI- controlled players can perform these, so defenders may anticipate them by breaking down in front of the ball carrier.

Since Breakdown Tackles are only effective in front of the ball carrier, use the improved Dive Tackles to take them down. The effectiveness and distance of Dive Tackles are determined by player ratings.

Finally, be on the lookout for Location-Based Tackles, which are available in specific field locations such as first-down sticks, the goal line, or the pylon. Ball carriers will react to these tackles by attempting to hold the ball away in a last-ditch effort. The outcome is determined by the Ball Carrier Vision, Tackle, and Awareness ratings of the players.

PLAYING THE GAME

GAME SCREEN

1. Away Team

2. Home Team

3. Possession

4. Score

5. Timeouts remaining

6. Quarter

7. Time Remaining

8. Down and distance

9. Starting line

10. Play clock

MAIN MENU

Game Modes

Whether you want to immerse yourself in Face of the Franchise, manage a Franchise, create your Ultimate Team, or head to Open Practice for a little training, all the main Madden NFL 21 modes are here.

Customize

Customize your rosters, playbooks, settings, and more in the Customize section.

Accessibility

Quickly update all your Accessibility settings, such as menu narration, colorblind options, brightness, contrast, audio, and more.

X- FACTOR ABILITIES

Here we have listed all X-Factor Abilities and their ability descriptions. Remember, each Superstar ability has a counter. When a player with a Superstar ability is up against another player with a counter Superstar ability, there is a 50/50 chance that one or that other will come out on top.

Dashing Deadeye

Perfect accuracy on all throws under 30 yards while running outside the pocket (except on high/low throws)

Long Range Deadeye

Perfect accuracy on all deep throws while feet are set (except on high/low throws)

Lofting Deadeye

Perfect accuracy on all lob or touch passes (except on high/low and cross-body throws)

No-Look Deadeye

Perfect accuracy on all cross-body throws up to 20 yards (except on high/low throws)

Sideline Deadeye

Perfect accuracy on all throws outside the numbers (except on high/low throws)

Inside Deadeye

Perfect accuracy on all throws inside the numbers (except on high/low throws)

Hi-Lo Deadeye

Perfect accuracy on all high and low throws inside the zone

Pocket Deadeye

Perfect accuracy on all unpressured throws while feet are set in the pocket (except on high/low throws)

Red Zone Deadeye

Perfect accuracy on all unpressured throws inside the red zone (except high/low throws)

Roaming Deadeye

Perfect accuracy on all unpressured throws while feet are set outside the pocket (except on high/low throws)

Pass Lead Elite

Increased throw power on all precision passes (except on high/low throws)

Set Feet lead

Increased throw power on bullet precision passes made while feet are set (except on high/low throws)

Quick Draw

Faster passing animations when throwing under pressure

Escape Artist

Faster and more responsive to user input while scrambling behind the line of scrimmage

Sleight of Hand

Increased success rate when using pump fakes on double move routes against zone coverage

Protected

Receive better pass blocking from offensive linemen

Anchored Extender

Almost guaranteed to break the first sack attempt by a blitzing defensive back (while in the pocket)

Agile Extender

Almost guaranteed to evade the first sack attempt by a blitzing defensive back (while in the pocket)

Conductor

Perform all hot route and blocking adjustments twice as fast (excluding audibles)

Gunslinger

Faster passing animations and increased velocity on bullet passes

Gusty Scrambler

Immune to throw penalties caused by defensive pressure while on the run

Fastbreak

Immediately respond to user input on designed quarterback run plays; defenders react more slowly

Safety Valve

Improve the catching prowess of all running backs who are open on pass plays

QB Playmaker

Elicit immediate and precise playmaker reactions from any receiver

Gift-Wrapped

Gain a better chance to complete passes to uncovered receivers

Threat Detector

Highlight any oncoming blitzers on 3^rd and 4^th downs (during preplay); can be bluffed

Backfield Mismatch

Better catch in traffic and route running when coming out of the backfield against linebackers and linemen

