NHL 18

NHL 18 (Playstation 4)

1. Getting Onto The Ice
2. Complete Controls
3. New To NHL 18
4. Playing A Game
5. Game Modes
6. Need Help?

Getting Onto The Ice

Get ready to experience the energy of real-world NHL hockey in NHL 18! The first time you launch the game, you'll have four gameplay styles to choose from:

1. I am new to sports gaming: Learn the ropes on Rookie difficulty with simplified Hybrid controls, Control Hints, and On-Ice visualizations tailored for new users.
2. I have not played recently: This setting defaults to Skill Stick controls while also raising the game difficulty to Semi-Pro. I am experienced Show off your Skill Stick expertise on Pro difficulty.
3. I am an expert Expect: All-Star difficulty to give you a serious challenge. This option is great for seasoned players who want a realistic hockey experience.

NOTE: You can adjust gameplay settings at any time from the main menu-just go to SETTINGS. There, each control, difficulty, game style, and hint option can be tweaked to suit your needs.

Once you've made your choice, the game presents five options: Training Camp, What's New, Stanley Cup Game, Free Skate, and Main Menu. Upon choosing Main Menu, you'll be asked to pick your favorite team.

Complete Controls

HYBRID

This is one of the simplest control schemes, using simple button presses to command the action on the ice. It's great for beginners.

OFFENSE

• Skating/Shot & Pass Aim: left stick
• Pass:  Cross button
• Slap shot: Circle button
• Wrist shot: Square Button
• Cancel shot: L1 button (hold)
• Backhand toe drag: right-stick tap button + right stick down
• Backhand toe drag flip: right-stick tap button + right stick down + R1 button
• Between the legs shot: L1 button + right-stick tap button + right stick up
• Between the legs pass: L1 button + right-stick tap button + R2 button One-handed tuck L1 button + R1 button
• Saucer pass: R1 button
• One-touch dekes L1 button

DEFENSE

• Switch player:   Cross button
• Poke check:  R1 button
• Body check:  Circle button
• Dive/Block:  L1 button + R1 button
• Stick lift:  Square Button
• Initiate/Accept Fight: Triangle button (double tap)
• Boardplay: Triangle button (hold)
• Block pass: L1 button (hold)

FIGHTING

• Grab: L2 button (hold)
• Fake grab: L2 button
• Overhand punch: right stick up
• Uppercut: right stick down
• Push: left stick up
• Pull: left stick down
• Block/Lean back: R2 button (hold)
• Dodge: R2 button

NET BATTLES (BACK PLAYER)

• Engage in Net Battle: Triangle button (hold)
• Switch sides: Triangle button (hold) + left stick
• Stick lift while in Net Battle: Square Button
• Tie up player’s stick: Square Button (hold)
• Shove: Circle button
• Push opponent: left stick (hold)

NET BATTLES (FRONT PLAYER)

• Engage in Net Battle: L2 button + left stick (into player)
• Shrug off: Circle button
• Push opponent: left stick
• Spin: L2 button

GOALIE

• Pull/Replace goalie: L2 button + touch pad button
• Manual goalie toggle: L1 button +  Cross button
• Move goalie: left stick
• Precision modifier: L2 button
• Free skate:  Cross button
• Pass puck: R2 button
• Poke check: right stick up
• Change camera view: touch pad button
• Cover puck: Triangle button
• Butterfly: R2 button (hold)
• Hug post: L1 button + left stick left/right
• Hug post (VH): L1 button + left stick left/right+ R2 button
• Dump puck: right stick up
• Diving poke check: Square Button + left stick up
• Stack pad: Circle button + left stick left/right
• Spread V: Square Button + left stick down
• Butterfly slides: right stick left/right
• Diving save: Square Button + left stick left/right
• Leave puck for teammate: L2 button
• Paddle down: right stick down

SKILL STICK

This control scheme allows precision control for aiming, passing, shooting, saves, and more advanced moves. Players who know hockey and want a more true-to-life NHL challenge will excel with this setup.

