NHL 21
for PS4
Text Manual
NHL 21 PS4 Text Manual
Contents
Getting Started
PLAYSTATION 4 SYSTEM
Starting a game: Before use, carefully read the instructions suppled with the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system. The documentation contains information on setting up and using your system as well as the important safety information.
Touch the (power) button of the PlayStation® 4 system to turn the system on. The power indicator blinks blue, and then turns white. Insert the NHL 21 disc with the label facing up into the disc slot. The game appears in the content area of the home screen. Select the software title in 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 4 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.
GETTING ONTO THE ICE
Get ready to experience the energy of real-world NHL hockey in NHL® 21! The first time you launch the game, you’ll have four gameplay styles to choose from:
I am new to sports gaming.
Learn the ropes on Rookie difficulty with simplified Hybrid controls, Control Hints, and On-Ice visualizations tailored for new users.
I have not played recently.
This setting defaults to Skill Stick controls while also raising the game difficulty to Semi-Pro.
I am experienced.
Show off your Skill Stick expertise on Pro difficulty.
I am an expert.
Expect All-Star difficulty to give you a serious challenge. This option is great for seasoned players who want a realistic hockey experience.
NOTE: You can adjust gameplay settings at any time from the main menu—just go to SETTINGS. There, each control, difficulty, game styles, and hint option can be tweaked to suit your needs.
Once you’ve made your choice, the game presents five options: Training Camp, Launch Trailer, Stanley Cup Game, Free Skate, and Main Menu. Upon choosing Main Menu, you’ll be asked to pick your favorite team.
COMPLETE CONTROLS
HYBRID
This is one of the simplest control schemes, using simple button presses to command the action on the ice. In Hybrid, the right stick has the same functionality Skill Stick control scheme. It’s great for beginners.
OFFENSE
Skating/Shot & Pass Aim: left stick
Pass: Cross button
Slap shot: Circle button
Wrist shot: Square button
Cancel shot: L1 button (hold)
Backhand toe drag: R3 button + right stick down
Backhand toe drag flip: R3 button + right stick down+ R1 button
Between the legs shot: L1 button + R3 button + right stick up
Between the legs pass: L1 button + R3 button + Cross button
One-handed tuck: L1 button + R1 button
Saucer pass: R1 button (hold for more strength)
Between the legs saucer pass: L1 button + R3 button + R1 button
One-touch dekes: L1 button
LH one-handed deke-backhand: L1 button + right stick diagonal up right, up, diagonal up left
RH one-handed deke-backhand: L1 button + right stick diagonal up left, up, diagonal up right
Vision control: L2 button
Quick plays: directional buttons
Line change: R2 button (hold) + circle button/ square button
Stationary Toe Drag Forehand: left stick up + right stick right, diagonal down right, down, diagonal down left, left
Stationary Toe Drag Backhand: left stick up + right stick left, diagonal down left, down, diagonal down right
Stationary Tap Deke Forehand: L2 button + left stick to forehand
Stationary Tap Deke Backhand: L2 button + left stick to backhand
Stationary Windmill Deke (large): (from stop) right stick left/right (hold) + L1 button (hold), right stick left/right
Station Windmill Deke (small): (from stop) L1 button (hold) + right stick left/right