Tight Out

Improved catching prowess of all tight ends who are open on pass plays

Fearless

Immune to throw penalties caused by defensive pressure while feet are set in the pocket

Matchup Nightmare

Make sharper cuts and frequently win contested catches when covered by linebackers and linemen

Balance Beam

Will not stumble while carrying the ball

Human Joystick

Quickly shift momentum, change direction, or turn the corner without sacrificing speed

Jukebox

Gain steerable juke animations

Evasive

Gain steerable juke and spin animations

Return man

Quickly shift momentum, change direction, or turn the corner without sacrificing speed on kick and punt returns

Energizer

Replenish a portion of stamina upon successfully performing any skill move

Leap Frog

Hold onto the ball if tackled during a hurdle

Spin Cycle

Gain steerable spin animations

Arm Bar

Gain more powerful stiff arm animations

Bulldozer

Gain more powerful track animations

Bruiser

Gain more power truck and stiff arm animations

Tank

Break almost any hit-stick tackle attempts

Reach For It

Frequently attempt to gain extra yards while being tackled

RB Apprentice

Gain access to four additional hot routes during pre-play adjustments (when lined up at running back)

Matchup Nightmare

Make sharper cuts and frequently win contested catches when covered by linebackers and linemen

Route Technician

Have a high success rate when creating separation on the last cut of any route

Outside Apprentice

Gain access to four additional hot routes during pre-play adjustments (when lined up at wide receiver, excludes slot)

Route Apprentice

Gain access to four additional hot routes, regardless of line up

Slot Apprentice

Gain access to four additional hot routes during pre-play adjustments (when lined up in the slot)

WR Apprentice

Gain access to four additional hot routes during pre-play adjustments (when lined up at any wide receiver position)

Hot Route Master

Gain access to four extra hot routes during pre-play adjustments

Tip Drill

Increased chance to catch passes that have been tipped into the air

Slot-O-Matic

Make faster cuts and have better hands on short routes (when lined up in the slot)

Grab-N-Go

Quickly shift momentum, change direction, or turn the corner without sacrificing speed (after securing a RAC catch)

Short Out Elite

Catch more consistently while catching short passes outside the numbers

Short In Elite

Catch more consistently while catching short passes outside the numbers

Short In Elite

Catch more consistently while catching short passes inside the numbers

Mid Out Elite

Catch more consistently while catching medium passes outside the numbers

Mid In Elite

Catch more consistently while catching medium passes inside the numbers

Deep Out Elite

Catch more consistently while catching deep passes outside the numbers

Deep In Elite

Catch more consistently while catching deep passes inside the numbers

Backfield Master

Gain access to four additional hot routes, better route running, and improved catching against linebackers and linemen (when lined up in the backfield)

Redzone Threat

Gain a better chance to win contested catches against single coverage (when in the red zone)

Playmaker

Immediately and precisely react to a user’s playmaker inputs

Second Wind

Gain a chance to replenish stamina once per play when stamina is half-depleted

TEApprentice

Gain access to four additional hot routes during pre-play adjustments (when lined up at tight end)

Fool Me Once

Gain blocker resistance points as a faster rate

Natural Talent

Start every new blocking encounter with built-in resistance

Quick Reflexes

Defend against non-engaged pass rush moves as if having an additional resistance point

Matador

Stronger protection against dominant bull rush moves as if having an additional resistance point

Post Up

Almost guaranteed to win any double team block

Unspun

Defend against spin pass rush moves as if having an additional resistance point

Secure Protector

Reduce a pass rusher’s chances of using a quick block shed move

All Day

Allow less frequent shed attempts by block target

Nasty Streak

Frequently attempt and win impact blocks against linebackers and defensive backs when playing as a lineman or fullback

Puller Elite

Frequently attempt and win pull blocks

Lifeguard

Defend against swim/club pass rush moves as if having an additional resistance point

Quick Reflexes

Defend against non-engaged pass rush moves as if having an additional resistance point

Tough Nut

Increased number of blocker resistance points

Pick Artist

Higher chance to catch uncontested interceptions, and have unlimited stamina on the return (until a special move or broken a tackle)

Short Route KO

Force more catch tackle knockouts in man-to-man versus short routes

Edge Threat Elite

Use faster, more dominant pass rush moves and apply significant QB pressure while rushing from the edge of the defense.