OFFENSE

• Deke: right stick left/right
• One-handed tuck: right stick left/right(hold) + L1 button + R1 button
• One-touch dekes: left stick + L1 button
• Wind up/Shoot: right stick down, up
• Fake shot: right stick down (release)
• Leg kick: right-stick tap button
• Skating/Shot & Pass Aim: left stick
• Backhand toe drag: right-stick tap button + right stick down
• Backhand toe drag flip: right-stick tap button + right stick down + R1 button
• Hustle: left-stick-tap button
• Glide: left stick (release)
• Precision skating: L2 button (hold) + left stick (flick)
• Boardplay :Triangle button (hold)
• Pass: R2 button (hold for more strength)
• Between the legs shot: L1 button + right-stick tap button + right stick
• Between the legs pass: L1 button + right-stick tap button + R2 button
• Cancel pass while holding: L1 button
• Saucer pass: R1 button
• Spin: L2 button
• Dump puck: R1 button + right stick up
• Protect puck:  Cross button
• Chop puck: right-stick tap button + right stick
• Quick plays: directional buttons
• Line change: Circle button, Square Button
• Vision control: L2 button (hold)
• Win faceoff: right stick
• Between the legs saucer pass: L1 button + right-stick tap button + R1 button

PASSING

The Skill Stick control scheme gives you the ability to control the power of your passes. Press the R2 button for an easy pass, or hold the R2 button to potentially send the puck farther across the ice. The longer you hold it, the more power behind the pass.

DEFENSE

• Skate: left stick
• Precision skating: L2 button (hold) + left stick (flick)
• Switch player: R2 button
• Line change: Circle button, Square Button
• Vision control: L2 button (hold)
• Dive/Block: L1 button + R1 button
• Stick lift:  Cross button
• Body check: right stick
• Poke check: R1 button
• Hip check: right-stick tap button + L1 button
• Sweep stick: R1 button (hold) + right stick
• Chop puck: right-stick tap button + right stick
• Block pass: L1 button
• Initiate/Accept Fight (post whistle or during gameplay): Triangle button (double tap)
• Boardplay: Triangle button (hold)
• Tie up player’s stick:  Cross button (hold)
• Pass block + sweep stick: L1 button + right stick left/right

FIGHTING CONTROLS

Fighting controls for the Skill Stick control scheme are identical to those of the Hybrid controls. See the previous section for the full list of how to engage other players in fights.

NET BATTLES (BACK PLAYER)

• Engage in Net Battle: Triangle (hold)
• Switch sides: Triangle button (hold) + left stick
•  Stick lift while in Net Battle:  Cross button
• Tie up player’s stick:  Cross button (hold)
• Shove: right stick (flick)
• Push opponent: left stick (hold)

NET BATTLES (FRONT PLAYER)

• Engage in Net Battle: L2 button + left stick (into player)
• Shrug off: right stick (flick)
• Push opponent: left stick
• Spin: L2 button

GOALIE

• Pull/Replace goalie: L1 button + touch pad button
• Manual goalie toggle: L1 button +  Cross button
• Move goalie: left stick
• Precision modifier: L2 button
• Free skate:  Cross button
• Pass puck: R2 button
• Poke check: right stick up
• Change camera view: touch pad button
• Cover puck: Triangle button
• Butterfly: R2 button (hold)
• Hug post: L1 button + left stick left/right
• Hug post (VH): L1 button + left stick left/right+ R2 button
• Dump puck: right stick up
• Diving poke check: Square Button + left stick up
• Stack pad: Circle button + left stick left/right
• Spread V: Square Button + left stick down
• Butterfly slides: right stick left/right
• Diving save: Square Button + left stick left/right
• Paddle down: right stick down (hold)
• Leave puck for teammate: L2 button

NHL™ 94 CONTROLS

This control scheme is a throwback to the controls in the original NHL 94. It's a straightforward setup that uses buttons for most basic controls.

OFFENSE

• Shoot: Circle button
• Pass:  Cross button
• Move player: left stick
• Hustle: Square Button
• Initiate/Accept Fight: Triangle button (double tap)
• Spin: L2 button
• Backhand toe drag: L1 button + Square Button
• Backhand toe drag flip: L1 button + Square Button + R1 button
• Between the legs shot: L1 button + Circle button
• Between the legs pass: L1 button +  Cross button
• One-handed tuck: L1 button + R1 button

DEFENSE

• Checking: Circle button
• Change player: S button
• Move player: left stick
• Hustle: Square Button
• Initiate/Accept Fight: Triangle button (double tap)

NOTE: Fighting controls are the same as those for other control schemes. See the Hybrid controls list in this manual to review them.

GOALIE

• Move goalie: left stick
• Precision modifier: L2 button
• Free skate:  Cross button
• Pass puck: R2 button
• Poke check: right stick up
• Change camera view: touch pad button
• Cover puck: Triangle button
• Butterfly: R2 button (hold)
• Hug post: L1 button + left stick left/right
• Hug post (VH): L1 button + left stick left/right+ R2 button
• Dump puck: right stick up
• Diving poke check: Square Button + left stick up
• Stack pad: Circle button + left stick left/right
• Spread V: Square Button + left stick down
• Butterfly slides: right stick left/right
• Diving save: Square Button + left stick left/right

New To NHL 18

NHL THREES

In NHL Threes, make your way across North America and compete in the Pacific, Central, Metropolitan, and Atlantic circuits to unlock new players, arenas, logos, and jerseys. The NHL Threes Circuit can even be played online and via local multiplayer; compete against Friends, or team up and take the Threes circuits by storm.

