The Madden 25 Gameplay Reveal Deep Dive released today, showing off the new Physics-Based Tackling as well as other new features. Without further ado, let's see what Madden 25's Gameplay has to offer.
BOOM Tech
BOOM Tech integrates real-world physics into the FieldSENSE system to achieve more authentic outcomes and gameplay experiences. Three key components of the enhanced system were highlighted:
Physics-Based Tackles: Hit Sticks, Cut Sticks, Trucks, Stiff-Arms and Dive Tackles
All-new Physics-Driven Ball carrier balance and recovery system
Reloaded Hit Stick mechanic to make landing that perfect hit stick feel rewarding and more skill-based
A few new things you may notice in the trailer and notes are how a ball carrier braces for impact, more dynamic tackle outcomes, a greater emphasis on a player's balance, how tackling outcomes are affected by timing and impact, and a few new abilities to help support the revamped system:
Tireless Runner - Stamina reduction has no impact on ball carrier’s ability to rebalance on broken tackles
Extra Pop - Increased chance to create a fumble with a perfect Hit Stick
Steamroller - As a ball carrier, significantly harder to be bumped off current path when running at full speed
Form Tackler - The ideal tackle-timing window is easier to hit
Skill Moves
Hundreds of new jukes, spins, high-steps, and hesi's have been added to Madden NFL 25, as well as a new mechanic called "Setup State" that helps branch these moves together. To activate Setup State before a move, hold RT/R2 and:
Back-Right Juke to Spin (Flick right stick down to the right, then roll the right stick down and around the opposite direction)
Back-Left Juke to Spin (Flick right stick down to the left, then roll the right stick down and around the opposite direction)
Signature Authenticity and Styles
Not all players behave the same way before, during, or after a play and Madden NFL 25 aims to capture the mannerisms that make the game's top players unique. There will be 16 different signature QB sets that include the player's approach to the line, QB stance, and a variety of mannerisms. A few specific examples mentioned were Jalen Hurts' low stance, CeeDee Lamb and Tyreek Hill's approaches to the line of scrimmage, and Dak's signature road-game leg kick.
Smart Pre-Play Adjustments
Instead of generic animations when players make pre-play adjustments at the line of scrimmage, Madden 25 will capture more authentic hand signals and checks. The example Clint breaks down in his notes is changing protection to a ‘5-0’ call vs. 5 rushers on the line, where you will see the center put his 5 fingers in the air to alert the rest of the offense of this blocking change. Other examples included:
Tackle alert Guard to edge pressure threat
Center alert guard to join half-slide
Center re-Mike vs. sub defense
Center alert line to all-out blitz look
HB add to base protection
Tackle alert full slide
TE alert max protect
HB empty protect adjustment
Defense alert to same play ran 4+ plays in a row
Man coverage DB in a mismatch
Teammate communication for mismatch
Defense signals for bunch, trips, jumbo, unbalanced line, etc.
Low energy/exhausted defense get-to-stance
Catching Innovation
Madden NFL 25 promises more control over the type of catch you would like to perform than ever before (they repeat it in all caps, so you know it has to be true). While there are over 700 new animations, one example provided in the notes was a new animation for aggressive catches (Y/Triangle) on low passes.
A brand new fourth catching option is being introduced called the spectacular (spec) catch mechanic which utilizes the L1/LB buttons and extends a player's catch radius with a small penalty towards making the catch. As with all catch types, the new mechanic will be a risk-reward decision the receiver will have available to them as the ball arrives.
Blocking
For the first time ever, players will be able to see blocking assignments when viewing the pre-play art in M25. Along with the standard 4, an additional 4 blocking protections will now be available: Half-Slide Right, Half-Slide Left, Base, and Empty.
Half-slide is the typical 2 / 3 Jet blocking scheme that every NFL team employs - it has one side of the line in man blocking, and the other side in a slide or zone to protect the QB. The Empty option is meant for a 5-man protection, and will automatically send any running back into a route, while putting the linemen into ‘Sift’ or MDM rules to both sides - meaning they’ll block the most dangerous 2 of 3 or 2 of 4 to their side, with the expectation that the QB will get rid of the ball on time if pressure comes. The Base option reverts any protection change back to the default protection scheme, which is the ‘4-down and the Mike’.... In addition to setting protections globally, you can also modify any existing or new protection by using the ID the Mike mechanic to direct the running back who to block, and the double team mechanic.
Playbooks
EA has a new playbook tool for Madden NFL 25 that allows them to build plays faster and easier than before, which should result in more frequent updates to team playbooks with plays the team is actually running in NFL games. Some specific examples mentioned in the notes included the Miami Orbit Motions, the Texans' variety of deep crossers, and the Chiefs' Super Bowl-winning Corn Dog play.
Additional Updates
Here are some additional updates taken directly from EA's Gridiron Notes:
Hot Route Update - The basic route tree will now be available by default, including post and corner, as well as custom stems (below). Hot Route Abilities will now only be needed to unlock exotic routes.
X-Factor and Superstar Ability Updates:
KO Abilities - These abilities are now far less likely to force knockouts late in a catch, or after a catch has already been secured.
Secure Protector - This ability is no longer guaranteed to counteract competing pass rush abilities.
Unstoppable Force - This ability now performs better vs. Play Action.
Inside Stuff and No Outsiders - These abilities will no longer function if the defensive team uses Pass Commit.
Set Feet Lead and Pass Lead Elite - Reduced pass velocity bonus.
Pass Coverage Improvements:
Improved ‘rally’ to the flats to make them react quicker to check-downs
New Cover 3 Match check vs. non-bunch trips formations called ‘Skinny’, which focuses on the backside hook/curl to help on crossing routes coming from across the field
Improvements to base Cover 2, Cover 3 and Cover 4:
Tampa 2 has a new zone that does not match called the ‘Curl Zone’, and is used on base Tampa 2 plays that don’t include a blitz, meant to avoid underneath defenders from matching and getting cleared out as easily.
Improved the drop-depths and locations for Curl/Flat and Hook/Curl players to better carry vertical routes on Cover 3
Man Coverage tuning to improve how defenders read WR cut-moves
RPO Defense Improvements:
Defenders aligned over receivers (i.e. Slot & Flat defenders) will read their keys and prioritize pass responsibilities over playing the run.
Perimeter defenders will be more aggressive in shedding blocks by receivers
Defensive Read-and-React was tuned to increase box defenders' awareness and reaction to the handoff.
It ends here. What's your first impression of Madden 25 gameplay? Please share with us!