Bench Press

Apply bonus fatigue to man coverage target after a successful press win

Run Stopper

Do not need to spend a point on shed attempts during a run play

Edge Protector

Reduce an edge pass rusher’s chances of using a quick block shed move

Edge Threat

Use faster, more dominant pass rush moves while rushing from the edge of the defense

Flat Zone KO

Force more catch knockouts and react quicker in any flat zone coverage

Midzone KO

Force more catch knockouts and react quicker in any mid-field zone coverage

Deep Zone Out KO

Force more catch knockouts and react quicker in deep zone coverage outside the hash marks

Deep in Zone KO

Force more catch knockouts and react quicker to deep zone coverage inside the numbers

Deep Route KO

Force more catch tackle knockouts in man-to-man versus deep routes

Medium Route KO

Force more catch tackle knockouts in man-to-man versus medium routes

Tackle Supreme

Make better conservative/dive tackling, are rarely faked out by ball carrier moves, and cannot be faked out when user-controlled

Under Pressure

Apply pressure to the quarterback from a greater distance

Enforcer

Don’t allow broken tackles when hit-sticking ballcarriers, regardless of the runner’s size or power

Secure Tackler

Increased success rate when using conservative or diving tackles

Reach Elite

Reach out of engaged block to tackle or sack nearby ball carriers

Unfakeable

Rarely faked out by ballcarrier moves (and cannot be faked out when user-controlled)

Ripper

Ignore 1 bar of blocker resistance when attempting rip pass rush moves

Acrobat

Dive for increased range on pass breakups and interceptions

Strip Specialist

Can still tackle effectively while try to strip the football

Identifier

Detect user-controlled defenders before the snap

Lurker

Can jump in 180-degree interceptions while lurking in a zone in the middle of the field

Extra Credit

Grants an additional maximum pass rush move point

Goal Line Stuff

Use faster run shed moves for a better chance a shedding block within 5 yards of the goal line

Inside Stuff

Use faster run shed moves for a better chance at shedding blocks against inside zone plays

No Outsiders

Use faster run shed moves for a better chance at shedding blocks against outside zone plays

Lumberjack

Does not allow broken tackles and causes more fumbles when cut-sticking ballcarriers

Double or Nothing

Must spend double the pass rush points to perform a move but are granted dominant wins

Instant Rebate

Refunded a pass rush point after successfully shedding blocks

Unpredictable

Less likely to increase blocker’s resistance bars when performing she wins

Defensive Rally

Grants a bonus pass rush point to all defensive linemen on any 3^rd or 4^th down

B.O.G.O.

Grants a free pass rush move once per play after spending a pass rush point

Mr. Big Stop

Start 3^rd or 4^th down with at least half maximum pass rush points

Swim Club

Ignore 1 bar of blocker resistance when attempting swim/club pass rush moves

Spinner

Ignore 1 bar of blocker resistance when attempting spin pass rush moves

Speedster

Ignore 1 bar of blocker resistance when attempting speed rush moves

El Toro

Receive dominant bull rush wins when pass rush points are full

Adrenaline Rush

All of pass rush moves points are restored after sacking the QB

Chuck Out

Apply bonus fatigue to target after a successful zone chuck

Outmatched

Highly likely to win contested catches against running backs

One Step Ahead

Generally react much faster to receiver cut moves when in man coverage

Closer

Can easily enter the zone in the 2^nd half

Film Study

Have full vision of plays the offense has repeatedly run prior to the snap

Stonewall

Frequently prevent additional yardage gains while tackling

Indoor Baller

Easily enter the zone when playing in an indoor stadium

Clutch

Easily enter (and remain in) the zone midway through the fourth quarter in close games

Homer

Easily enter the zone when playing at home

Comeback

Easily enter the zone when playing from behind

Focused Kicker

Slower kicking meter, allows tor better power and accuracy

Clutch Kicker

Immune to the ‘Ice the Kicker’ effect, which occurs after opponents call timeouts in critical situations

GAME MODES

PLAY NOW LIVE

Looking for a more authentic Franchise experience? In Play Now Life, you can jump into any week of a team’s season using their up-to-date stats and rosters.

