The “Madden NFL 20” release date is almost here and the popular video game series looks to take an extra step this season.
There are plenty of new features (which you can read all about below) that should excite football fans. Perhaps the most interesting part is the QB1 mode in which you will be able to play at the college level. You can only choose from 10 teams, but it has been so long that we’ve been able to play college football in a video game that we’ll take whatever we can get.
Plus, with other modes such as Franchise, MUT, online and exhibition returning, there are plenty of ways to appreciate Madden this year.
Here’s everything you’ll need to know ahead of the “Madden NFL 20” release on Aug. 2, including cost, the difference between editions, new features, players ratings and how to play the game a few days before everyone else.
MADDEN: Explaining five odd traits from ‘Madden NFL 20’ player ratings
‘Madden NFL 20’ release date
July 25: If you have EA Access, Origin Access or Origin Access Premier you can get “Madden NFL 20” on this date
July 30: “Madden NFL 20” Superstar Edition releases
July 30: “Madden NFL 20” Ultimate Superstar Edition releases
August 2: “Madden NFL 20” Standard Edition releases
Aug. 2 is one of the earliest standard-edition release dates in the history of the franchise, which typically rolls out its new game toward the end of the month. That will allow gamers more time to get a feel for “Madden NFL 20” before the 2019 NFL season begins Sept. 5.
‘Madden NFL 20’ price: How much does each edition cost?
There are three versions of “Madden NFL 20” coming out: Standard, Superstar and Ultimate Superstar. Here’s how the prices vary by edition and what you’ll get for your money.
‘Madden NFL 20’ Standard Edition: $60
This game has all of the typical features you need. As the name suggests, it’s your standard version of Madden with no added features or MUT upgrades.
‘Madden NFL 20’ Superstar Edition: $80
This version releases three days early and also contains 12 Gold Team Ultimate packs and one Training item. So, if you want to start on the sticks early, or if you’re really into Madden Ultimate Team, then this version might be for you. Otherwise, it would make sense to wait and save the extra $20.
‘Madden NFL 20’ Ultimate Superstar Edition: $100
Similar to the superstar version, you get to play the game three days early, but this version comes with a few extra features like one QB Legend for your Ultimate Team, 16 Gold packs, one Core Elite player from any team and one Training item. If you enjoy Madden Ultimate Team, it’d make sense to go ahead and splurge for that extra $40. Otherwise, you’re better off waiting three days for the standard version.
‘Madden NFL 20’ player ratings
There are only four 99 overall players (Aaron Donald, DeAndre Hopkins, Khalil Mack and Bobby Wagner). Patrick Mahomes takes the best QB spot (97 overall) with Todd Gurley being the best RB (97 overall) and Hopkins being the best WR (99 overall).
The Eagles have the best overall team rating (89) with the Dolphins being the worst overall team (74).
Here are the top 10 overall players in “Madden NFL 20”:
| Player Name | Position | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Donald | RE | 99 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | WR | 99 |
| Khalil Mack | LOLB | 99 |
| Bobby Wagner | MLB | 99 |
| Antonio Brown | WR | 98 |
| Julio Jones | WR | 98 |
| Luke Kuechly | MLB | 98 |
| David Bakhtiari | LT | 97 |
| Todd Gurley | RB | 97 |
| Patrick Mahomes | QB | 97 |
We’ve listed all of the top players at each position here and you can view the entire overall team ratings here.
‘Madden NFL 20’ features, old and new
QB1 and College Football
(EA Sports)
NCAA Football is back! … kinda.
While the game itself is, unfortunately, not coming back anytime soon, gamers can play college football again in a limited capacity. “Madden NFL 20’s” QB1 Mode is an extension to Franchise Mode that allows you to play as a custom quarterback. This essentially replaces Superstar Mode, but instead of picking any position, you’re stuck with just quarterback.
Still, this mode looks pretty exciting. You get to play in college to build up your rating, play on the big stage in the College Football Playoff, advance to the NFL Combine and begin your career as an NFL star.
Franchise Mode
This isn’t a new mode, but it’s a classic.
You can choose to play as a player (position of your choice), a coach or an owner. You can choose single player, or you can compete in a multiplayer online league with up to 32 teams. You play the preseason, regular season and playoffs on a quest to win the Super Bowl and build a dynasty.
‘Madden NFL 20’ Ultimate Team
Madden Ultimate Team is back, and if you purchase one of the special editions of Madden you get some nice upgrades.
Here’s how EA Sports explains MUT:
With MUT continuing another year, we can expect an even better version than in years past.
‘Madden NFL 20’ online, exhibition play
Other classic features being continued into “Madden NFL 20.” If you just want to practice your skills against the computer, you can play offline in the traditional exhibition game mode, or if you want to go up against other gamers, you can play online. These game modes allow for single or multiplayer options. You can customize everything down to the time, rules, stadiums and uniforms.
‘Madden NFL 20’ Superstar X-Factor
This is a new feature added to Madden. Here’s how EA Sports explains it:
There are offensive and defensive abilities. Some of these abilities include Bazooka (max distance increased by over 15 yards), Blitz Radar (highlights extra blitzers after the ball is snapped), Double Me (wins aggresive catches versus single coverage), Fearmonger (chance to pressure the QB while engaged with a blocker), Shutdown (tighter coverage and more interceptions on contested catches) and many more.
MORE: Here are Madden’s 50 Superstar X-Factors and how to use them
Other ‘Madden NFL 20’ features
Play the Pro BowlUnique PlaybooksNew Option PlaysPump Fake UpgradesMUT MissionsOn Field TrainerNew Celebrations
EA Sports has introduced RPOs (run-pass options) into the game and improved playbooks as a whole. In the past, playbooks were pretty similar team to team, but EA Sports says we’ll see a bigger variety in “Madden NFL 20.” In addition, some new trick plays have been added in to the game, such as the Philly Special.
(EA Sports)
The On-Field Trainer doesn’t sound too exciting for experienced Madden players and it’s a way to assist players at getting better at the game. There’s nothing more irritating than just trying to play a quick game and having something pop up on the screen constantly.
The new celebrations should be a fun addition to the game. EA Sports already showcased one of them by failing to give Tom Brady a high five.
Being able to play in the Pro Bowl again and upgrading the pump fake are also nice small changes to the game that should improve overall gameplay.
‘Madden NFL 20’ cover star
EA Sports
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made the cover of Madden this year. He’s one of the game’s Superstar X-Factor players.
What console is ‘Madden NFL 20’ available on?
Xbox OnePlaystation 4PC
Madden 20 is available for Xbox One, PS4 and PC users, as well as PS4 Pro, PS4 Slim, Xbox One X and Xbox One S.
EA Sports no longer makes Madden NFL for the Xbox 360 and PS3 consoles and the game isn’t available on Nintendo Switch like its FIFA counterpart.
How to play ‘Madden NFL 20’ early
Yes, there are several ways to play early. The Beta version available in June is no longer an option, but if you purchase one of the special editions or join one of EA’s subscription services you can play the game a few days earlier than others.
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