NHL 16 EASHL Beta Opens Next Week For NHL 15 Xbox One & PlayStation 4 Users

[Steve_OS]

EA Sports has just announced their plans to launch their NHL 16 EASHL beta, starting July 30 until August 6, for Xbox One (including EA Access version) and PlayStation 4 users. If you purchased the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 version and have upgraded to current-gen console, you have a chance to access the beta as well. Look here for the details. The beta will weigh in at roughly 5GB.

This fan-favorite online team mode has been reimagined and lets you choose specialized player classes to deliver a balanced competitive experience on the ice. Player skill and your ability to play as a team will now be the determining factor in who wins and loses.

EASHL lets you choose specialized player classes to deliver a balanced competitive experience on the ice. Choose from 12 different player classes that fit your team’s style and strategy.

Below are some notes from the NHL 16 EASHL beta FAQ.

Will I be able to customize my player or goalie in the beta?

Yes. You will be able to create a custom player in the EASHL beta. You will be able to edit a player or goalie’s general information, appearance, and equipment. Any creation or customization in the beta does not carry over to the full game. For more information on EASHL customization click here.

Will my player and team stats carry over to the main game?

Player and team stats will not carry over to the main game when NHL 16 launches in September. However, individual & team skills you learn through this beta will!

Will I have to re-create my team when NHL 16 launches on September 15?

Teams created in the beta will not carry over to NHL 16.

Does a team need to have a full lineup to play a game?

No, you can play an EASHL game without a full lineup and as little as 2 human controlled players. In those circumstances, AI will take control of non-human controlled players.

More info on the beta can be seen at Polygon.

[speedtrucker]

Re: EASHL Beta Opens Next Week

Can. Not. Wait.

pumped for EASHL again.

[DirtyJerz32]

Re: EASHL Beta Opens Next Week

WOW! I'm shocked by this. I'm really impressed with this decision. Well done EA.

[bigwill33]

Re: EASHL Beta Opens Next Week

If you're an Xbox One owner, now might be a good time to drop the $5 on EA Access for the month.

"I have NHL 15 through EA Access, will I still be able join the EASHL beta?
Yes. If you are an EA Access member, jump into NHL 15 starting July 30 and you’ll see a new panel in the main menu to download the NHL 16 EASHL Beta."

Very happy they did this. A move in the right direction.

[ricky24]

Re: EASHL Beta Opens Next Week

Will try this out for sure.

[Tonyferelli]

Re: EASHL Beta Opens Next Week

So excited for you guys to get to try it out!

[jayman504]

Re: EASHL Beta Opens Next Week

If you're an Xbox One owner, now might be a good time to drop the $5 on EA Access for the month.

"I have NHL 15 through EA Access, will I still be able join the EASHL beta?
Yes. If you are an EA Access member, jump into NHL 15 starting July 30 and you’ll see a new panel in the main menu to download the NHL 16 EASHL Beta."

Very happy they did this. A move in the right direction.

I just finished getting Access....just to try out the Beta. EA Access very smart move..

[Pezell04x]

Re: EASHL Beta Opens Next Week

A buddy is going to mail me NHL 15. I am so pumped for some EASHL action.

[Turbojugend]

Re: NHL 16 EASHL Beta Opens Next Week For NHL 15 Xbox One & PlayStation 4 Users

I've never played EASHL, always been more of an offline player. But this sounds like a nice jumping-on point, I will probably give it a shot when the beta opens.

[Steve_OS]

Re: NHL 16 EASHL Beta Opens Next Week For NHL 15 Xbox One & PlayStation 4 Users

Updated the OP w/ a few more details.

[ricky24]

Re: NHL 16 EASHL Beta Opens Next Week For NHL 15 Xbox One & PlayStation 4 Users

I've never played EASHL, always been more of an offline player. But this sounds like a nice jumping-on point, I will probably give it a shot when the beta opens.

I'm skeptical of the new attribute system for replay purposes but eashl was the best mode in this game imo. Only chance I have of buying 16 is if this mode is in depth enough to give the same replay value it gave nhl14. Very excited to find out if this is the case in a couple weeks.

[Turbojugend]

Re: NHL 16 EASHL Beta Opens Next Week For NHL 15 Xbox One & PlayStation 4 Users

I'm skeptical of the new attribute system for replay purposes but eashl was the best mode in this game imo. Only chance I have of buying 16 is if this mode is in depth enough to give the same replay value it gave nhl14. Very excited to find out if this is the case in a couple weeks.

Is there usually a decent balance of player types, or does everyone want to be a super-sniper? I'd like to take a shot at creating a physical defenseman if it's an option.

[JayBillups36]

It says there's 12 different types of player to choose from. I have a huge chub about the 30th now

[LuGer33]

Re: NHL 16 EASHL Beta Opens Next Week For NHL 15 Xbox One & PlayStation 4 Users

Is there usually a decent balance of player types, or does everyone want to be a super-sniper? I'd like to take a shot at creating a physical defenseman if it's an option.

There's no creation. There will be a physical defensemen class, but you don't actually customize their attributes.

The Polygon article is accurate in many respects. There is a risk by going with this system that the mode loses some depth and incentive to keep playing. The idea is that w/ balanced classes and no wacky attributes, the emphasis will be on teamplay and hockey knowledge. Think of it like an E-sports approach with a higher skill gap that will hopefully keep fans playing without grinding or chasing the progression carrot.

I'm excited for it because I'm a fan of classic Arena games w/ equal starts and stuff where as much as possible is left to the players. I hope it works for EASHL.

[Haeyena]

You have to be kidding.....I am out of town that entire week!