Everything You Need To Know Going Into Madden 25

Another Madden season is upon us, and there are lots of changes you’ll need to get comfortable with heading into Madden 25!

We’ve put together a handy list of what’s new with gameplay so that you won’t be caught off guard when you head into your first game.

Check it out below!

New Hot Routes

The hot route controls you’ve been used to for the past decade are changing. You’ll now have access to routes like posts and corners without needing any sort of special ability. However, it may take some time to learn the new controls.

Custom Route Stems

You can now adjust your routes by using the new Custom Stem feature. This gives you much more control over the routes your receivers run. Hold down LB/L1 and then up/down on the left stick or D-pad to mess around with this.

Read Option Mechanics

The mechanics for handing the ball off to your running back or keeping it with your quarterback have changed this year.

The default (if you press nothing) is to hand the ball off to your running back. If you want to instead pull the ball and keep it with your quarterback, you’d press A/X.

This is the exact opposite of how it’s been in the past and will definitely take some getting used to.

Defensive Coverage Shells

On defense you now have the ability to disguise your coverage pre-snap. For example, you can choose to show a Cover 3 shell when you are really in a Cover 2 defense, or you can choose to show a Cover 0 shell when you are really in a Cover 4.

You have a lot of different options this year when it comes to disguising your defense.

Defensive Switch Stick

One of the biggest changes to Madden 25 is the addition of the defensive switch stick. During the play, you can easily switch defenders by flicking the right joystick toward the player you wish to switch onto.

For example, maybe you are usering a linebacker underneath but notice a deep post developing 30 yards over your head. You can flick the right joystick up to be taken to the deep safety and try to make a play on the ball.

A New Catch Type

There is a fourth catching mechanic this year to go along with the usual three options (Possession Catch, RAC Catch, and Aggressive Catch). In Madden 25 if you press LB/L1, your receiver will attempt a one handed spectacular catch.

The benefit of attempting a spectacular catch is that your receiver is granted a wider catch radius, the downside is an increased chance of a drop.

Revamped Pass Protection

Pass protection has received a significant overhaul in Madden 25. To adjust your slide protection, hold down LB/L1 before the snap.

You’ll see who your offensive lineman are responsible for blocking as well as which defenders are unblocked (designated by the flame over their head).

New Kicking Meter

The new kick meter that debuted in College Football 25 is the default kick meter in Madden 25. It definitely feels different and will take some getting used to.

New Kickoff Rules

The NFL’s new kickoff rules starting this season have been implemented in Madden 25. It may look a little funky at first, but you’ll get used to it.

Custom Playbooks

Custom playbooks are available to use in Dynasty mode but will not be allowed in regular head to head matches or play a friend matches (as well as not being available in Ultimate Team).

There you have it! We hope you have a fun and successful Madden 25 season!