How to improve in Madden NFL 26

Updated 1 week ago1 min read

Överblick

Want to up your game in Madden NFL 26? Whether you’re building your first team, starting a Superstar career, or taking your Franchise team to the playoffs, these tips will help you sharpen your skills.

Table of Contents

Sharpen the basics: Controls and strategy

To improve in Madden NFL 26, start with perfecting the basics, like better understanding controls and improving strategy. 

Become a controls pro

Start by getting comfortable with the core offensive and defensive controls. Understanding how to pass, tackle, call audibles, and hot route can make all the difference.Once you’ve got the basics down, start exploring advanced controls like skill-based passing (SAPI) to improve your ball placement and touch throws. Learning how to protect the ball, trigger precision jukes, or execute conservative tackles can also reduce turnovers and give you more control in close games.You can customize your control scheme, toggle accessibility features, or adjust play-calling preferences by going to Settings > Controller Settings.
Use skill-based passing or precision passing tools to improve timing and accuracy. Practice these in Training mode to build consistency. 
Improve offensive and defensive strategyOffensive strategy
  • Experiment with different playbooks to find one that matches your style. Check out our Madden 25 playbooks guide for tips.
  • Learn to read the defense pre-snap. Look for blitzes, zone shells, and mismatches.
  • Use route concepts, not just formations. Learn how concepts like Flood, Mesh, Slant/Flat, and Levels can beat specific coverages.
  • Mix in run-pass options (RPOs), play-action passes, and pre-snap motion to stay unpredictable.
Defensive strategy
  • Understand the difference between zone and man coverage, and learn what each coverage is designed to stop.
  • Learn when to press, back off, or shade receivers.
Be reactive, not repetitive. Use defensive adjustments based on down and distance.
 
A well-balanced game plan that includes multiple formations can make it harder for opponents to learn your tendencies. 

Own the mode: Game mode tips and progression

Here’s how to level up your strategy and improve in specific game modes in Madden NFL 26.

  • To progress faster and get extra XP, focus on weekly player goals and breakout scenarios.
  • Use weekly training and game planning to boost XP gains and get attribute bonuses tied to that week’s opponent.
  • Scout prospects carefully and build your draft board with depth and fit in mind.
  • Manage your salary cap and player contracts strategically. Player morale and performance are often tied to roster decisions.
Tip: Preseason games are a great way to test new schemes and evaluate backup players before the regular season begins.For more help, check out our Franchise guide. 

  • Perform well at the Combine to improve your draft stock and unlock better starting attributes.
  • Maximize your XP by completing weekly objectives, winning your matchups, and making smart choices during off-field interactions.
  • Progression isn’t just tied to stats. It’s also affected by in-game performance and meeting weekly milestones.
  • Keep in mind that position choice, archetype, and coach system affect how fast you progress.
  • Avoid overworking your player, as it might lead to nagging injuries. 
Tip: Choose playbooks and archetypes that align with your strengths to progress faster and unlock key abilities. Learn more in our Madden NFL 26 playbooks guide.For more help, check out our Superstar guide.  

  • Complete Solo Challenges, Field Pass objectives, and daily missions to earn rewards and upgrade your team.
  • Learn to navigate the Auction House. Filter by position, program, or team to quickly find Items that fit your lineup needs.
  • Build around Team Chemistry bonuses to maximize team synergy and performance.
Tip: Focus on ability-based upgrades, not just Overall Rating (OVR). With the right ability setup, some budget players can outperform their rating.For more help, check out our Madden Ultimate Team guide.

Build consistency: Train, test, and adapt

  • Use Training Mode to rehearse specific mechanics, routes, and adjustments. You can also focus on improving execution for timing-based throws, user catching, or run stick in a no-pressure setting.
  • Rewatch key plays in Replay Mode to understand what went right or wrong. Study your mistake to adjust playcalling or remap your controller setup if needed.
  • Test out new playbooks in Play Now to find formations you feel comfortable with before taking them into Franchise or Head-to-Head.
Tip: For more tips on improving in Madden NFL 26 from more experienced players, join the Madden NFL 26 Forums.

Stay connected: Keep up to date on Madden

Madden NFL 26 evolves with weekly updates, live events, and patches. Staying connected and updated helps you adapt faster.
  • Keep up to date on all things Madden NFL 26 on EA Forums and at @EAMaddenNFL.  
  • Follow NFL trends and adapt your strategy to match current players, schemes, and events.
  • Make sure your roster and schemes reflect any recent lineup changes, especially in competitive modes.
  • Time-limited challenges can offer unique rewards, so check in regularly.
Still having issues?
Get in touch with our customer support team for more help.