You can also take your live matchup team into Franchise mode and continue their journey with up-to-date stats. Or, create Cloud Franchise of any previous real-life week by selecting Real-Life Roster in Cloud league.

FRANCHISE

In Franchise mode, take full control of an active NFL Player’s , Coach’s, or Owner’s career, or create your own character to play in single-player or multiplayer online-connected leagues. As your player(s) develop, train them in Superstar X-Factor abilities. Complete against up to 32 teams in your quest to forge your NFL legacy.

NEW TO FRANCHISE

Face of the Franchise: Rise to Fame

In Face of the Franchise, you’ll begin shaping your career from high school all the way to the Hall of Fame. You’ll start as a Quarterback in high school, with the option to enter college as a Halfback or Wide Receiver. You’ll then test your skills at the 40-yeard dash before the NFL Draft. Once in the NFL, you’ll have a career’s worth of challenges to test your entrance to the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame!

STARTING YOUR FRANCHISE

Choose Online (Cloud) or Offline, and then select and customize your team. You’ll start in the preseason by default so you can familiarize yourself with your team and their abilities. You can easily switch to Regular from the Starting Point.

Playing the Moment & Other Ways to Play

Before loading into your weekly game, you’ll choose your mode of play. Play the Moment lets you jump in at the most crucial moments of a game so you can lead your team to victory in most efficient way possible. You can also play Offense Only or Defense Only if you prefer to stick to one side of the ball—and play the game twice as fast!

Jump in and out of these modes of play at any time—just select the Custom Play options from Supersim options menu. You can also adjust the speed of the game in Supersim. Use Fast Mode to jump through the game or choose Slow Mode for a true Sunday experience.

Setting Your Season Goal

When you reach the regular season, the first Big Decision you’ll make is your Season Goal.

As Coach, you can set how many wins you anticipate for the season. The more wins you set, the more risk you take: if you miss your goal, you could be fired.

As a Player, you will choose between various stats based on your position.

UPGRADE PLAYER ARCHETYPES

As a Coach or Owner, you control the path your players take on-the-field. As a Player, control your own destiny to work towards making the Hall of Fame. After certain Franchise games, you can upgrade eligible players on your roster by spending Skill Points, which you acquire by raising your XP. XP is earned by completing Coach and Milestone goals, or by performing well in games.

HUB

Your roster is at your fingertips on the Team Panel, located next to your Things to Do. Select any player on your team to see a quick overview of his attributes, view his goals and stats, or even upgrade your Player by applying Skill Points he has earned.

You can also quickly interact with your league members on the Members panels when playing Cloud Franchise to check their game and online status. As a commissioner, you can also toggle Auto Pilot, clear cap penalties, or remove them from the league.

IMPROVING YOUR TEAM

If you’re looking for new players for your team, check out the Improve Your Team option from the Things To Do menu. All the free agents and trade block players are organized in one place so you can compare your players to the available ones. The higher your grade, the better you are at that position!

Scouting

Starting as Coach or Owner in Week 3, there will be a Things To Do item that teaches you how to Scout. Spend Scouting Points on a player, learn more about their abilities, and decide if you want to draft them in the upcoming NFL Draft. Scouting Points unlock the player’s top three attributes, with the third unlock providing their true draft value. Additionally, you can find “Diamonds” and “Overvalued” players in the draft class by spending Scouting Points on them before the NFL Draft.

