Patch 1.4.0 features many improvements to goaltenders and goalie X-Factors
Patch 1.4.0 features many improvements to goaltenders and goalie X-Factors
EA Sports released a new patch for NHL 24 today centered around improving goalies, addressing multiple bugs, and tweaking push checks in front of the net. The new NHL All-Star jerseys have also been added to the game.
One significant change in this patch is the update to goalie X-Factor abilities to make them more impactful. Based on community feedback, certain X-Factors do not provide enough of a boost compared to others, causing players to feel they have limited choice when assigning goalie X-Factors to their EASHL goalie or unlocking zone and superstar abilities on HUT cards.
Goalie X-Factors Whirlwind, Handled It, and Energizer will boost your teammates' energy even more upon activation.
Light Work will now have exceptional save ability and reaction time when facing snap shots. Previously, that X-Factor only had the boost when facing wrist shots. They also boosted goalie precision when facing any shot within 20ft of the net.
Extra Padding is getting a boost to their precision against slap shots and when facing any shot that comes further than 25ft of the net.
Another change in this patch is goalie size balancing within the game. Based on community feedback, many felt there were disadvantages when using/playing a smaller goalie due to larger goalies covering more physical space and being harder to score on. Sounds like real life, no?
To fix this issue and to see smaller goalies have more value in the game. They have scaled the save reach to the height of the goalie. This means that a smaller goalie realistically should be able to get his blocker or glove down quicker to stop shots targeted right above their pads, while a taller goalie will have a tough time due to having to reach down further.
As someone who plays a lot of EASHL, I'm curious how this will affect AI goalies, as I have had a lot more success this year scoring when shooting toward the low corners than I did in previous NHL games.
Push checks also are getting a significant change. They were very effective early in the game in stopping cross creases and players setting up in front for a tip. They were too overpowered, and you could literally bully players who came close to the crease. They have since nerfed that, but this patch appears to be reverting it back a bit, which I am a fan of as an EASHL defenseman.
Now, defending players can push check and knock down their opponent within 20ft of the net with reduced risk of drawing an interference penalty. 20ft is about the radius between the faceoff dots. So, if a player is setting up for a tip around the hash marks, you should be able to push check them in this area of the ice and not get a penalty.
The patch notes mention that if you push check an opponent continuously when they are around the net, can result in a cross checking penalty. So, players should be careful with how often they utilize the push check when defending their net front.
World of Chel is also getting a ton of issues fixed. A full list of the changes can be viewed here.