FRANCHISE MODE

The Vegas Golden Knights Debut

Operating out of T-Mobile® Arena, The Vegas Golden Knights are the latest team to join the NHL!

In NHL 18, take the helm of Las Vegas's first-ever NHL team by shaping their story in Franchise Mode. Build your roster with the Expansion Draft; sign new players, make trades, and bolster your lineup beyond your initial 30 players.

Or, if you'd prefer to play as an existing team, create a protected list of players to keep out of the draft and where they belong.

Expansion Teams

The National Hockey League wants a 32nd team, and it's up to you to create it! Participate in an Expansion Draft to build a brand new franchise from scratch.

Contract Extensions

For the first time ever, navigate authentic CBA rules to create compelling contracts. Each player will weigh their options based on their current role, future prospects, team loyalty, and UFA eligibility. CPU teams will go through this process, too.

HUT CHALLENGES

The Hockey Ultimate Team experience now includes HUT Challenges, a dynamic list of bonus activities to complete for Coins, Packs, players, and more.

Team Challenges

Craft the ideal team and try your best to beat the CPU.

3 Star Challenge

Earn stars by completing objectives, such as achieving high scores and performing various tasks during a game.

Co-op Challenge

These will appear as Team or 3 Star Challenges that must be completed with up to five Friends.

ONLINE CO-OP PLAY

NHL 18 provides more options for co-op and competitive play than ever before. Set up a game with friends in the room or Friends online; from there, play cooperatively against the CPU or compete in online ranked matches against other teams.

This new co-op experience extends to Versus, HUT, Draft, Online Shootout, and NHL Threes modes.

MORE NEW FEATURES

Request A Trade In Be A Pro mode, users can now request their player be traded to a championship contending team, a different division, or out of the organization entirely. However, such requests can only be made as a senior player.

Custom Mascot

Every good team needs a good mascot, and now you can design one of your own! Check out the Creation Zone to customize your #1 fan, and then look to the stands to see him cheering for your custom team.

Pinned Modes In addition to Online Versus, pin up to three of your favorite modes to a shorter, easier-to-navigate main menu. Press the Y button to pin and unpin tiles, and press the down button to view the full list.

Playing A Game

Note: In the pdf document, there is a game screen picture which shows the location of the score, time left in period, and period number.

PAUSE MENU

Press the OPTION button during a game to freeze the action and open up the Pause menu. You can see the current game stats on the right side of the screen, such as goals, shots, passing percentage, and power plays.

1. Resume Game: Get back onto the ice and continue your current game.
2. Manage Teams: Manage your team by editing lines and setting strategies as the game progresses.
3. Instant Replay: View a replay of your game. Fast-forward or rewind the match, zoom in or out, and move the camera around to get the best angles on all of the action.
4. Action Tracker: Watch replays of the on-ice action by selecting the event you want to witness. Choose the type of action-such as goals- and the period to get started. You can also press the left-stick-tap button to filter the choices by team and/or player.
5. Box Score: See detailed scoring and penalty information for the current game, as well as stats for both teams' players.
6. Settings: Customize settings for gameplay, audio, visuals, controls, and more. You can also choose to play as the other team, or toggle Goalie Mode ON/OFF depending on whether or not you want to play as the goalie.
7. Quit: Leave the current game, or select REMATCH to restart the game from the beginning. Either way, the current game will not save.

Game Modes

Whether you want to play a quick game, compete against Friends, or start a hockey career, you can find all of NHL 18's game modes in the main menu.

SAVING YOUR GAME

Game information for NHL 18 is automatically saved to your PlayStation®4 system. Be a Pro and Franchise modes allow you to save new careers based on the one you're currently playing. Your progress in these career modes will be saved automatically at different checkpoints and upon exiting the mode.

PLAY NOW

Hit the ice in an offline match, either solo or locally with Friends. Choose the home and away teams, select jerseys, and get ready to dominate on the ice as the team of your choice.

Before you begin, take time to adjust your lines, strategies, and game settings. Swap players at will and choose your starting lineup for both offense and defense. When it comes to strategy, you have control over everything from your defensive coverage to how your forward line will act.