Board bank self-pass: (near boards) L1 button (hold) + R2 button
Flip Deke: (away from boards) L1 button (hold) + R2 button or right stick left/right, + L1 button + R2 button
Behind the net self-pass: (approach back of net along boards) L1 button (hold) + R2 button
Lacrosse Deke: right stick right + L1 (hold) + R3 (hold) + right stick diagonal right down, down, diagonal left down, left
Slip Deke: (along the boards) L1 button
Kucherov: (while moving) L1 button (hold) + left stick (flick backwards) + right stick (flick forehand)
DEFENSE
Switch player: Cross button/ R2 button
Manually switch player: R2 button (hold) + right stick (flick)
Cancel switch player: R2 button (hold) + L1 button
Switch player last man back: R2 button (hold) + R3 button
Poke check: R1 button
Body check: circle button
Dive/Block: L1 button + R1 button
Stick lift: Square button
Initiate/ Accept fight: Triangle button (double tap)
Boardplay (when near boards): Triangle button (hold)
Block pass: L1 button (hold)
Quick plays: directional buttons
Line change: R2 button (hold) + Circle button/ Square button
FIGHTING
Grab: L2 button (hold)
Fake grab: L2 button
Overhand punch: right stick up
Uppercut: right stick down
Push: left stick up
Pull: left stick down
Block/Lean back: R2 button (hold)
Dodge: R2 button
NET BATTLES (BACK PLAYER)
Engage in Net Battle: Triangle button (hold)
Switch sides: Triangle button (hold) + left stick
Stick lift while in Net Battle: Square button
Tie up player’s stick: Square button (hold)
Shove: Circle button
Push opponent: left stick (hold)
NET BATTLES (FRONT PLAYER)
Engage in Net Battle: L2 button + left stick (into player)
Shrug off: Circle button
Push opponent: left stick
Spin: L2 button
GOALIE
Pull/Replace goalie: L2 button + touch pad button
Manual goalie toggle: L1 button + Cross button
Move goalie: left stick
Precision modifier: L2 button
Free skate: Cross button
Pass puck: R2 button/ Cross button
Poke Check: right stick up
Change camera view: touch pad button
Cover puck: Triangle button (hold)
Butterfly: R2 button (hold)
Hug post: L1 button + left stick left/right
Hug post (VH): L1 button + left stick left/right + R2 button
Dump puck: right stick up
Leave puck for teammate: L2 button
Diving poke check: Square button + left stick up
Stack pad: Circle button + left stick left/right
Spread V: Square button + left stick down
Butterfly slides: right stick left/right
Diving save: Square button + left stick left/right
Paddle down: right stick down (hold)
GOALIE ALTERNATE CONTROLS
Pull/Replace goalie: L2 button + touch pad button
Manual goalie toggle: L1 button + Cross button
Move goalie: left stick
Precision modifier: L1 button
Free skate: Cross button
Pass puck: R2 button/ Cross button
Poke check: right stick up
Change camera view: touch pad button
Cover puck: Triangle button (hold)
Butterfly: L2 button (hold)
Hug post: R2 button + left stick left/right
Hug post (VH): R2 button + left stick left/right stick + L2 button
Dump puck: right stick up
Leave puck for teammate: L2 button
Diving poke check: Square button + left stick up
Stack pad: Circle button + left stick left/right
Spread V: Square button + left stick down
Butterfly slides: right stick left/right
Diving save: Square button + left stick left/right
Paddle down: right stick down (hold)
SKILL STICK
This control scheme allows precision control for aiming, passing, shooting, saves, and more advanced moves. Players who know hockey and want a more true-to-life NHL challenge will excel with this setup.