Weekly Training & Gameplan

Great teams and developed on the practice field! Spend time in training each week to improve your team and prepare for your upcoming opponent.

Creating Your Gameplan

Your first step in weekly training is setting your offensive and defensive gameplans. Your coaches suggest gameplans based on your opponent’s tendencies—you can find in-game drills accompanying each one. The better you do in the drills, the better the medal you receive (Gold, Silver, or Bronze). Playing well also grants you more XP.

When it’s game time, your chosen gameplans give you offensive and defensive boosts to certain plays. Check the play call menu to see boosted plays in green.

Focus Training

The second step in weekly training is Focus Training, which gives boosts to players you personally train. Your coaches will recommend focusing your rookies, but you can choose any player for Focus Training. Boost the players you want to develop to make them powerhouses on your team!

Free Practice

In Free Practice, take your team to the field and experiment with plays. This is a great way to see how your team plays, and to stay ahead of the curve in your league.

MORALE RATING

Your players’ in-game performance determines their Morale. A confident team is more likely to perform well. As a Player, make the most of your on-field opportunities to build your Morale rating!

Multiple Advance Points

Have you ever wanted to be an armchair General Manager and only worry about the offseason with free agency and the NFL Draft? Or maybe you’d like to go to the playoffs right after you clinch the top seed in your conference. Use your Multiple Advance Points to jump ahead in your season, or play standard week-to-week.

COMMISSIONER TOOLS

Use your Commissioner Tools to control the shape of your league:

Full Player Editing

Edit the appearance, contract info, ratings, traits, and more for all the players in the league, Edits show up on the Transaction Log so the league can monitor their Commissioner’s actions.

Designate Auto-Pilot Length

If you know you’ll be out of town or unavailable for an extended period of time, you can now set yourself (or other users) to auto-pilot for multiple weeks. This feature is available for league members and Commissioners.

Multiple Commissioners

Running a multiple-user Online Franchise can be time-consuming, and real life can happen at any moment. Franchise understands that. Designate another user as a second Commissioner to make sure your league never needs to worry if you’re not available to advance the week. The original Commissioner can add or remove this feature at any time.

PLAYING AS AN OWNER

If you choose to start as an Owner, you’ll need to select a backstory. Backstories provide an identity to your character and have an in-game impact. The three backstories for an Owner are:

Former Player

Gives you an advantage with roster happiness and starts you off with $3 million in available funds.

Lifelong Fan

Gives you an advantage with fans, starting you off with $3 million in available funds.

Financial Mogul

Gives you an advantage financially as you’ll start with $7 million in funds, but you’ll start with no Legacy score and player happiness will be low.

Now it’s time to make those key decisions that influence how your team makes revenue and rakes in wins. It can be easy to become overwhelmed as an Owner, so use your advisors to keep you updated on your team and to help you with any aspect in the mode.

As you build y our team, set prices for tickets, concessions, and merchandise. Check your Team Value in categories like fan Happiness, Staff, and Stadium, and adjust when necessary to improve your value. Hire the right staff to keep your players feeling and performing their best. Make sure your roster is in good shape, and don’t be afraid to relocate if a change of scenery and a new stadium will boost morale!

Offseason

Re-Signing Players

During the regular season, you’ll notice pending free agents who want to start negotiations on a new deal. If you decide against negotiating in the middle of the season, you’ll have one last opportunity to re-sign your own free agents-to-be at the offseason.

If you do decide to enter negotiations with one of your players at this stage, make sure it’s an offer that suits both you and the player. If the player declines to sign the deal, he’ll be off to test the open free agent market. Make your first offer count!

Free Agency Bidding

After the chance to re-sign your own free agents, you’ll have your pick of the litter in free agency. This free-agency period is a time when teams can beef up their roster in a hurry—assuming your team has plenty of salary cap space and that the right free agents are on the market!

You’ll first notice each player has a current market value, which essentially tells you what you can expect to pay for the services of that player. You’ll also notice the logos of other NFL teams; these represent the teams that have an interest in that player.

