ClutchPoints
The Madden 26 Gameplay Reveal Deep Dive has arrived, showing off new changes for both Coach and QB play. Overall, Madden 26 is adding a ton of new systems and features to enhance coaches, players, the weather, the depth charts, AI behavior, and so much more. There’s a lot to dive in with this new Deep Dive. So without further ado, let’s dive right in.
In the Madden 26 Gameplay Reveal Deep Dive Blog, EA Sports discussed the three core principles when developing this game:
But what does this actually mean?
Madden 26 QB DNA Gameplay Explained
In Madden 26, EA Sports has done a few things to improve both QB and Coaches.
Firstly, QB DNA allows for more authentic AI behavior at the position. But not only that, Madden 26 boasts new signature ball holds (nine overall):
Essentially, these create more realistic QB throwing motions, which the AI can change between in-game. When under pressure, a QB will switch to a two-ball hold in order secure the ball. And while in the pocket, QBs should bounce of their feet more, pat the ball more, and move their head around more as they search for an open man.
But it’s more than just pre-play and pocket behavior. Scrambling QBs should now move a lot smoother, with cleaner animations to represent authentic movement. Furthermore, Madden 26 adds new signature run cycles for QBs, giving them unique runs to their real-life counterpart. Additionally, some QBs hold the ball differently when scrambling, making each player more unique.
Lastly, we come to passing, the most fundamental aspect of the position. Overall, Madden 26 adds new passing styles, along with a new signature passes called Signature Off-Platform Throws. These unique passes can only be performed by specific players. Some examples include:
Essentially, Madden 26 offers new animations for almost every throw type to improve the realism and experience. Additionally, for more technical players, Madden 26 adds three new unique base arm slots (Over-Top, 3/4 High and 3/4 Low) which gets assigned to each QB based on their real-life counterpart. Some QBs, like Matt Stafford, can actually switch between these slots for more dynamic range.
Overall, Madden 26 adds over 500 new animations along with 40 unique quarterback “recipes” so that each QB feels and plays different. But that’s not all.
When actually controlling a QB, the latest Madden title adds some new mechanics for players to try out.
First comes Field Vision, a new technology that “detects the sight line of a QB in the pocket based on his...
