Madden NFL 18
Experience the authentic NFL action with Madden NFL 18. This guide covers gameplay, controls, modes, and important safety information.
Important Health Warning: Photosensitive Seizures
A very small percentage of people may experience a seizure when exposed to certain visual images, including flashing lights or patterns that may appear in video games. Even people with no history of seizures or epilepsy may have an undiagnosed condition that can cause "photosensitive epileptic seizures" while watching video games. Symptoms can include light-headedness, altered vision, eye or face twitching, jerking or shaking of arms or legs, disorientation, confusion, momentary loss of awareness, and loss of consciousness or convulsions that can lead to injury from falling down or striking nearby objects. Immediately stop playing and consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Parents, watch for or ask children about these symptoms—children and teenagers are more likely to experience these seizures. The risk may be reduced by being farther from the screen; using a smaller screen; playing in a well-lit room, and not playing when drowsy or fatigued. If you or any relatives have a history of seizures or epilepsy, consult a doctor before playing.
What's New in Madden NFL 18
Teamwork, competition, and big plays are all featured in Madden NFL 18. This authentic football experience is more accessible than ever for both new players and those looking to improve their skills, offering four difficulty settings and three ways to play. Engage with the all-new story mode, Longshot, or jump directly onto the field with new competitive features.
Longshot
Madden NFL 18 features a brand-new story mode: Longshot. Step into the shoes of Devin Wade, a young man who deferred his dreams of making it big in the NFL after the loss of his father. He now has one last chance to make it to the league. Follow his path and learn complex football strategies along the way. Direct the course of Devin's personality and career with dialogue choices governing how you'll interact with the media, teammates, and rivals.
MUT Squads
In MUT Squads, compete in three-on-three matches as the head coach, offensive coordinator, or defensive coordinator. Work together to lead your team to victory, with each player taking on a different role.
MUT Champions
For the competitive type, jump into a knockout tournament in MUT Champions. Each week features a brand-new tournament.
MUT Levels
MUT Levels measure your progress in Ultimate Team. Increasing your MUT Level unlocks new ways to play, exclusive offers, and additional challenges.
Experience Levels
Adjust your Madden experience with four levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. These levels adjust difficulty and settings like Assists, Ball Hawk, Coach Tips, Game Speed, and Visual Feedback.
New Play Styles
Choose from three gameplay styles: Arcade (big plays, high scoring, minimal penalties), Simulation (authentic NFL experience with team ratings and NFL rules), and Competitive (user stick skills are key, default for online ranked Head-to-Head).
Play Now Live
Play real NFL matchups every week with up-to-date stats, rosters, and commentary. Take control of your favorite teams and lead them to championships.
Updated Broadcast Presentation and Commentary
Experience live commentary based on current NFL lineups.
Improved Visuals
Features detailed player depictions and stadium lighting, powered by the Frostbite engine.
Complete Controls
Play Calling
Adjust play call settings via SETTINGS > VISUAL FEEDBACK > PLAY CALL STYLE, or in options before each game.
- Quick: Shows one play from Coach Suggestions. Use [Button A] to cycle through more options. Use [Button B] and [Button X] to cycle to Strategy Suggestions, Community Suggestions, and Frequently Run Plays.
- Enhanced: Provides three suggestions from a full range of options, including Coach Suggestions, Formation, Concept, Play Type, Personnel, and Recent Plays.
- Slim: Offers the same choices as Enhanced while showcasing the broadcast presentation.
Tempo Settings:
- Normal: The default option.
- No Huddle: Offense automatically enters No Huddle when tackled in bounds while the clock is running.
- Chew Clock: Runs the play clock down to 10 seconds, useful for depleting the game clock late in the game.