Contract Offers

After offering an initial contract to your targeted free agents, you’ll need to advance the week for updates. Go back into the free agency screen and sort by My Negotiations for a quick view of all the players you are attempting to sign.

At this point, you’ll see if the player has decided to sign with you, accepted another team’s offer, or is still deciding. If the player has not decided, you have the option to increase your offer, pull your offer, or keep it as is. Free agency lasts four weeks, so make sure you keep an eye on your negotiations.

Draft

After the free agency period has ended, its off to the NFL Draft!

From this hub, you’ll see the draft order, plus a list of actions you can take. While another team is on the clock, you can offer a trade to that team and move up in the draft order, look at the overall draft board, or advance the draft.

You’ll even see messages start flying in as sports personalities react to the most recent selection. If you’re looking to speed up the process, you can advance to the next user pick to bypass all draft selections by the AI.

Signing Rookies

This task is automatically completed for you, replicating the new way rookie contracts are constructed in the NFL.

PLAYING AS A COACH

Spending XP

As a Coach, you can spend your XP on packages to decrease the odds of a player retiring, make it easier for you to re-sign a player, boost the amount of XP a position earns, or even increase the amount of Scouting Points you earn each week.

PLAYING AS A PLAYER

Creating a Player

Play as an active NFL player, or create your own character.

Backstory

There are three options for a Player backstory: Early Draft Pick, Late Round Pick, and Undrafted. Playing as an early draft pick gives you the highest possible ratings for a rookie, but you’ll also have much higher on-field expectation than an undrafted rookie.

Upgrading Your Player

You accumulate XP throughout the season based on your on-field performance. Once you have enough XP, you will earn a Skill Point that you can apply to one of your position’s archetypes. That Skill Point will boost applicable ratings until your player has gone one OVR point.

Retirement

You can retire your Player at any time. Retirement lets you select a new Player, Coach, or Owner and pick up at the same exact point in the season or year in which you left.

Legacy Score

All awards, from MVP to Super Bowl championships, count toward your Legacy Score, which determines how you’re judged against the greatest NFL players in history. You’ll need a high Legacy score to end up in the Hall of Fame!

MADDEN ULTIMATE TEAM (MUT)

WHAT IS MADDEN ULTIMATE TEAM (MUT)?

Welcome to Madden Ultimate Team (MUT), our largest fantasy football mode. You’ll first receive a team of starter players to begin growing and building your greatest football team.

Collect

Collect players and items in certain game modes or Auctions, or find packs available in the Store. Play games to earn Coins (the in-game currency), or spend real cash for Points that are redeemed for packs and bundles.

Upgrade

Upgrade your team with new items you’ve acquired. Don’t forget to use the Auction House to exchange extra or unwanted items with other player for items you need.

Dominate

Dominate on the gridiron in Seasons, MUT Champions, and MUT Squads.

MUT BASICS

How Do I Upgrade My Team?

Use new players from packs or Auctions to update your roster, or invest training into the players you already have. You can also earn coins for new player packs by selling items in the Auction, or quick-selling an item from your Item Binder.

What’s a Pack?

A pack contains several random items you can use to upgrade your team. Most packs include several player items and a few non-player items, such as playbooks, uniforms, coaches, collectibles, or stadiums. You may earn packs as loyalty rewards, or rewards for Sets, Head to Head Events, or Ultimate Challenges. You can also buy individual packs or bundles of packs in the Store.

What’s a Tier?

Tier is the measure of an item’s quality. Items from higher tiers are typically more powerful or useful than those of lower tiers.

Elite items aren’t found in every pack, but sometimes an Elite item replaces a Gold item. A few packs or bundlers may include guaranteed Elite items, if noted in their Store description.

What’s a Program?

Programs are themed content that’s roll out during the year, such as Draft or Playoff. Each program has a special group of items, Ultimate Challenges, and Sets tied to a central theme. You can filter your item searches by program in the Item Binder, Auctions, and Trades.