OFFENSE
Skating/Shot & Pass Aim: left stick
Hustle: L3 button
Glide: left stick (release)
Pass: R2 button (hold for more strength)
Between the legs shot: L1 button + R3 button + right stick up
Between the legs pass: L1 button + R3 button + R2 button
Between the legs saucer pass: L1 button + R3 button + R1 button
Cancel pass while holding: L1 button
Saucer pass: R1 button (hold for more strength)
Spin: L2 button
Fake shot: right stick down (release)
Deke: right stick left/right
One-handed tuck: right stick left/right (hold) + L1 button + R1 button
One-touch dekes: left stick + L1 button
LH one-handed deke-backhand: L1 button + right stick diagonal right up, up, diagonal left up
RH one-handed deke-backhand: L1 button + right stick diagonal left up, up diagonal right up
Leg kick: R3 button
Backhand toe drag: R3 button + right stick down
Backhand toe drag flip: R3 button + right down + R1 button
Boardplay: Triangle button (hold)
Dump puck: R1 button + right stick up
Protect puck: Cross button
Chop puck: R3 button + right stick
Quick plays: directional buttons
Line change: Circle buttons/ Square buttons
Strategies: Circle button/ Square buttons + directional buttons
Vision control: L2 button (hold)
Win Faceoff: right stick
Stationary Toe Drag Forehand: left stick up + right stick right, diagonal down right, down, diagonal down left, left
Stationary Toe Drag Backhand: left stick up + right stick left, diagonal down left, down, diagonal down right
Stationary Tap Deke Forehand: L2 button + left stick to forehand
Stationary Tap Deke Backhand: L2 button + left stick to backhand
Stationary Windmill Deke (large): (from stop) right stick left/right (hold) + L1 button (hold), right stick left/right
Station Windmill Deke (small): (from stop) L1 button (hold) + right stick left/right
Board bank self-pass: (near boards) L1 button (hold) + R2 button
Flip Deke: (away from boards) L1 button (hold) + R2 button or right stick left/right, + L1 button + R2 button
Behind the net self-pass: (approach back of net along boards) L1 button (hold) + R2 button
Lacrosse Deke: right stick right + L1 (hold) + R3 (hold) + right stick diagonal right down, down, diagonal left down, left
Slip Deke: (along the boards) L1 button
Kucherov: (while moving) L1 button (hold) + left stick (flick backwards) + right stick (flick forehand)
PASSING
The Skill Stick control scheme gives you the ability to control the power of your passes. Press the R2 button for an easy pass or hold the R2 button to potentially send the puck farther across the ice. The longer you hold it, the more power behind the pass.
DEFENSE
Skate: left stick
Dive/Block: L1 button + R1 button
Stick lift: Cross button
Body check: right stick
Poke check: R1 button
Hip check: R3 button + L1 button
Sweep stick: R1 button (hold) + right stick
Chop puck: R3 button + right stick
Quick plays: directional buttons
Line change: circle button/ square button
Block pass: L1 button
Tie up player’s stick: Cross button (hold)
Pass block + sweep stick: L1 button + right stick left/right
Initiate/Accept fight (post whistle or during gameplay): Triangle button (double tap)
Boardplay: Triangle button (hold)
Manual switch player: R2 button (hold) + right stick (flick)
Cancel switch player: R2 button (hold) + L1 button
Switch player last man back: R2 button (hold) + R3 button
Line change: R2 button (hold) + Circle button/ Square button
Strategies: left/right buttons or up/down buttons
Vision control: L2 button (hold)
FIGHTING CONTROLS
Fighting controls for the Skill Stick control scheme are identical to those of the Hybrid controls. See the previous section for the full list of how to engage other players in fights.
NET BATTLES (BACK PLAYER)
Engage in New Battle: Triangle button (hold)
Switch sides: Triangle (hold) + left stick
Stick lift while in Net Battle: Cross button
Tie up player’s stick: Cross button (hold)
Shove: right stick (flick)
Push opponent: left stick (hold)
NET BATTLES (FRONT PLAYER)
Engage in Net Battle: L2 button + left stick (into player)
Shrug off: right stick (flick)
Push opponent: left stick
Spin: L2 button
GOALIE
Move goalie: left stick
Precision modifier: L2 button
Free skate: Cross button
Pass puck: R2 button
Poke check: right stick up
Change camera view: touch pad button
Cover puck: Triangle button (hold)
Butterfly: R2 button (hold)
Hug post: L1 button + left stick left/right
Hug post (VH): L1 button + left stick left/right + R2 button
Dump puck: right stick up
Leave puck for teammate: L2 button
Diving poke check: Square button + left stick up
Stack pad: Circle button + left stick left/right
Spread V: Square button + left stick down
Butterfly slides: right stick left/right
Diving save: Square button + left stick left/right
Paddle down: R2 button (hold) + cross button (Hold)
Pull/ Replace goalie: L1 button + touch pad button
Manual goalie toggle: L1 button + Cross button
GOALIE ALTERNATE CONTROLS
Pull/Replace goalie: L1 button + touch pad button
Manual goalie toggle: L1 button + Cross button
Move goalie: left stick
Precision modifier: L1 button
Free skate: Cross button
Pass puck: R2 button
Poke check: right stick up
Change camera view: touch pad button
Cover puck: Triangle button (hold)
Butterfly: L2 button (hold)
Hug post: R2 button + left stick left/right
Hug post (VH): R2 button + left stick left/right + L2 button
Dump puck: right stick up
Leave puck for teammate: L2 button
Diving poke check: Square button + left stick up
Stack pad: Circle button + left stick down
Spread V: Square button + left stick down
Butterfly slides: right stick left/right
Diving save: Square button + left stick left/right
Paddle down: right stick down (hold)
NHL 94 CONTROLS
This control scheme is a throwback to the controls in the original NHL 94. It’s a straightforward setup that uses buttons for most basic controls.