Game Controls: Pre-Play Offense
| Action | Input |
|---|---|
| Snap ball (Hurry to line) | [A Button] |
| Switch player | [B Button] |
| Motion player | [B Button] + [Left/Right Directional Input] |
| Hot route | [Y Button] |
| Pass protection | [LB Button] + [Left/Right Directional Input] |
| Fake snap | [RB Button] |
| Show Play Art | [RT Button] |
| Player lock | [X Button] (double tap) |
| Show/Hide Pre-Play menu | [X Button] |
| Zoom in gameplay camera | [Up Directional Input] |
| Zoom out gameplay camera | [Down Directional Input] |
Passing Controls
| Action | Input |
|---|---|
| High pass to specific receiver | [LB Button] + [A/B/X/Y Button] / [RB Button] |
| Low pass to specific receiver | [Left/Right/Up/Down Directional Input] + [A/B/X/Y Button] / [RB Button] |
| Throw to receiver (1) | [X Button] (tap) |
| Lob to receiver (1) | [X Button] (double tap) |
| Touch pass to receiver (1) | [X Button] (hold) |
| Bullet pass to receiver (1) | [A Button] |
| Throw to receiver (2) | [A Button] (tap) |
| Lob to receiver (2) | [A Button] (double tap) |
| Touch pass to receiver (2) | [A Button] (hold) |
| Bullet pass to receiver (2) | [B Button] |
| Throw to receiver (3) | [B Button] (tap) |
| Lob to receiver (3) | [B Button] (double tap) |
| Touch pass to receiver (3) | [B Button] (hold) |
| Bullet pass to receiver (3) | [Y Button] |
| Throw to receiver (4) | [Y Button] (tap) |
| Lob to receiver (4) | [Y Button] (double tap) |
| Touch pass to receiver (4) | [Y Button] (hold) |
| Bullet pass to receiver (4) | [RB Button] |
| Throw to receiver (5) | [RB Button] (tap) |
| Lob to receiver (5) | [RB Button] (double tap) |
| Touch pass to receiver (5) | [RB Button] (hold) |
| Bullet pass to receiver (5) | [RT Button] |
| Pump fake | [Left/Right Directional Input] + [X Button] |
| Check out of play action/scramble | [B Button] (tap), then [Left/Right Directional Input] |
| Roll Out Loco | [Left/Right Directional Input] when throwing |
| Throw ball away | [B Button] |
| Total control passing | [LB Button] + [Left/Right Directional Input] |
| Activate Target Passing | [X Button] (hold) |
| Move Target Passing indicator | [X Button] (hold) + [Up/Down/Left/Right Directional Input] |
| Throw Target Pass to selected receiver | [X Button] (hold) + [Receiver Button] |
| Playmaker closest receiver | (flick directional) |
Ball Carrier Controls
| Action | Input |
|---|---|
| Stiff arm punch | [A Button] + [RT Button] |
| Precision stiff arm | [A Button] + [LT Button] |
| Stiff arm hold (near defender) | [A Button] (hold) |
| Celebrate (in open field) | [X Button] (hold) + [Square Button] (hold) + [A Button] (hold) |
| Sprint spin | [B Button] + [Left/Right Directional Input] (hold up to half-second) |
| Standard spin | [B Button] or [Left/Right Directional Input] (half circle) |
| Precision spin | [X Button] + [B Button] |
| Dive low | [X Button] + [Up Directional Input] |
| Dive for yards | [X Button] + [RT Button] |
| Dive over the line | [X Button] + [LT Button] |
| Ball Carrier give-up/QB slide | [LT Button] + [RT Button] + [B Button] |
| Sprint hurdle | [Y Button] + [Y Button] (hold up to half-second) |
| Hurdle | [Y Button] + [Up Directional Input] |
| Precision hurdle | [Y Button] + [LT Button] |
| Pitch ball | [LB Button] |
| Switch ball hand | [RB Button] (tap) |
| Protect ball | [RB Button] (hold) |
| Precision modifier (decelerate) | [LT Button] |
| Stutter step | [X Button] (tap) |
| Precision spin | [Left/Right Directional Input] + [B Button] / [Left/Right Directional Input] + [Diamond Symbol] (half circle) |
| Precision dive | [LT Button] + [X Button] |
| Precision high dive (behind blocker) | [LT Button] + [X Button] |
| Precision hurdle | [LT Button] + [Y Button] |
| Acceleration burst | [RT Button] |
| Juke | [B Button] / [Left/Right Directional Input] |
| Precision juke | [Left/Right Directional Input] + [B Button] / [Left/Right Directional Input] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Precision jump cut (behind line of scrimmage) | [Left/Right Directional Input] + [Circle Symbol] / [Left/Right Directional Input] |
