We can suspect a few X-Factor abilities will become more popular in NHL 24 based on the revamped gameplay.
The all-new Exhaust Engine, Physics-Based Contact, and Total Control system refresh the NHL gameplay experience. With that in mind, players might ask which X-Factor abilities will be particularly effective and popular in NHL 24.
First, for those that do not know, X-Factor abilities include game-changing Zone abilities and enhanced Superstar abilities. Inspired by the NHL’s top talent, they boost various actions (e.g., shot power, passing accuracy, skating speed, agility, save capabilities, and more).
NHL 24 will include X-Factor abilities, and it remains to be seen which ones may be gone and which ones are new to the game. However, based on the revamped gameplay, we can suspect a few X-Factor abilities will become more popular than before. The rest of this article will review some of these in no particular order.
Unstoppable Force
The new Physics-Based Contact gives control to players on the style, direction, and strength of their body checks. Along with changes to the puck protection functionality in NHL 24, avoiding body checks or maintaining control of the puck over slight nudges and incidental contact might be harder. Therefore, unstoppable force might be a popular ability. It is designed to give "exceptional strength with the puck and a greatly increased ability to hold onto the puck when off balance." So, Unstoppable Force will throw off opponents strategically, knowing it is much harder to knock the puck off a player with Unstoppable Force active.
Crease Crasher
EA SPORTS added several new save animations, many of which will be prominently displayed during Full Pressure situations against a tired goalie. A fatigued goalie reduces the efficiency of save ability, which can result in dangerous rebounds around the net. This is where Crease Crasher comes in. Giving players “advanced ability at corralling bouncing pucks off of rebounds and increased shot accuracy on rebounds,” crease crasher might be a game changer.
Shutdown
The Exhaust Engine tires the defending team when Full Pressure is active while boosting passing speed and accuracy for the offensive team. With that in mind, players will need more support on defense to stop their opponents from activating and capitalizing on Full Pressure. This is where Shutdown will come big. Shutdown gives players “exceptional accuracy when poke-checking against momentum or at speed in rush situations. Also greatly improves shot blocking and hitting strength while defending against rush chances.” Therefore, quickly stopping an opponent will make Shutdown popular in NHL 24.
One tee
One-tee provides “exceptional power and accuracy on one-timers. It greatly increases the ability to one time less than ideal passes.” The all-new Goalie Fatigue System encourages taking shots on goal to wear down goalies. It also fills up the Sustained Pressure Meter quicker, too. So, while players are encouraged to take more shots on the net from different areas on the ice, one-tee makes those shots even more impactful before and during Full Pressure. This makes the entire offensive onslaught that much more dangerous.
Whether these X-Factor abilities will become some of the popular ones remains to be seen. Various factors will come into consideration as players continue to learn more and adapt to the game. That said, X-Factor abilities will be a hot topic of discussion throughout the hockey year.
NHL 24 will be available worldwide on Oct. 6, 2023, on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4, and Xbox One, with three days of early access, dual-entitlement, and more if fans pre-order the X-Factor Edition. Fans can pre-order the game now to get on the ice and experience these game-changing gameplay improvements early. For more information on EA SPORTS NHL 24, visit https://www.ea.com/games/nhl/nhl-24.
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