Madden 21 The Yard: Giannis Antetokounmpo Now Playable, October Title Update, Beginner's Guide, Gameplay, Locations, Avatar, Cred, Rep & more


EA's best addition to Madden 21 is the new hit game mode, The Yard.

Here's all the latest news around the game mode, including the new cameo appearance of Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers!

Latest News - Giannis Antetokounmpo Joins The Yard

EA have officially announced the inclusion of back-to-back NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in Madden 21's The Yard!

Madden 21 Giannis Antetokounmpo Joins The Yard
click to enlarge
+ 8

MVP: Giannis just won his second MVP award in a row in the NBA, and he's here to conquer the NFL in Madden 21

If you thought you could escape him by closing NBA 2K21 and opening Madden 21, think again.

READ MORE: Madden 21 Ultimate Team: MUT 21 TOTW 4

Giannis is known as the Greek Freak for his stunning athletic abilities, and they translate perfectly to the football field. And he isn't alone either, bringing along his brothers.

The Yard Beginner's Guide

The newest Madden 21 game mode comes with plenty of entirely new controls and capabilities. This includes being able to score bonus points, snap to different players, and plenty more.

rsz madden 21 the yard teammates
click to enlarge
+ 8

SQUAD UP: Draft the right team to ensure success in The Yard

To go through all the basics and figure out how to start your journey in Madden 21's The Yard, we've put together a Beginner's Guide to get you started.

September Title Update Brings Changes to The Yard

The Yard got some love in the newest Madden 21 September Title Update patch.

Madden 21 title update 1
click to enlarge
+ 8

STEP UP: Madden 21 continues to get better with every Title Update

There were plenty of changes, including bug fixes, patching specific plays that would always succeed against others (Trips Vert Hook and Deep Dish), and improved visuals.

READ MORE: Madden 21 Ultimate Team: Best way to grind solo XP

While the game mode received little to nothing in the October Title Update, new content is still being regularly introduced to The Yard.

What is The Yard?

Six vs six backyard football - The Yard plays like Madden's version of FIFA's VOLTA.

madden 21 the yard green bay tailgate 1
click to enlarge
+ 8

NOT YOUR AVERAGE BACKYARD: Some of these locations are more exotic that you'd expect

With a variety of new trick play animations never before seen in Madden, The Yard feels totally new. The ability to improvise and adapt after the snap will be key.

READ MORE: Madden 21 Ultimate Team: MUT 21 Series 2 - Series Redux, The 50, Team Builders & more

“We wanted to create a new way for players to express themselves and take on small-sided football in an arcade-style experience that’s completely new to Madden,” said Seann Graddy, Executive Producer of Madden NFL 21.

NOW WATCH BELOW - THE YARD TRAILER!

[@portabletext/vue] Unknown block type "ctpVideo", specify a component for it in the `components.types` prop

“The Yard is fast, thrilling, and most importantly fun. Players will delve into all-new gameplay on mobile and on consoles that will bring to life the backyard football that NFL players and fans grew up loving, where the rules are relaxed, and you can win with attitude.”

Create your own look

Create and customize your one-of-a-kind Avatar to represent your swag.

the yard madden 21 gear 1
click to enlarge
+ 8

BALL OUT IN STYLE: Get the look that suits you

Collect the freshest gear and build your Rep to grow your Madden Rank, while earning Cred to unlock more gear.

Locations

There are four The Yard locations right now, but we expect EA to drop more throughout the year.

madden 21 the yard brandenburg 1
click to enlarge
+ 8

ON TOUR: Take in the sights and flash some moves

From the Miami Port to the back lot in Green Bay, you get a sense of the USA. There is also a field next to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, and an unknown military location!

READ MORE: Madden 21 Xbox Series X: Dual Entitlement Upgrade, Specs, Pre-Orders & more

Each location comes with its own set of House Rules!

Your avatar, team, & prototype

Within The Yard you will need to build an avatar. Your avatar will play both offense and defense, and you'll need to pick a prototype to style him in.

madden 21 the yard players
click to enlarge
+ 8

PICK YOUR POISON: Which positions do you want to play?

However, your prototype isn't position-locked, you could choose to be a QB but with a WRs prototype. And given the trick plays involved in The Yard, that might be a good choice!

madden 21 the yard prototypes
click to enlarge
+ 8

SPEND WISELY: Who knows if you can get these points back so don't be hasty!

You can get X-Factors, Abilities, and then assign skill points to build your avatar up.

Each prototype comes with a unique X-Factor that you can't change, though you are granted a few Abilities to start but will soon be able to unlock more. Skill points are earned by leveling up the prototype you are using. You can use them to accentuate traits.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Madden 21 page.