PLAY

Use the Play tab to start a game with your Madden Ultimate Team. There are many ways to play, such as MUT Champions, MUT Squads, and MUT Draft, as well as Ultimate Challenges, Solo Battles, and Seasons. Solo Battles are single-player games set against CPU-controlled teams. Seasons contain Head to Head Events, Salary Cap Ranked mode, and Play a Friend mode.

Ultimate Challenges

Ultimate Challenges can be single-player or multiplayer games that you can play with your friends. There are many categories of Ultimate Challenges to play, with varying levels of difficulty and quarter lengths. Select a challenge to see all its details—some have entry requirements.

Seasons

Head to Head Events

See how many wins you can achieve in unlimited Head to Head Events. An event ends after you make it six wins or experience two losses. You’ll receiver rewards for each win, so lock in your lineup and see how far you can go!

Salary Cap Ranked Mode

Craft a team of players that fits within the salary cap. Will you pick your elite quarterback with a high salary requirement, or use the same amount on two gold players? This is the most balanced and competitive place to play Madden Ultimate Team.

STORE

In the Store tab, you’ll find a featured offer along with the Store and Auctions.

Store

Purchase items with the coins you’ve earned from Ultimate Challenges and Auctions, or with the points you’ve bought. You’ll find several kinds of packs at various prices. Each pack rewards random items, with the chance to find a high-quality Elite player.

Some pack bundles provide a bulk discount, while large pack bundles may come with a guaranteed Elite player. Visit the Store often to find limited-time promotions and sales.

What Are Points?

Points can be redeemed for bundles and special items. You can get more Points inside the Store.

Auction House

You can access the Auction House from the Store tab to buy and sell items with other players. This is a great way to find the items you need, or turn unused items into coins. You can search Auction by type, tier position, team, chemistry, and OVR. Time remaining in the Auction is displayed for each item, so plan your strategy accordingly. When someone places a bid with just a few seconds left, the auction timer will add more time to the clock.

To place one of your items in an Auction, bring up the Item Viewer and choose “Auction”. You determine the duration, starting price, and buy-it-now price for your item auction. Some items may be assessed with an auction fee.

You can examine your posted auctions and active bids from the Auction House.

TEAM

The Team tab helps you manage all aspects of your team. Here, you can visit your Lineup, adjust your Coaching and Equipment, or rename your team.

Roster Building

To edit your roster, go to MY TEAM> ROSTER under the Manage tab.

Lineup

Select “Adjust Lineup” to examine your Lineup. Choose a player to move up and down between specific char positions, or select a player to see possible substitutions. A quick way to get a great lineup is to choose “Best Lineup” to automatically generate an optimal team based on OVR or Chemistry. Page left or right to see other stats of your team, such as Offense, Defense, and Specialist.

Item Binder

Use the filers to help sort your items with a drop-down list in the upper right hand corner. Select an item with the Item Viewer to compare, promote to starter, add to Set, auction, or quicksell that item. You can also flip through the details pages of each item, including key attributes, chemistry bonus, and description.

Sets

Sets are a great way to earn coins and item rewards from any items in your collection. Browse through the different Sets to examine their requirements and rewards. The Item Viewer has an “Add to Set” option, or you can examine the Set to see which of your items can be added. You can also search Auctions to fill the Set. You’ll automatically receive the reward when the last required item is added.

MUT DRAFT

Once again, Madden NFL21 brings the fantasy football experience to life with MUT Draft! Draft your dream team and experience the on-field excitement of playing at their side.

Starting your MUT Draft Event

Select MUT Draft from the MUT main menu to get started. Here you can see the basics of MUT Draft and chose which type you’d like to play. IN MUT Draft Ranked, you compete against others for the ultimate reward of becoming the next Madden Champion. You’ll compete against CPU teams in Solo Drafts.

Draft Functionality

The draft is set at 20 rounds by default, starting with a chance to pick your coach. This can help define the tone for the rest of your draft picks, depending on how you like to play. Your coach’s Playbooks will be automatically selected with them.

