'NHL 24': All the new features you need to know

World of Chel

• Instead of opening hockey bags to unlock items at random, users can now directly purchase the items they want with in-game currency. The bag system will still be included to collect the currency.
• A battle pass will be utilized to unlock special items during each season.
• Cross-play is expanded, allowing players to easily join teammates from other game consoles, as long as they are part of the same generation — no crossing over, such as PS5 and PS4.
• Teams can also pick up free agents to fill out their club rosters for a game.
• A new quick-play mode allows for one-period drop-in games. This will be especially useful when trying to level up the battle pass or test new features without worrying about teammates dropping early.
• There’s a new club finals playoff format that resembles more of a Stanley Cup playoff style. It isn’t just about grinding games anymore — there’s a bracket format, with teams being eliminated after losing four games.

New Gameplay Features

• The new Exhaust Engine will see a team that’s dominating puck possession earn extra adrenaline, while slowing down the defending team. Goalies will also be affected after facing a barrage of shots, moving slightly differently as they get worn out over time. This puts a focus on generating chances instead of ragging the puck.
• A goaltending revamp will see a new tethering system utilized. This allows a goalie to easily get back into position after a save, which could especially be useful after clicking the right stick too far in a bad read.
• Hitting will be more physics-based and less about crushing players at full force. The hits are supposed to feel more realistic and, in theory, more rewarding.

Presentation Updates

• New animated boards will be utilized just like in the NHL. It will be used to show stats such as shot information, time remaining in a period or power play, and when a team has full pressure activated.
• Over 75 new goal celebrations have been added, with new camera angles and special effects.
• The glass can be broken from shots and hits, and players can be hit into the bench.