Madden NFL 25 Superstar Deep Dive

August 6, 2024

Hey Madden fans, welcome back to Gridiron Notes!

Today, we’re excited to take you on a Deep Dive of all of the new features and updates coming to the Superstar experience for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®5, and PC. How will you forge your path to NFL stardom?

Madden 25 in-game shot of a Denver Broncos player wearing the number 23 and "Cap" on his back clapping to the crowd.

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Your Superstar journey starts when you decide which type of player you want to be – your physical avatar as well as your archetype.

New to Superstar in Madden NFL 25 are preset archetypes. The choice is yours! Different archetypes provide different maximum ratings.

For example, you start off with your ratings at 60, meaning they cap out at 84. As such, the tier of ability associated with that rating caps out at bronze.

You can spend up to three creation points on any given rating. So as a QB, you could spend three creation points and bump that 60 throw power up to a starting base value of 75. Now, the max throw power rating is a 99, and the associated ability (Arm Talent) can be upgraded to gold. All of this information is presented to you at the Archetype screen (Current Rating, Max Potential, Creation Points, Ability Tiers).

Additionally, you have to choose between spending creation points on core skills (Throw power, Accuracy, Throw under pressure, etc.) versus spending them on physical skills (Speed, Acceleration, Strength, etc.). Physical skills don't have abilities associated with them, but they do significantly impact how you move and interact on the field. How will you strike a balance between spending enough on physical skills to suit your playstyle, while also developing your must-have abilities?

We heard you about more customization for physical appearance, too! We’ve added more faces, hair styles and facial hair options. And yes, Superstar fans… Tattoos are here!

Close-up in game shot of a player in Superstar Mode, where the user can select hairstyle and facial features when building a player.

The return of EA SPORTS College Football also marks the return of a classic feature within the Madden franchise. Player Import will let you select any Road to Glory avatar to use in Superstar mode! Your collegiate legacy will follow you into the pros as the game recognizes, and reacts to, your affiliation. From college freshman to NFL GOAT, you can once again play through the entire journey of a football star. If you import a character from College Football 25’s Road to Glory, you get additional creation points beyond the base cap of 15.

The NFL Scouting Combine

In-game screen showing the 20-yard shuttle grade of a simulated player called John Cap in Superstar Mode.

The Combine was fun in Madden NFL 24! This year, however, it REALLY matters. Think about how often a player barely on our radar puts on a show at the Combine, and all of a sudden skyrockets up draft boards. Your performance at the Combine will impact your Superstar in many ways. Your Combine performance can boost your player ratings. These boosts aren’t for a game or two – a successful combine could tangibly increase your player’s starting ratings, raising your floor for the rest of your career.

In terms of drills at the Combine, everyone is going to participate in the 40-yard dash and bench press. However, your linebackers won’t be throwing passes. Combine drills will be tailored to your Superstar’s position. We added 26 new mini game drills for the Combine. Now it’s time to lace up the cleats and get on the field.

The League

Superstar Quests

There are no more important pieces to your Superstar’s journey than quests. Quests will propel you to NFL stardom or keep you grinding in the trenches. Your quests are triggered in narrative moments throughout your journey. Maybe your coach pulls you into their office for a 1-on-1 meeting, maybe a teammate wants to let you know they want the ball more. How you respond in these narrative moments will determine which quests open up for your Superstar.

For example, if you’re playing quarterback, your coach may ask you early in your career how you’re going to be of value to the team. If your response is along the lines of “I’m going to use my legs,” your quests could revolve around rushing accomplishments, for example: In your next game, rush for 50 yards. If you tell your coach you’re going to “Throw darts,” you may receive a quest centered around passing yard thresholds. Successfully completing these quests are your way to accelerate your Superstar’s path to the top of the league.

In-game screen showing Growth Potential, New Abilities and other attributes in Madden 25 Superstar Mode.

