When you first fire up NHL 26, the temptation is to jump right into games. But before you hit the ice, it is worth spending some time on your settings. These options shape how you see the game, how you control your players, and how comfortable you are when defending or attacking. Many players overlook them, assuming that the defaults are “good enough,” but that mindset can put you at a disadvantage.
This guide explains in detail which settings matter, why they matter, and how you can use them to create the smoothest possible experience in NHL 26.
NHL 26 Guide: Best Settings for Optimized Gameplay
Controller Settings
Your controller configuration forms the foundation of competitive play. Start by adjusting your pass assist to around 90% rather than leaving it at maximum. While EA has significantly improved directional passing over recent years, that extra 10% reduction gives you more precise control over where your passes actually go.
The most critical setting here is auto back skate. You absolutely must turn this off. When enabled, your player automatically starts back skating when opponents rush into your zone. This may sound helpful at first, but it is actually a trap. The automatic pivot animation from forward to backward skating costs you both speed and time, giving faster opponents with elite edges a free lane to skate past you during the transition.
warning
Auto back skate will cost you goals against speedy forwards. Always disable this setting for competitive play.
Camera Settings
Your camera angle directly impacts your ability to read plays and make split-second decisions. Avoid anything marked as dynamic - these camera modes constantly shift and move, forcing you to constantly readjust your spatial awareness. You're not just focusing on gameplay anymore; you're also compensating for camera movement.
Classic camera provides the optimal balance between field of view and player detail. You can see most of the zone while staying close enough to the ice to read player animations and stick positioning. Overhead gives you a wider view but makes players look tiny and harder to distinguish.
For shootout camera, consider switching to high rather than the default dynamic low. The closer perspective lets you read goalie movements and reactions more clearly, giving you better timing for dekes and shot placement.
Gameplay Settings
Navigate to your game settings and focus on the on ice trainer section. This is where most casual players leave performance-killing distractions enabled.
Turn off these visual aids immediately:
- Control hints - Those blue indicators above players
- Shot aim target - The targeting reticle on nets
- Goalie coverage grid - Visual overlay on net coverage
- Shot lanes - Path indicators for shots
- Pass aim targeting - Orange directional arrows
- Pass suggestions - AI recommended pass targets
- Defensive positioning - Blue defensive zones
- Offensive positioning - Blue offensive zones
Each of these creates visual clutter that splits your attention between the actual game and the UI elements. Professional players rely on game sense and experience rather than these training wheels.
Control Schemes
Once you are comfortable with the basic controls, consider upgrading to total control skill stick. Think of it like switching from automatic to manual transmission. You gain precision and more options, but at the cost of added complexity.
The analogy fits perfectly. Pressing one button for actions is like using training wheels. Total control gives you the same relationship to your player that pinpoint pitching provides in baseball games. You get maximum precision when your input is correct, but there is also more room for error if you miss the timing.
Higher-tier control schemes unlock advanced techniques and give you finer control over:
- Stick handling precision and timing
- Shot placement accuracy
- Pass threading through tight spaces
- Defensive stick positioning