| Get skinny (behind blocker) | [RB Button] (hold) |
| Back juke | [X Button] (hold) + [Circle Symbol] |
| Truck | [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Precision truck | [LT Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Lunge for yards | [Circle Symbol] + [B Button], with stumble recovery icon active |
| Stumble recovery | [Square Button] |
| Truck spin combo | [B Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Precision truck spin combo | [LT Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Juke left, spin left combo | [B Button] + [Left Directional Input], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Precision juke left, spin left combo | [LT Button] + [Left Directional Input], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Juke left, spin right combo | [B Button] + [Left Directional Input], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Precision juke left, spin right combo | [LT Button] + [Left Directional Input], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Juke right, spin left combo | [B Button] + [Right Directional Input], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Precision juke right, spin left combo | [LT Button] + [Right Directional Input], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Juke right, spin right combo | [B Button] + [Right Directional Input], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Precision juke right, spin right combo | [LT Button] + [Right Directional Input], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Back juke, spin left combo | [X Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Left Directional Input], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Precision back juke, spin left combo | [LT Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Left Directional Input], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Back juke, spin right combo | [X Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Right Directional Input], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Precision back juke, spin right combo | [LT Button] + [Circle Symbol], [B Button] + [Right Directional Input], [B Button] + [Circle Symbol] |
| Juke left, juke right combo | [B Button] + [Left Directional Input], [B Button] + [Right Directional Input] |
| Precision juke left, juke right combo | [LT Button] + [Left Directional Input], [B Button] + [Right Directional Input] |
| Juke right, juke left combo | [B Button] + [Right Directional Input], [B Button] + [Left Directional Input] |
| Precision juke right, juke left combo | [LT Button] + [Right Directional Input], [B Button] + [Left Directional Input] |
Ball in Air/Loose Ball Controls
| Action | Input |
|---|---|
| Auto play/Defensive assist | [LB Button] |
| Switch player | [B Button] |
| Conservative catch | [A Button] (press or hold) |
| Play receiver (on defense) | [A Button] (hold) |
| RAC catch | [X Button] (press or hold) |
| Dive (loose ball) | [X Button] (hold) |
| Aggressive catch | [Y Button] (press or hold) |
| Play ball (on defense) | [Y Button] (hold) |
| Swat | [X Button] (hold) |
| Strafe | [LT Button] |
| Acceleration burst | [RT Button] |
Defense Controls: Pre-Play Defense
| Action | Input |
|---|---|
| Individual adjustment | [A Button] |
| Switch player | [B Button] |
| Select player | [B Button] (hold) + [Circle Symbol] |
| Audible menu | [X Button] |
| Coverage audible | [Y Button] |
| Defensive line audible | [LB Button] |
| Linebacker audible | [RB Button] |
| Defensive keys | [LT Button] |
| Off the line | [Left Directional Input] (tap) |
| Show Play Art | [X Button] (hold) |
| Show strong/weak side gap assignment | [RT Button] + [A Button] + [B Button] |
| Zoom in gameplay camera | [Up Directional Input] |
| Zoom out gameplay camera | [Down Directional Input] |
