What’s New in EA Sports Madden NFL 25?

EA Sports Madden NFL 25 is less than a month away, and with the excitement of College Football 25 still simmering in the background, EA Sports has taken the time to do a gameplay deep dive on the next evolution of pro bowl gaming.

The focus in this year's entry is squarely on making use of the Frostbite engine's powerful physics processing to add extra control (and a little uncertainty) to your clashes.

Previous iterations have relied purely on player stat showdowns whenever a tackle or interception attempt is made, which sometimes doesn't feel great if you know you're pressing the right buttons and making a good play. So to tip the scales further in the direction of player control and agency rather than scripted or pre-determined number-crunching, BOOM Tech makes its explosive entrance.

BOOM Tech Physics

BOOM Tech (named for Coach Madden's single-word catchphrase) adds physics-driven systems to tackles, ball carrier balance, fumbles, and recovery. Tackles – including Hit Sticks, Cut Sticks, Trucks, Stiff-Arms and Dive Tackles – gain dynamic impact and resistance characteristics based on far more than just strength stats.

EA's FieldSENSE animation system selects the outcomes of tackles based on things like:

• current attacker and defender pose at impact;
• current move-direction and speed;
• the weight of each player;
• the momentum of each player;
• the squareness of the hit;
• a muscle-strength toolset calibrated to each player matching their unique on-field characteristics;
• player ratings

In addition, a number of new abilities have been built to support the new physics-based tackle system, to give extra advantages to both tacklers and ball carriers on top of their ratings. New abilities include:

• Tireless Runner - Stamina reduction has no impact on ball carrier’s ability to rebalance on broken tackles
• Extra Pop - Increased chance to create a fumble with a perfect Hit Stick
• Steamroller - As a ball carrier, significantly harder to be bumped off current path when running at full speed
• Form Tackler - The ideal tackle-timing window is easier to hit

Hit Stick Timing

Timing is also important, and has been added to Hit Stick tackles – one of the most popular mechanics in the franchise. The timing and the defender's approach angle also play into the equation to determine outcomes now, instead of just relying on a player's Hit Power rating.

If the timing or angle is sub-optimal, even the heavy hitters will see their tackle attempt shrugged off. To help nail that spear, an indicator below the defender will show the power, squareness, and timing of the hit. And if it lands just right, you'll get that gratifying "OOHHHHHH" chorus from the stadium, as well as a higher chance for a fumble.

Animation Authenticity

You'll also notice new animations for lots of on-field scenarios, even before the play begins. In pursuit of authenticity, more than 200 new pre-play behaviors have been added to increase anticipation for the snap, including signature QB sets such as Jalen Hurts' low stance, and Dak Prescott's road-game leg kick.

Ball carriers will also adapt their movement in the context of their surroundings, so if a heavy tackle is coming from an angle they might be aware of, you'll see them brace for impact. And if they're taking a narrow route through the scrimmage, you'll see them try to think skinny and slip through the cracks.

New Skill Moves

Slippery attempts to avoid contact have also been given a refresh, with ball carrier skill moves including jukes, spins, high-steps and hesitations having a new system built around them. Pressing RT/R2 and flicking down on the right stick now enters the Setup State, giving runners the option to chain up a combo of jukes and spins to fully embarrass their opponent.

EA's Orlando studio has released an entire blog breaking down the developments in this year's Madden entry, so you can check out Gridiron Notes for even more details on Playbooks, Pass Coverage improvements, Pre-Play Adjustments, and Blocking.

And if you're interested in pre-ordering this year's Madden installment, you have the option to do so using the links we've provided below.

EA Sports Madden NFL 25

Release Date: August 16, 2024

• Windows
• PlayStation 4Buy
• PlayStation 5Buy
• Xbox SeriesBuy