NHL 25 release countdown: Exact start time and date

The summer time is coming to close, and colder temperatures are almost here. The action on the ice, however, is only starting to heat up with the official release of EA Sports’ yearly hockey title, NHL 25.

With new features, a revamped system to ensure accuracy for CPU players, and a ton of new animations to create a much more immersive experience, NHL 25 promises to be one of the best releases in the franchise yet. The developers have even tasked a superstar trio to be the new cover athletes for the game to represent the new generation and a new era in hockey.

Here is all of the information you need around NHL 25‘s official release, right to its exact start date and time.

NHL 25 release date and time

NHL 25 will be releasing alongside the start of the 2024-25 NHL season, which means that you’ll need to wait until the fall season begins to get your hands on some ‘Chel. The game will officially release on Friday, Oct. 4, but you can pre-order the game’s deluxe edition for seven days of early access.

If you’re down to wait until the regular release date, however, the game will be dropping on Oct. 4 at 11am. Here is the full countdown so you know exactly when to don your favorite jersey, grab you Gatorade bottle, and prepare for a battle on the ice.

There are plenty of different aspects to look forward to in NHL 25, whether its the fully revamped Franchise Mode, HUT Wildcard Mode, WOC Live Events, or new presentation elements that help you live out your dreams as a superstar, a general manager, or an online beast.

Who are the NHL 25 cover stars?

This year, EA Sports has tapped into three of the brightest stars in the league for the cover of NHL 25, with Jack, Quinn, and Luke Hughes collaborating as an iconic cover athlete trio. The three brothers are widely considered to be some of the best players in the league, leading the way for the next generation of star talent in the NHL.

Jack Hughes is the middle child and the alternate captain for the New Jersey Devils, while Luke Hughes is the youngest of the three and also plays as a defenseman for the Devils behind his brother. Quinn Hughes is the eldest brother, also plays as a defenseman, and is captain of the Vancouver Canucks.

What systems will NHL 25 be available on?

NHL 25 will only be available on new generation consoles, meaning that Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 enjoyers should be ready for some of the most furious action they’ve seen on the ice. There won’t be any support for previous generation consoles or PC, so if you’ve been holding out on buying a new console, you’re out of luck.