Overview
New to Madden NFL 26, or want to explore new ways to play? Whether you're building your dream team or chasing that Hall of Fame career, this guide breaks down every major game mode and offers tips to help you get started.
Which Madden NFL mode to start with
If you’re new to Madden, or a little rusty on the field, here’s a quick-fire look at where to begin.| I want to… | Play this mode | ||
| Play a quick game | Play Now | ||
| Experience an NFL career | Superstar mode | ||
| Manage and grow an NFL team | Franchise mode | ||
| Collect NFL players to build a fantasy team | Madden Ultimate Team | ||
| Compete online against other players | Online Head-to-Head | ||
| Get better at the game | Training mode |
Play Now
Want to jump right into a game? Play Now is ideal for beginners, helping you learn the basics of Madden by playing quick matches.How does Play Now work?
- Pick any NFL team and play a single game against AI or a friend.
- No long-term commitment, just pick a team and play.
- Great for practicing plays and getting used to controls.
Franchise
Franchise is a deep, strategic mode that rewards smart decisions over multiple seasons.You’ll take control of an NFL team, call the shots, build your roster, draft future stars, and chase championships season after season. You’ll work towards building a legendary team, so it’s great for fans of long-term strategy.How does Franchise mode work?
- Manage an NFL team and make decisions on rosters, depth charts, game plans, trades, and the draft across multiple seasons.
- Decisions influence player development, staff progression, team morale, and even your job security through systems like Approval Rating and Coach Abilities.
- Guide your team through the regular season, playoffs, and off-season while balancing scouting, free agency, and salary cap management.
Superstar
Superstar is ideal for players who want a career-focused gameplay experience where the decisions you make matter. Create a custom player, experience the highs and lows of an NFL career, and take them from Rookie to Superstar.How does Superstar mode work?
- Choose your player’s position:
- QB: Quarterback
- HB: Halfback
- WR: Wide Receiver
- LB: Linebacker
- CB: Cornerback
- Showcase your skills at the NFL Combine, get drafted, train with your team, and build a legendary career.
- Make off-the-field choices that affect your career progression.
Madden Ultimate Team (MUT)
In Madden Ultimate Team, you create and manage your own fantasy team by collecting players and competing in solo or online challenges. Your goal is to build the best possible roster over time by acquiring and upgrading players.How does MUT work?
- Earn Players and Items by completing challenges and opening Packs.
- Upgrade your team and play against AI or real players.
- Play online seasons and tournaments for big rewards.
Online Head-to-Head (H2H)
Want to hone your competitive edge? Play online head-to-head to compete with other players to test your skills.How does Online Head-to-Head work?
- Choose an NFL team and play ranked or unranked games.
- Climb leaderboards by winning matches.
- Compete in online tournaments for rewards.
Training mode
If you’re a total Madden newbie, or need to brush up on your skills and strategy, try Training mode. Learn how to play through interactive drills and small, easy-to-understand lessons.How does Training mode work?
- Practice plays and improve passing, defense, and tackling.
- Complete Skills Trainer drills to master key mechanics.
- Get on-screen tutorials to explain controls and playstyles.