OFFENSE
Shoot: Circle button
Pass: Cross button
Move Player: left stick
Hustle: Square button
Initiate/Accept fight: Triangle button (double tap)
Spin: L2 button
Backhand toe drag: L1 button+ Square button
Backhand toe drag flip: L1 button + Square button + R1 button
Between the legs shot: L1 button + circle button
Between the legs pass: L1 button + Cross button
Between the legs deke: L1 button + Triangle button
One-handed tuck: L1 button + R1 button
DEFENSE
Checking: Circle button
Change player: Cross button
Move player: left stick
Hustle: Square button
Initiate/Accept fight: Triangle button (double tap)
NOTE: Fighting controls are the same as those for other control schemes. See the Hybrid controls list in this manual to review them.
GOALIE
Move: left stick
Precision modifier: L2 button
Free skate: Cross button
Pass puck: R2 button/ Cross button
Poke check: right stick up
Change camera view: touch pad button
Cover puck: Triangle button (hold)
Butterfly: R2 button (hold)
Hug post: L1 button + left stick left/right
Hug post (VH): L1 button + left stick left/right + R2 button
Dump puck: right stick up
Leave puck for teammate: L2 button
Diving poke check: square button + left stick up
Stack pad: circle button + left stick left/right
Spread V: square button + left stick down
Butterfly slides: right stick left/right
Diving save: square button + left stick left/right
Paddle down: right stick down (hold)
GOALIE ALTERNATE CONTROLS
Pull/Replace goalie: L2 button + touch pad button
Manual goalie toggle: L1 button + cross button
Move goalie: left stick
Precision modifier: L1 button
Free skate: cross button
Pass puck: R2 button / Cross button
Poke check: right stick up
Change camera view: touch pad button
Cover puck: Triangle button (hold)
Butterfly: L2 button (hold)
Hug post: R2 button + left stick left/right
Hug post (VH): R2 button + left stick left/right + L2 button
Dump puck: right stick up
Leave puck for teammate: L2 button
Diving poke check: Square button + left stick up
Stack pad: Circle button + left stick left/right
Spread V: Square button + left stick down
Butterfly slides: right stick left/right
Diving save: Square button + left stick left/right
Paddle down: right stick down (hold)
NEW TO NHL® 21
WHAT’S NEW IN BE A PRO
This year, we’re vastly expanding Be A Pro to give you more immersive experience. Choose from 15 different player classes. Start your career in Canadian Hockey League’s Memorial Cup or in Europe in the Champions Hockey League. Impress the scouts and feel the drama of the NHL’s Draft Day. Then kick off your pro career in promises with your Coach, GM, teammates, and the media to work your way up the lineup, rack up stats, and go for the hardware at season’s end.