You can begin drafting players after selecting a coach. On the first page, a player’s OVR is displayed. Each selected player is added to your base team in the Lineup, which adjusts your team’s OVR. You can review your completed team on the Summary screen.

The HUB

After completing the Draft, you’ll enter the MUT Draft HUB. Here, you can customize your lineup further in Adjust Lineup, view your Coaching & Equipment information, or track your status on Progress screen.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN MUT

Coins, the MUT currency, are given as rewards for winning games or completing Sets. Use these coins to purchase new packs in the Store, or to bid on items in the Auction House. You can earn more Coins by completing Ultimate Challenges or selling items at the Auction House. If you need some Coins fast, you can quicksell your items as well.

Now that you have a feel for the mode, it’s time to learn about the items you can collect to build your team. Here are a few basic categories:

Players

Players make up the line up your Ultimate Team. Over 1,400 players from all 32 NFL teams are available for you to collect, including some legendary players of football legacy. Players have an OVR, a preferred position, contracts, and other attributes that directly affect their play on the field.

While viewing an item, you can page through several view to see Key Attributes, the item’s Chemistry impact, and other important information.

Team Items

Customize your team with a head coach, stadium, uniforms, and playbook items. When you change your home uniform, your favorite team will match throughout the Ultimate Team mode.

Collectibles

Collectibles can be used to complete Sets for Coin and item rewards. You can also quicksell some collectibles for Coins.

Head Coach

You’ll need a Head Coach before your team can take the field. The primary function of your Head Coach is to add Chemistry impact to your team. You’ll also see him on the sideline during games!

ONLINE HEAD TO HEAD

If you like the thrill of competing against another person, Online Head-to-Head is the place for you. Jump into the mix with Quick Match games and matchmaking system that will keep you competing against people who play like you.

Quick Match

A Quick match game searches for another person to compete against you in a ranked game. Winning ranked games earns you Ranking Points, which determines your Leaderboard rank.

If you want to play a friendlier game but none of your Madden NFL21 friends are online, you can switch to an unranked game by changing the game type.

Play a Friend

If a friend is online, send an invite to challenge them to a friendly game of madden NFL 21. This mode allows you to customize the game settings.

Leaderboards

Want to see how your record stacks up against the online Madden Community? Check out the leaderboards and see who’s dominating the online gridiron. Choose from four different leaderboards:

Top 100

Shows the top 100 ranked Online Head-to-Head players.

My Leaderboard

If you’ve achieved a ranking (only the top 100,000 players do), this leaderboard will show the 50 people ranked above you and below you.

Friends

The Friends leaderboard displays how you rank among your friends.

Stats Leaders

Compare how you rank against other Madden players in a variety of offensive and defensive stat categories.

Depth Chart

If you’re not happy with your starters and want to change the team lineup, visit the Depth Chart screen before starting a game. Depth Chart changes made on this screen will automatically save to your official roster file, so you won’t have to pause and update your Depth Chart before every online game. Be sure to readdress this after each roster update!

Customize

The Customize sub-menu contains options for updating your roster and online settings.

SOCIAL FEATURES

Madden Messenger houses all your notifications and social features. The Messenger Inbox where you’ll find all received messages and item rewards—you can even edit your Music List from here. Social Sharing will notify you on your friend’s latest achievements and other social messages, like MUT auctions, Online Head-to-Head rankings, or Franchise league updates.

NEED HELP?

Madden NFL 21 Contact Information

Online: easports.com/madden-nfl

Twitter: twitter.com/EAMaddenNFL

Facebook: facebook.com/EASportsMaddenNFL

The EA Worldwide Customer Experience team is here to ensure you get the most out of your game—anytime, anywhere.

Online Support & Contact Info

For FAQs, help articles, and to contact us, please visit help.ea.com

Twitter & Facebook Support

Need a quick tip? Reach out on Twitter to @EAHelp or post on facebook.com/EAHelpHub/.