| Defensive player lock camera | [Left/Right Directional Input] |
| Defensive camera | [Circle Symbol] |
| Show/Hide Pre-Play menu | [X Button] |
| Pump up crowd | [B Button] |
Defense Controls (Engaged)
| Action | Input |
|---|---|
| Pass rush finesse move | [A Button] (vs. pass) |
| Shed Block | [A Button] (vs. run) |
| Block Sheds | [X Button] + [A Button] |
| Switch player | [B Button] |
| Pass rush power move | [Y Button] (vs. pass) |
| Hands up/Bat ball | [Y Button] |
| Auto-assist (non-engaged) | [X Button] (hold) |
| Reach tackle left | [LB Button] |
| Reach tackle right | [RB Button] |
Defense Controls (Pursuit)
| Action | Input |
|---|---|
| Conservative tackle | [A Button] |
| Precision breakdown tackle | [LT Button] + [A Button] |
| Switch player | [B Button] |
| Aggressive tackle (close)/ Dive tackle (far) | [X Button] |
| Auto play/Defensive assist | [X Button] (hold) |
| Strip ball | [RB Button] |
| Strafe | [LT Button] |
| Acceleration burst | [RT Button] |
| Hit stick vs. ball carrier or blocker | [Y Button] (flick) |
| Cut stick vs. ball carrier or blocker | [Y Button] (flick) |
Special Teams Defense
| Action | Input |
|---|---|
| Conservative tackle | [A Button] |
| Switch player | [B Button] |
| Audible | [X Button] |
| Jumping block attempt | [Y Button] |
| Diving block attempt | [X Button] + [RT Button] |
| Show play art/Jump the snap | [RT Button] |
Player Locked Receiver Controls
| Action | Input |
|---|---|
| Switch players (pre-play) | [B Button] |
| Player lock (pre-play) | [A Button] |
| Conservative change-up | [A Button] |
| Conservative change-up release (avoid press) | [A Button] + [Left/Right/Up/Down Directional Input] at snap |
| Go in motion | [B Button] |
| Aggressive footfire (in place for a half-second sec) | [X Button] |
| Aggressive footfire release (avoid press) | [X Button] + [Left/Right/Up/Down Directional Input] at snap |
| Just-Go release (speed boost) | [RT Button] + [Left/Right/Up/Down Directional Input] at snap |
| Cut out of press | [Y Button] (flick when pressed) |
| Cut moves while route-running | [Left/Right Directional Input] + [Circle Symbol] (flick) |
| Route-running/Move player | [Square Button] |
| Alternate cut-moves while route-running | [Square Button] (hold) + [Circle Symbol] (hold), then release [Square Button] |
Defensive Coverage Mechanics
| Action | Input |
|---|---|
| Switch players (pre-play) | [B Button] |
| Player lock (pre-play) | [A Button] |
| Press/Hold receiver | [Y Button] + [Left/Right Directional Input] at snap |
| Player movement | [A Button] |
| Carry, deliver, and follow receiver out of press | [Y Button] + [Left/Right Directional Input] during press |
Blocking Mechanics
| Action | Input |
|---|---|
| Switch players (pre-play) | [B Button] |
| Player lock (pre-play) | [A Button] |
| Player movement/Block on collision | [Y Button] + [Left/Right Directional Input] at snap |
| Conservative engage defender | [A Button] + [Left/Right Directional Input] during press |
| Aggressive impact block | [Y Button] + [Left/Right Directional Input] during press |
| Aggressive cut block | [B Button] |
New Gameplay
Target Passing
Target and throw to holes in pass coverage. With Target Passing, you can throw to precise spots on the field, untethered from the receiver's route.
Defensive Line Mechanics
In addition to an arsenal of pass rush moves, defensive linemen can now attempt a reach tackle while engaged. Look for the button indicator above your user-controlled lineman to attempt one of these new tackle types.
New Strategy and Playbooks
Showcase your strategy skills with new ways to plan your game, including Coach Adjustments, DB-WR Match-ups, Position-Specific Defensive Hot-Routes, and Wide Receiver Alignments. Shading has also been tweaked and improved.
Playing the Game
Game Screen Elements
The game screen displays various information:
- 1. Away team: Name of the away team.
- 2. Home team: Name of the home team.
- 3. Possession: Indicates which team has possession.
