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Build your dream team and hit the ice in NHL 26. Whether you’re just starting out or planning for long-term success, this guide covers how to build and optimize your roster, play across different HUT modes, and improve your game.
What is Hockey Ultimate Team?
Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) is an NHL 26 game mode where you create, build, and manage your own custom team by collecting and upgrading players. You can showcase your team’s skills by competing in offline and online matches to earn Coins and rewards. If you’re new to HUT or are looking for ways to improve your current lineup and maximize rewards, check out these tips.To get started, open the main NHL 26 menu and select Hockey Ultimate Team.How to build an Ultimate Team in NHL 26
Here’s how to work towards a balanced, competitive team in HUT, whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to optimize.- When you first play HUT, you’ll unlock your starter team with skaters and a goalie so you can start playing right away. This is the base for your Ultimate Team.
- Choose a Captain from a featured selection of current stars, past fan favorites, and future franchise faces. Captains are core players, designed to lead your team and strengthen your roster identity from day one.
- Your progress is tied to HUT Seasons, with each Season offering new objectives, challenges, and rewards to strengthen your lineup.
- As you play and complete goals, you’ll earn HUT Coins and Packs. Use them to gradually replace your starter players with higher-rated ones and boost your Overall Rating (OVR).
Here are a few ways to get new players for your Hockey Ultimate Team.
- HUT Packs
- Open Packs to get new players through HUT Items.
- NHL Auction House
- Want to add a specific NHL player to your team, or fill a gap with the right skill set? Bid on players that’ll benefit your team in the Auction House.
- Objectives, Challenges, Missions, and Events
- To get rewards and be in with a chance of earning players, complete objectives, challenges, and missions, or take part in events.
- Utilize player combinations
- Combinations are bonuses that activate based on how you build your lineup.
- These can include stacking certain item types or linking players by team or nationality.
- Bonuses can improve Ability Points, Salary Cap flexibility, or overall player performance.
- The more intentional your lineup, the more bonuses you can unlock.
- Target weak positions first
- If your starter team has a very low-OVR goalie or first-line center, target those upgrades before replacing depth players.
- Make sure you have a good mix of offensive and defensive players.
- Understand roster ratings
- When adding players to your roster, look beyond their OVR.
- Although OVR is an indicator of a player’s quality, individual attributes like speed, shooting, and checking often have a bigger impact than a small OVR bump.
- Line combination boosts can raise specific stats across your team.
- Experiment with lineups
- Try different player formations and tactics to find your best setup.
How to play Hockey Ultimate Team
Want to play with friends, or compete with other players? Learn how to turn cross-play on in NHL 26.
- An online competitive mode that matches you with opponents based on skill level..
- As you play and progress through the season, you can earn rewards based on your performance and ranking.
- Your performance also determines your Skill Rating and Division.
- Play casual games with friends or AI.
- Matches played in Unranked don’t affect your rank or any leaderboard progression.
- Great for testing lineups, practicing plays, or completing event objectives without the pressure of ranked competition.
- An offline mode where you play a shorter NHL season against AI teams created by other players.
- Earn points by winning matches, with your final score determining what rewards you get.
- Cup Chase also contributes to your HUT XP, allowing you to level up and unlock rewards.
- A dynamic mode where you draft a team under specific rules and earn rewards during a Wildcard cycle. When the cycle resets, the rules change.
- Each Wildcard cycle features unique rules, like salary caps or specific player requirements.
- You’ll need to adjust your team-building strategy each time the cycle resets and the rules change.
- A weekly high-stakes event where qualifying players compete against one another for the chance to win rewards. This is one of HUT’s most challenging and competitive modes.
- To qualify, you need to earn enough Champions Points to spend on a HUT Collectible. This Collectible earns you access to the Weekend Season.
- A challenge-driven mode tied to real NHL moments, perfect for fans of narrative gameplay.
- Take on scenario-based challenges to achieve specific objectives, or replicate iconic hockey plays or events through recreations.
How to improve in Hockey Ultimate Team
Once you’ve grasped the basics of competing with your team, focus on improving your line-up.Whether you’re hitting a plateau or want to take your HUT skills to the next level, try these tips to strengthen your lineup and boost your competitive edge.- Elevate your game by honing your passing and shooting skills. Practice different techniques and styles to perfect your execution.
- Earn XP and improve your skills by playing matches, completing challenges, and taking part in events.
- Use solo modes to work on specific skills, try out new lineups, and earn rewards at your own pace.
- Become an expert in knowing how to use offensive systems to create scoring opportunities.
- Study defensive formations and how to counter common offensive tactics.
- Practice switching strategies mid-game to adapt quickly and control the pace of play.
- Choose modes and events that match your playstyle and skills to help you win more consistently and earn better rewards.
- If you’re better at solo play, try Cup Chase or HUT Moments.
- If you excel in online or competitive play, try Ranked or Wildcard.
- Use Coins wisely in the Auction House to target specific positions, attributes, or chemistry fits.
- Compare player listings to find the best deal and avoid overpaying for players.
- Sell Items you no longer need to earn Coins and make strategic upgrades.
- After each game, analyze post-game stats like shot attempts, time on attack, and faceoff wins.
- Look for patterns or recurring issues in your play, like low shot quality or weak defensive coverage. Then, adjust your tactics or lines to improve.
- Identify weaker positions early and use your resources to strengthen them.
- Save your Coins or Points for targeted upgrades that make a real impact, rather than blowing your budget on a single high-rated player.
- Build depth across all lines. Maintaining balance across your roster can help towards more consistent wins.