WHAT’S NEW IN HOCKEY ULTIMATE TEAM (HUT)
You’ll now earn points for completing objectives, rewarding you for your skills. The more objectives you complete, the more your points multiplier goes up.
HUT Rush
Win with style in HUT RUSH, a short HUT experience that combines skills and style moves to link combos and rack up points. Accumulate points during each season to unlock bonus HUT items. Discover new events incorporating new HUT elements: 3v3, arcade-inspired THREES, mascots, outdoor rinks, and quicker play objects and rules.
Improved and Simplified Synergy System
Synergies has been simplified and made more accessible. Each synergy will now be accompanied by recognizable icons, and the Player Information Screen displays how these synergies impact your players’ attributes.
WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF CHEL
World of CHEL Seasons
Put your skills to the test with WoC Seasons! Seasons last several weeks during which players can increase their personal, skill-based Player Rank. During the last few weeks of the Season, Club Finals begin: team up with your friends to try your luck in this competitive club tournament!
Player Rank
Your Player Rank reflects your skills on the ice, with separate Ranks for WoC modes, EASHL Clubs, EASHL Drop-Ins, and Ones and Threes Eliminator. The first few games are Placement Games which determine your initial Rank: keep playing to try to increase it! At the end of each Season you’ll learn earn rewards for your highest Ranks. Return for future Seasons to restart your Rank and earn more rewards!
EASHL Club Finals
EASHL Club Finals is the next evolution of EASHL Club Playoffs. EASHL Club Finals supports 3v3 and 6v6 matches and begins in the final weeks of a WoC season. Play against rival clubs to earn Rank Points and climb the leaderboards in Elite, Superstar, All-Star, Pro, or Rookie Cups.
WoC Improvements
The Club HUB has gotten an overhaul, with consolidated modes, customization, management, and stats all in one place. You can also more easily recruit members to your EASHL Club via the Recent Games Details, which’ll show you a player’s stats and progression as well as an invite-to-club option.
We’ve added server selection to private games that ensures players in organized teams and leagues can choose the best game servers for themselves no matter where they are in the globe.
Does your club need to a bit of practice? We’ve now added Club Practice options in the Clubs 3v3 and 6v6 Dressing Rooms. Scrimmage pits you against a CPU team with adjustable difficulty. Open Practice lets your team practice as on the offensive side to work on shooting and passing, with your goalie defending against their shots.
Free Skate, available from the Edit Loadout screen, lets you test out player classes and new traits. Load out a Free Skate Practice as a skater or play as a goalie to take or face some shots.
WHAT’S NEW IN FRANCHISE
In the real NHL, the approach of the Trade Deadline is one of the marquee events of the season: This year, we’ve brought some of that spectacle to Franchise Mode. Feel the pressure of the approaching deadline with real-time updates as you and the other teams decide and make your trades.
WHAT’S NEW IN GAMEPLAY
We’ve reworked the right stick mechanics for goalies and made them react more strategically to an approaching puck with improved gap control on defense.
We’ve also added NHL superstar-inspired dekes to allow you to finish around the net in iconic fashion! Similarly, you can now select your skating style, giving you a personal flair as you maneuver across the ice.
NHL PLAYER COMMUNITY HEALTH
It’s our goal to ensure that everyone can enjoy our game and freely express themselves. Any instance of toxicity can ruin this welcoming and positive experience we are trying to create. In NHL 21, we ask you to help us foster this safe environment by reporting offensive content. We have created a new in-game reporting function where you can alert of us to unacceptable World of CHEL Club, Skater, and HUT Team names that may need to eb removed from the game.
PLAYING A GAME
GAME SCREEN
Alt. Text: This picture shows the Game screen and includes the score, period, and time left in the period.
PAUSE MENU
Press the OPTIONS button during a game to freeze the action and open the Pause menu. You can see the current game stats on the right side of the screen, such as goals, shots, passing percentage, and power plays.
Resume Game
Get back onto the ice and continue your current game.
