NHL 22 is so close to its official launch and our excitement can barely be contained.
We've got details on all the different NHL 22 game modes coming this year and the new features that will be included with each.
Latest news - Next Gen Review in Progress
Not sure whether to invest in NHL 22 this year? Before you decide, why not take a look at our review in progress?
NHL 22 is building upon over three decades of franchise history in pioneering hockey video games, but they've managed to up the ante once more.
NHL 22 is the first game in the series to move to Next Gen, and the jump to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S has also seen the series move to the Frostbite Engine which should make for major changes.
Take a look at our NHL 22 Next Gen Review in Progress and why NHL 22 looks to set a new standard of hockey gaming.
NHL 22 Game Modes improving across the board
Some things about NHL 22 will remain relatively familiar to players who are used to NHL 21 or other recent EA Sports hockey titles.
The primary four game modes will be returning as HUT 22 (Ultimate Team), World of Chel, Be A Pro, and Franchise Mode will all be back in NHL 22.
This will be the first year that NHL 22 jumps to next gen platforms PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, but they've made a concerted effort to keep any big features from being next gen exclusive.
However, upgraded graphics and visuals are expected to be part of what makes NHL 22 feel special on next gen consoles.
HUT 22: Hockey Ultimate Team
If you're used to Ultimate Team modes either through the NHL gaming franchise or other titles like Madden 22 or NBA 2K22, you can expect that same flavor with HUT 22.
This year we got a revamped version of HUT 22 and our final Deep Dive from EA detailed what we can expect this year. Check it out below!
Things are getting extra interesting this year thanks to the addition of X Factor abilities, which will be in HUT 22 as well as the main game for NHL 22.
On top of that, you'll be able to unlock and select new synergies to maximize the ways your HUT squad interacts and bolsters itself on the ice.
Franchise Mode
The addition of the Seattle Kraken to the NHL also means their team and the accompanying Expansion Draft are coming to NHL 22.
This year you'll kick things off with the Expansion Draft and have the option of choosing the Seattle Kraken or adding a 33rd team to the league to use in the Expansion Draft.
During the Deep Dive on Be A Pro and Franchise Mode we learned about the new Roster Sharing function on the way to NHL 22.
Superstar X Factors will also be part of Franchise Mode now, mixing in with the Fog of War scouting system as you are challenged to maximize chemistry by pairing up players with different X Factors.
Check out our in-depth look at what's on the way to Franchise Mode by heading here!
Be A Pro
If you're looking for a single player career mode experience, Be a Pro is likely where you'll spend the most time in NHL 22.
The game mode returns once again this year and will bring new storylines and the Archetype function will bring even more customization depth.
Earning and unlocking X Factor abilities will become a crucial part of the process this year, and there are expected to be fresh multi-season storylines and challenges that span your player's entire career.
World of Chel
The game mode we've learned most about so far is World of Chel, which has a nearly 30-minute long Deep Dive detailing the popular game mode.
As will be a theme this year, the addition of Superstar X Factor abilities will be a new integral part of World of Chel as you choose custom player classes and abilities.
You'll create and upgrade a player, not unlike Be A Pro, but World of Chel operates more on pickup games and playing with friends than the traditional Be A Pro game mode.
Visually, things will get a major improvement as the entire World of Chel hub has been revamped and redesigned, with visuals that should change frequently based on a variety of factors.
You can learn more here about what's coming to World of Chel in NHL 22.