If you pre-ordered Madden 25’s Deluxe Edition before August 15 at noon ET, one of the pre-order bonuses is gaining early access to the full game.
If you’ve already pre-ordered and you’re just waiting on early access to begin, as of 5 p.m. ET on August 12, it’s available for Xbox users.
However, it was a little behind for PlayStation users. Nonetheless, it wasn’t guaranteed for anyone before midnight on August 12, so PlayStation users should be joining the party soon.
Madden 25 releases for everyone on August 16, including PC users. In case you’re wondering, Madden 25’s file size is 51.73 GB on PS5, similar for Xbox Series X/S.
This information could be helpful if you’re like me and trying to determine what you might need to delete or move to an external drive so that you can install the game.
If you do pre-order the game, here’s what you get:
Standard Edition:$69.99 ($62.99 With EA Play)
● Christian McCaffrey Elite Player Item
● Legendary XP Boost
● Superstar Drip Gear
● Choice of 2 Strategy Items
Deluxe Edition:$99.99 ($89.99 With EA Play)
● 3-Day Early Access
● Early Access Ultimate Team Challenges
● 4,600 Madden Points
● Legendary XP Boost
● Hall of Fame Player Item
● Plus all Standard Edition Incentives
What to Expect From Madden 25
I’ve covered Madden 25 extensively, from May, when I had an early preview, through June’s beta and the time between then and the launch.
I shared some new information on TeamBuilder, which should be music to the ears of customization nuts, and there will be more post-launch coverage.
Madden NFL 25 introduces a few key gameplay enhancements.
One of the most notable is the introduction of Signature Animations, designed to deliver true-to-life representations of players’ unique on-field styles. One of the more distinctive examples is the inclusion of Isaiah Pacheco’s unique running style.
My favorite gameplay change is the revamped ball-carrier moves. The freedom in the right stick leans into some of the cool combos we’ve seen in College Football 25, though without the cheesy spin and jukes.
Before the snap, there are new adjustments available to players. Icons now identify unblocked blitzers and there are more than 200 signature pre-snap play behaviors.
There are also new commentary voices in the game. Joining Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis, who appear to be in their last years as voices of Madden, EA has added Mike Tirico and Greg Olsen, along with a third team of Kate Scott and Brock Huard. We got a chance to watch Scott in action, and it’s remarkable to see her record the lines that you’ll hear in the game.
Franchise Mode has undergone significant improvements, introducing a new Draft Day Experience, which I’ve yet to vet, but it features complete real-time draft board updates and cutscenes featuring NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. EA has said that the player progression and regression have been designed to mirror real-life career trajectories, and I’m hopeful it works as advertised.
The addition of a fully functional Team Builder website for team creation also improves franchise mode. EA has assured me that Madden’s version will allow you to completely customize the team’s look and its players, unlike our limited version in College Football 25.
Madden’s Superstar mode is back, and you can import your Road to Glory character from College Football 25.
Madden Ultimate Team has a new head-to-head mode and a Weekend Gauntlet. Combine that with what figures to be a steady flow of content, and there should be no shortage of entertainment for MUT heads. Be on the lookout for my full review once the embargo is lifted.