Instant Replay
View a replay of your game. Fast-forward or rewind the match, zoom in or out, and move the camera around to get the best angle of the action.
Settings
Customize settings for gameplay, audio, visuals, controls, and more. You can also choose to play as the other team, or toggle Goalie Mode ON/OFF depending on whether or not you want to play as the goalie
Quit
Leave the current game or select REMATCH to restart the game from the beginning. Either way, the current game will not save.
Game Stats
View the Box Score section to see detailed scoring and penalty information for the current game, as well as stats for both teams’ players. With the Action tacker, watch replays of the on-ice action by selecting the event you want to witness. Choose the type of action-such as goals—and the period to get started. You can also press the L3 button to filter the choices by team and/or player.
Manage Teams
Manage your team by editing lines and setting strategies as the game progresses.
Coach Feedback
Check on your Offense, Defense, Team Play, and Overall Performance ratings to see where your game needs improvement. In addition, your virtual Coach will also give specific suggestions concerning your behavior on the ice.
GAME MODES
Whether you want to play a quick game, challenge your Friends, or start a hockey career, you can find all of NHL® 21’s game modes in the main menu.
SAVING YOUR GAME
Game information for NHL® 21 is automatically saved to your PlayStation 4 system. In Be a Pro and Franchise modes you may save new careers based on the one you’re currently playing. Your progress in these career modes will be saved automatically at different checkpoints and upon exiting the mode.
PLAY NOW
Hit the ice for an offline match, playing solo or locally with Friends. Choose the home and away teams, select your jerseys, and get ready to dominate on the ice as the team of your choice!
Before you begin, take the time to adjust your lines, strategies, and game settings. Swap players and choose your starting lineup for both offense and defense. You have control over everything, from your defensive coverage to your forward line actions, so get your gameplans ready!
PLAYER SKILLS AND STRATEGY
Keep in mind that some strategies are built for certain types of hockey players. For instance, Crash the Net for your forward line is best if your players possess a lot of physical strength. Check your lineups to see who’s taking the ice and choose strategies that put their unique skill sets to good use!
ONLINE VERSUS
Challenge other NHL® 21 players to games online. You can play Competitive or Casual matches, compete alongside and against Friends online or on the couch, or play cooperatively against the CPU. This is the place to put your skills to the test!
BE A PRO CAREER
Truly experience NHL 21 as your own custom player. Our newly added season and post-game stories will test your professional skills of the ice, such as the Pre-Draft Interviews. A few days before the NHL Entry Draft, you’ll meet with three teams who are considering drafting your. Choose your answers wisely: your performance can improve (or lower) your Draft Ranking.
Choose one of the 15 player classes for your player. Each class has its own goals: for example, a Defensive Defenseman won’t need to be scoring a hattrick to impress their coach. We’ll assign current players to the classes to help you visualize their playstyles. Navigate the Skill Tree to enhance your XP within specific ratings, while Specialties offer situational boosts during games.
Prove your wroth in games, improve based on Coach Feedback, and get drafter to start your career. Your performance will shape your legacy.
FRANCHISE MODE
Lead your team to Stanley Cup glory through good management and business sense behind the scenes.
Allow room in your budget for scouting prospects and rival teams, adding a whole new dimension to the GM experience. For realistic challenge, enable Fog of War to restrict your view of the competition until you scout them directly.
Being a GM is not only about managing your team, but also making crucial decisions regarding player personnel, scouting, ticket prices, operations budgets, arena upgrades, and relocation.
As a GM, you will need to manage many aspects of your team’s franchise. Hire a coaching tag that improves your team’s chemistry and player morale. Use the scouting system to find perfect players for your team-and make sure you’ve got the right scouts to find them. Introduced this year, you’ll need to fight for your trades before the Trade Deadline, managing Availability, Market Demand, Trade Blocks and Trade Offers under a strict timeline.