PLAYER SKILLS AND STRATEGY

Keep in mind that some strategies are built for certain types of hockey players. For instance, Crash the Net for your forward line is best if your players possess a lot of physical strength. Check your lineups to see who's taking the ice, and choose strategies that put their unique skill sets to good use!

ONLINE VERSUS

Challenge other NHL 18 players to games online. You can play a Ranked Quick Match, compete alongside and against Friends, or use the Custom Matchmaking feature to search for someone to play against. This is the place to put your skills to the test!

ONLINE AND OFFLINE SHOOTOUT MODES

A goalie and a shooter trade off defending and taking penalty shots. In a series of five rounds, users can practice this critical moment from both sides. 1

PLAYOFF MODE

Start a playoff and see which real-world team can make it to the top. First, choose your playoff settings, including the number of participating teams, the length of the series (such as Best of 7), and the difficulty. Next, choose teams to fill out the tournament bracket.

When the tournament begins, you can choose to play games, let the CPU take over, or simulate games.

HOCKEY ULTIMATE TEAM (HUT)

Create and manage your dream team, and then take it onto the virtual ice in HUT Competitive Seasons, Online Seasons, and Playoffs. If you prefer solo play, try HUT Single Player Seasons or the brand-new HUT Challenges-two great ways to brush up on your skills and make sure you're ready to compete online or against your Friends. See if you have what it takes to win!

As you progress through HUT, you'll earn Coins to purchase new players. And as you pick new players for your roster, be sure to choose according to their respective strengths: NHL 18 utilizes HUT Synergy, which grants perks to players who complement each other. Make sure your players are not only stars on the ice, but also have the right Synergy to successfully work together.

You can also challenge your Friends to online matches through Play with Friends. Battle it out on the ice to see who has created the best Ultimate Team!

FRANCHISE MODE

Being a GM in NHL 18 is about not only managing your team, but also making crucial decisions regarding player personnel, ticket prices, operations budgets, arena upgrades, and relocation.

If fans tire of your venue's hot dogs and sodas, expand your concession menu to add variety. Or, if your team's owner wants a boost in overall revenue, try offering a wider selection of merchandise in your team store. Being a GM is all about managing these demands within a budget. Every detail matters-even making sure the bathroom stays squeaky clean.

Lead your team to Stanley Cup® glory through good management and business sense behind the scenes.

DRAFT CHAMPIONS

Draft Champions has you drafting a team comprised of today's NHL stars and yesterday's legends. First, you will select one of four players offered in each round. From there, take your team to the ice to compete in Solo or Head-to-Head games. The more you win, the greater the rewards.

EA SPORTS™ HOCKEY LEAGUE

Join a Drop-in game for a quick EA SPORTS Hockey League experience. Select your favorite position and our improved matchmaking system will find the best available game. Once it's over, stay in the persistent locker room to play with your team again. Develop chemistry with your teammates to eventually join or create a club as a group.

Simply create a character to get started. Customization options will be limited at first, but you'll soon earn more as you progress. Use this character to compete in Drop-in games, 3 on 3 club matches, and in up to 6 vs 6 player club matches.

You can also choose from a list of specialized player classes to hone your skills, play against other clubs, and work your way up the division ladder in Online Seasons.

BE A PRO CAREER

Truly experience NHL 18 as your own custom player on the ice. Prove your worth in games, improve based on Coach Feedback, and get drafted to start your career. Your performance will shape your legacy.

Now, with Be A Pro presets, you can play according to your preferred game style and period length.

SEASON MODE

Play in one of 11 different leagues for a full season. Dominate the season standings and lead your favorite team to championship glory.

PRACTICE MODE

Whatever part of your game needs improvement, NHL 18 has you covered: Practice as a full team, free skate against a goalie, or play as a goalie yourself to fine tune your defenses. For a full review of the basics, try out each tutorial in the Training Camp.

Need Help?

Online Support

For instant access to all of our FAQs and help articles, please visit help.ea.com. We update daily, so check here for the latest issues and resolutions.

Twitter & Facebook Support

Need a quick tip? Reach out on Twitter to https://twitter.com/EAhelp or post on https://www.facebook.com/EAHelpHub/ where our online game experts are available and ready to help. Internet connection and Facebook and Twitter accounts required to access this feature. You must be 13+ to register a Facebook account.

Chat, email and phone support via EA Help may no longer be offered in your local language. English support is available at help.ea.com, where you can still search for some content in your language. For help from other players, visit answers.ea.com.

Regional Telephone Support

For regional information, including address and telephone contacts, please see the pdf version of the manual.

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