Summary
EA Sports has released a November update forMadden NFL 25that adds a unique animation inspired by a recent performance by one of the league’s premiere running backs, the Philadelphia Eagles' Saquon Barkely. The November update toMadden NFL 25also adds five new X-Factor players, makes some big alterations to playbooks, and gives players more customization options.
In August, TheMaddenfranchise reached a major milestone in the gaming industry, marking the 25th consecutive year that it has taken the first-place spot in game sales in its games' debut month, according to figures from Circana. Even before its release,Madden 25made it near the top of thebest-selling games of July 2024, placing only behind fellow EA football gameEA College Football 25and sharing the second-place spot with it as part of theEA Sports MVP Bundle.
Headlining the November update is the new backwards hurdle animation inspired by Barkley’s performance in the Eagles' November 3 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.Barkely is already one of the best halfbacks inMadden 25, appearing as a Superstar X-Factor player with an overall rating of 92, and the update now gives him a unique move that can’t be performed by any other player in the league. One of the game’s designers, Spade, witnessed Barkely’s backwards hurdle during the game’s second quarter of the Jaguars' visit and stated that he knew it had to be part ofMadden 25. To trigger the Saquon Spin Hurdle, players must control Barkley and press the hurdle button with precise timing as the opposing defender is at close range and approaching Barkely at a 45-degree angle.
The November update also tweaks the league’s roster by offering five new players who can access theMaddenseries' X-Factor abilities, 21 others who have been moved up to Superstar rank, and 18 who have been demoted. The new X-Factor players are Houston Texans' quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Nico Collins; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers' safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and New York Jets' defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Notable new additions to the Superstar-rank roster include quarterbacks Baker Mayfield for the Buccaneers and Jayden Daniels for the Washington Commanders, while Jets and Eagles quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Jalen Hurts are among those to see their stock fall in the game.
Playbooks inMadden 25are also seeing some changes, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, with additional plays being added for Nickel Over, Nickel 2-4, and Nickel 3-3 Odd for multiple teams. Offensively, the Run & Shoot playbook gets an additional five plays split between pistol and shotgun formations. The update also adds new face scans for 13 NFL players, adds a couple of wintry vanity items to Superstar mode, brings in seven more authentic gear options, and provides numerous gameplay fixes.
Madden NFL 25
WHERE TO PLAY
FRANCHISE IMMERSIONRecharged Franchise mode provides a rebuilt NFL Draft experience featuring Roger Goodell, team and rookie records, new environments, personalized storylines, more ways to customize your NFL team and season, a fresh Super Bowl celebration experience, and Franchise Central with simplified league creation tools and more information at your fingertips so you can drive your Franchise to victory.LIVE UPDATES IN ULTIMATE TEAM & SUPERSTARNew rewards, feature releases, themed programs, and the ability to customize your style and skills in Superstar bring refreshed experiences across Ultimate Team™ and live game modes.PLAYBOOK EXPANSIONEvolve your strategy with a brand new set of featured plays, from some of the game’s most inventive team playbooks.TEAM BUILDERCreate your own NFL franchise using Team Builder, a web-based customization tool that allows you to design a team that perfectly matches your style.Team Builder content can be used in Franchise mode. Internet connection & EA account required. Applicable platform account may be required. Age restrictions may apply.