You can also use Interviews and Conversations to learn more about your players and staff or improve your team’s morale (if you can keep your promises!). You’ll even need to balance your stadium’s budget, food, and cleanliness. All the tools to better your team and create a successful franchise are in your hands.
HOCKEY ULTIMATE TEAM (HUT)
In HUT, you will create and manage your dream team to take onto the virtual ice of HUT Competitive Seasons, Online Seasons, and HUT Champions. If you prefer solo play, try Squad Battles, HUT Challenges, or compete against the current Team of the Week—great ways to brush up on your skills and make sure you’re ready to compete online or against your Friends. See if you have what it takes to win!
As you progress through HUT, you’ll earn Coins to acquire new players and packs. And as you get new players for your roster, be sure to choose according to their respective strengths: NHL® 20 utilizes HUT Synergy, which grants stat boosts to players who complement each other. Make sure your players are not only stars on the ice, but also have the right Synergy to successfully work together.
You can also challenge you Friends to online matches through Play with Friends. Battle it out on the ice to see who has created the best Ultimate Team!
HUT Rush (New)
HUT Rush Events feature 3v3, 5v5, or Threes games that can be played against CPUs or online. You’ll earn points for scoring goals or playing games with style. Points increase your tier: You’ll gain rewards for each tier you earn.
The variations will change three of the following features:
Game Type (3v3, 5v5, or Threes)
Gameplay Style (Arcade, Competitive, Traditional)
Gameplay Rules (offsides on/off, Moneypuck on/off, etc.)
Game Length (play to x goals)
Lineup Settings (play with your UT or draft from a set deck)
Lineup size (single line vs full line up)
Event Objectives (secondary bonuses like “Score Top Shelf Goals”)
Arena Settings (indoor, outdoor)
Synergies
Players who work well together create synergies that boos their abilities. Be sure to pair up players wit the same synergy for the best results! Go to the Player Information Screen to see how these synergies are improving your players.
SQUAD BATTLES
In this new mode, players compete against other players’ teams, or time-limited featured teams. The higher you are on the leaderboards and the harder the difficulty, the better rewards you’ll earn!
ONES NOW
NHL Ones is a fast, back-to-basics mode that pits three players against each other in small, outdoor locations. Ones is hockey at its purest: in this free-for-all, no-rules gauntlet, each opponent must demonstrate their full range of offensive and defensive skills. Skate hard, aim well, and protect your goal!
ONLINE AND OFFLINE SHOOTOUT MODES
A goalie and a shooter trade off defending and taking penalty shots. In a series of five rounds, users can practice this critical moment from both sides.
PLAYOFF MODE
Start a playoff and see which real-world team can make it to the top. First, choose your playoff settings, including the number of participating teams, the length of the series (such as Best of 7), and the difficulty. Next, choose teams to fill out the tournament bracket.
When the tournament begins, you can choose to play directly, let the CPU take over, or simulate games.
NHL THREES
In NHL Threes, make your way across North America and compete in the Western and Eastern Conference circuits to unlock new players, arenas, logos, and jerseys. The Three Circuit can be played online and via local multiplayer, compete against Friends, or team up and take the Threes Circuits by storm.
SEASON MODE
Play in one of 11 different leagues for a full season. Dominate the season standings and lead your favorite team to championship glory.
PRACTICE MODE
Whatever part of your game needs improvement, NHL® 21 has you covered: Practice as a full team, free skate against a goalie, or play as a goalie yourself to fine tune your defenses. For a full review of the basics, try out each tutorial in the Training Camp.
WORLD OF CHEL
World of Chel houses all the online progression-based modes in NHL 21: Ones and Threes Eliminators, Pro-Am, and EA SPORTS™ Hockey League (EASHL). The XP gear you earn can be used in various World of CHEL modes.
EA SPORTS™ HOCKEY LEAGUE
Join a drop-in game for a quick EA SPORTS Hockey League experience. Select your favorite position, and our matchmaking system will find you the best available game. Develop chemistry with your teammates to eventually join or create a club as a group-this way, you can easily play with these friends on a regular basis. You can also unlock club-specific items via Hockey bags for our entire club to use.