- 4. Score: Current score of the game.
- 5. Timeouts remaining: Number of timeouts left for each team.
- 6. Play Art: Visual representation of the play call.
- 7. Quarter: Current quarter of the game.
- 8. Time Remaining: Time left in the current quarter.
- 9. Down and distance: Current down and yards to go for a first down.
- 10. Starting line: Position of the ball at the start of the play.
- 11. Play clock: Time remaining to snap the ball.
- 12. Receiver icons: Indicators for available receivers.
Player information such as OVR, attributes, and ratings are also displayed.
Game Modes
Main Menu
The main menu provides access to different panels:
- Home Panel: Jump into your last game mode or choose something new.
- Play Panel: Select game modes like Longshot, Franchise, Ultimate Team, or Open Practice.
- Customize Panel: Adjust rosters, playbooks, settings, and more.
Longshot
Play as Devin Wade on his journey to the NFL. Learn advanced game techniques and navigate dialogue choices that can alter his career.
Play Now Live
Experience authentic franchise gameplay by jumping into any week of a team's season with up-to-date stats and rosters. You can also take this live matchup team into Franchise mode or create a Cloud Franchise.
Franchise
Become an NFL Player, Coach, or Owner. Aim for the Hall of Fame by managing your team through the excitement and drama of the NFL. Features include starting your franchise (online/offline), a new Draft Board, Play the Moment, Season Goals, player development, scouting, training, gameplanning, and owner modes.
Madden Ultimate Team (MUT)
Create your ultimate fantasy football team. Collect players and items through Auctions and packs. Upgrade your team, dominate in Seasons, MUT Champions, and MUT Squads. Key features include MUT Squads, MUT Champions, Ultimate Moments in Solo Challenges, upgrading your team, understanding packs and tiers, programs, the Live tab for updates, Objectives and Progress, the Play tab for game modes, and Solo Challenges.
Online Head-to-Head
Compete against other players online. Features include Quick Match games, playing friends, and leaderboards (Top 100, My Leaderboard, Friends, Stats Leaders). Compare Stats allows you to scout opponents and review past game results.
Social Features
Madden Messenger handles notifications and social features, including messages, item rewards, music lists, and social sharing of achievements and league updates.
Warranty
NOTE: Warranty does not apply to digital download products.
Limited Warranty
Electronic Arts warrants the recording media for 90 days from the date of purchase against defects in materials and workmanship. Defective media will be replaced if the original product is returned with proof of purchase, a statement describing the defects, the faulty media, and your return address. This warranty is in addition to, and does not affect, your statutory rights. It does not apply to the software program itself or media subjected to misuse, damage, or excessive wear.
Returns After Warranty
Electronic Arts will replace user-damaged media (subject to availability) for a fee of €10 per disc, payable to Electronic Arts Ltd. For warranty queries or user-damaged discs/manuals, email uk-warranty@ea.com. Include defect details, name, address, and phone number.
Online Warranty Information: http://warrantyinfo.ea.com
EA Warranty Mailing Address: Electronic Arts Customer Warranty, PO Box 1096, Guildford, GU1 9JN, United Kingdom
Need Help?
Madden NFL 18 Contact Information
- Online: easports.com/madden-nfl
- Twitter: twitter.com/EAMaddenNFL
- Facebook: facebook.com/EASportsMaddenNFL
The EA Worldwide Customer Experience team is available online, in community forums, via chat, or phone.
- Online Support: Visit help.ea.com/uk for FAQs and help articles. Updates are daily.
- Telephone Support: Available 6 days a week (Monday-Saturday) from 9am to 9pm GMT. In the UK: 0203 014 1818. Outside the UK: +44 203 014 1818. (Calls charged at standard national rate.)
- Twitter & Facebook Support: Reach out on Twitter to @askeasupport or post on facebook.com/askeasupport for quick tips.
Internet connection and Facebook/Twitter accounts required. Must be 13+ to register a Facebook account.