In Madden NFL 25’s Superstar experience, there are more than 900 quests, tailored specifically to your Superstar’s skillset, responses and journey. It’s a completionist’s dream. Quests are also performance-driven. Say you throw three interceptions in a game - your coach may give you a practice to help you rebound.

In Madden NFL 24, Superstar quests were generic. They weren’t performance-based. This year, you’ll be immersed in a world with contextual, action-based quests. Is your team in rebuilding mode and losing games? If so, your quests could be more focused on personal statistics and development. If your team’s crushing it, however, you could be dealt quests centered around winning and keeping your team in the playoff race. With “Unrivaled” quests, you’ll be able to single out your NFL rival. If you’re a receiver, you could choose a quest with a challenge to dominate your cornerback rival!

Some of the most powerful quests in your Superstar journey are record-breaker quests. You’ll reap handsome rewards for breaking NFL records such as single-game passing yards, rushing yards, etc. Don’t expect this to be easy, though. You won’t be coming out throwing for 600 yards a game. Don’t be surprised if in a big game, you’re facing players with X-Factor Abilities turned on! You’ll have more rewards on the Superstar path, but the path itself will be challenging. The team wanted to make sure you’re rewarded for your effort, making milestones feel truly impactful.

Teammate Abilities

Unlike any other game in the world, football is a team sport. Your Superstar won’t get far without help from your teammates. Conversely, great Superstars also make their teammates great. That’s why, in Madden NFL 25, we’ve introduced teammate abilities. These abilities are earned throughout your journey and passively improve your teammates. You’ll be able to choose when and how you equip these. If you’re playing quarterback - do you want to boost your wide receivers’ Catch In Traffic rating or their Deep Route Running? You’ll be faced with choices all throughout your journey, personalizing every element of the path to stardom.

Player Grading

You torched a defender for a clutch touchdown? A+! In-game player grading was introduced in Madden NFL 24. In Madden NFL 25, we bolstered player grades with a new suite of actions that impact grades. This year, for example, receivers will see grade boosts for successfully sticking to and running their route. Running backs will see a grade improvement for hitting the correct hole and much more.

Maddencast

Filmed at NFL Films Studios, Maddencasts will deliver live commentary surrounding your Superstar and your storylines. You’ll see NFL legends Chad Ochocinco, Channing Crowder, Fred Taylor and more discuss how your player is progressing via talk show, video chat calls and more!

Superstar Showdown

In-game screen of a 1st and Goal simulation with two players each on offense and defense in Madden 25 Superstar Mode.

What’s better than squadding up with your crew? Last year we unveiled the 3-on-3 Superstar Showdown mode. Since then, you’ve teamed up with your friends, taking on a gauntlet of squads and improving your Superstar. Superstar Showdown in Madden NFL 25 has evolved and leveled up.

Firstly, there are more events. At launch, you’ll be directed to the Ochocinco Celebration Event! In this event, you’ll get a point for every yard you gain while celebrating. You’ll be playing to a much higher point total than 21 in this mode. Don’t get greedy though, you know how easy it is to fumble when you’re hit while celebrating! Another event you’ll find is the Season of Boom. In Season of Boom, your team will receive three points for every successful hit stick!

Dev Note: Keep an eye out for events come Halloween time, we can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on!

You loved teaming up with your squad in Madden NFL 24 for some 3-on-3. In Madden NFL 25 Superstar Showdown, you’ll be able to play against your friends, too! In Challenge Mode, you can jump into the game with up to five friends for some epic 3-on-3 battles. The Showdown Arena is the perfect place for you and your squad to show off your style, with customizable introductions, emotes, and celebrations.

Alright Superstars, it’s time to complete your Quests, squad up and rise through the Superstar Path, a pantheon of great players at your position, and see if you have what it takes to become the GOAT.

Madden NFL 25 launches worldwide on August 16, 2024. Pre-order the Madden NFL 25 Deluxe Edition and play early. Conditions and restrictions apply. See disclaimers for details. Stay in the conversation by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Answers HQ.