Create a character to get you started: Customization options will be limited at first, but you’ll soon earn more as you progress. You can use your custom character across a variety of World of CHEL modes.
Hone your skills, play against other clubs, and work your way up the division ladder during the Regular Season, then compete in the Club Finals in our all new WoC Seasons. Unlock and equip Traits to further enhance your player’s Shooting, Senses, Puck Skills, and more. Two Traits can be assigned at a time as well as one Specialty which gives your player situation-specific advantages on the ice.
Not in a Club, or are your Club members not online? Play in 3v3 or 6v6 Drop-Ins for an authentic EASHL experience!
Note: Friends can participate in club games without joining the club.
Practice (New)
If your team needs some practice time before a big game, Club Practice has your back. Practice from the Dressing Room in 3v3 or 6v6 games in Scrimmages or Open Practice. In Scrimmgae, your club will play against a CPU team with adjustable difficulty. In Open Prractice, your players will take to the offensive side to work on their shooting and passing while your goalie warms u ptheir defensive moves.
Free Skate, available from the Edit Loadout screen, is another mode you can use to test out player classes and new traits.
World of CHEL Seasons
There will be several WoC Seasons in NHL 21, each lasting several weeks. During a Season, players and clubs can climb the ranks to earn rewards! Each Season has three Phrases:
Season Starts
Open to all players. You’ll earn a rank for each WoC mode after completing your Placement Games- increase your rank further to earn more rewards. Clubs play in the Regular Season to climb the divisions and qualify for a higher-tiered Cup.
EASHL Club Finals Begin
Club Finals is a complete tournament takeover. Don’t have a club? No problem: Create a club with some friends, even after Club Finals begin! You’ll be locked into the Cup your club has qualified for, then compete for Rank Points for several weeks to climb the tournament leaderboards. All Club Final games are hosted in an outdoor venue, where clubs from all around the world gather to compete for the change to be crowned Champion!
Blackout Phase
This phase will last a few days while the leaderboard standing are verified. Season rewards are distributed at the very end of this phase. You can still play during this phase, but your results won’t contribute to any previous or future WoC Season.
Player Rank
Each mode of our Ranked Seasons (Ones Eliminator, Threes Eliminator, EASHL Drop-In, and EASHL Clubs) has its own ranked leaderboards. You’ll earn rewards for each rank you reach.
Club Finals
Once EASHL Club Finals start, compete in the 3v3 or 6v6 tournaments-or both! There is only one 3v3 and 6v6 champion for each Cup per season, but there are also rewards for your club no matter where you finish, such as Club Banners to show off at your home arena!
PRO-AM
Pro-Am is the place to practice and improve your skills! Each Pro-Am campaign features multiple 3v3 matches against CPU teams in which your World of CHEL custom player competes against theme-based teams made up of past and present NHL stars.
THREES ELIMINATOR
Compete in fast and fun, aracade-inspired, elimination style, single player or club tournaments in 3v3 matches. Eight teams enter, but only one will be champion!
ONES ELIMINATOR
Take your Ones skills to the test. Ones Eliminators pit you against 27 users, whittling each of you down until three remain to compete for tournament.
NHL PLAYER COMMUNITY HEALTH
NHL 21 is a game where anyone and everyone is welcome to play, but we need your help to create a safe and welcoming world for you all. Our new in-game reporting function lets you notify us of unacceptable World of CHEL Club, Skaters, or HUT Team names that may need to be removed.
HOW TO REPORT OFFENSIVE CONTNET
There are many different areas in World of CHEL where you can report a Club or Player name. The easiest way is to head to a leaderboard or your own recent games, find the offensive Club or Player name, and then follow the steps listed below:
Highlight name
Select and answer the questions in “Report Content”
Submit
Thank you for your help!
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