Last year’s release was a huge success, so thanks to everyone who appreciated the set and reached out to me this year to see if a new set was coming.
These were tested via CPUvCPU and using the True Broadcast Cam in order to get an accurate measure of game and player speed, but they are also excellent for playing vs the AI in any form, based on the feedback I’ve received. They were also tested in franchise mode, so they are franchise-ready.
The main areas I focused on were tuning the speed and flow of the game because NHL 20 is much more fast-paced out of the box. Hockey is a fast sport, but I wanted to capture the variety of pacing seen in professional games.
Last year, I also released a roster set to accompany the sliders. This year’s roster is currently under development and a separate thread in the roster forum will be created when it is ready.
Give them a go and let me know what you think.
Additionally, working on both the roster set and sliders takes many hours of time per year. I love doing this work for you guys. Given the hours of testing required, I do accept donations, so feel free to PM me if you would like to contribute.
Without further ado, here is the set!
Suggested Franchise Setup
Spoiler
Auto Rotate Goalies: Off
I like to manually rotate my goalies. I usually start my backup every 4 games, and during the second game of a back-to-back. If I end up with a really good goalie tandem, then I start my backup more frequently.
Sim Engine Scoring: Low
This seems to give the most realistic scoring and goalie stats. There is also some variance. Sometimes, I see 8+ 100 and over point scorers, others only 1 or 2. This was tested using my roster edits, so Medium may work with EA's default rosters.
Trade difficulty: Hard
Fog of War: On
Show Player Type: On - As a GM, I think you should at least have a general idea of a player's style.
All other settings are default/user preference.
TrueSim 20-Minute Sliders v1.25
Spoiler
This set was the most difficult to create simply because NHL 20 is built for shorter periods. However, the developers have given us the tools to create a real-time, authentic set of sliders.
If you are used to the default, tape-to-tape style of NHL 20, this set will be much different. It is sloppier and the number of high-danger scoring chances is significantly fewer. You will see neutral zone play, board play, and battles for every loose puck. I am happy with my other sets, but this set is even more hardcore and realistic because of how much more variety you can see in games. If you want the most challenging, in-depth experience, this is the set for you.
Quick Settings
NHL Experience: I am an expert
Controls: Skill Stick
Difficulty: All-Star
Gameplay Preset: Custom (FULL SIM)
On Ice Trainer: OFF
Shot Aim: Assist
Rules
Game Play Presets: Custom (Full Sim)
Game Style: Custom (Full Sim)
Post Whistle Rules: Authentic
Rules: Custom (NHL)
Fighting: 1
Icing: Hybrid Icing
Injuries: On
Offsides: Delayed
Penalties: 3
Tie Break: 5 min (3 on3) then shootout
Trapezoid Rule: On
Penalty Time Scaling: 0
Coincidental Penalty Time Scale: 0
Game Settings
Game Play Presets: Custom (Full Sim)
Game Style: Custom (Full Sim)
]Period Length: 20 Minutes
Difficulty: All-Star
Camera: True Broadcast
Goalie Camera: High
Shootout Camera: True Broadcast or Low
Away Line Changes: Auto
Away Shot Aim: Aim Assist
Home Line Changes: Auto
Home Shot Aim: Aim Assist
Gameplay Sliders
GENERAL
Gameplay Version: v1.00
Game Style – Custom (Full Sim)
Attribute Effects : Max
Broken Stick Frequency : 75
Game Speed : 0
Fatigue Effect : CPU: 75 / Human: 75
Fatigue Recovery : CPU: 55 / Human: 55
Shifts will be between 40 and 60 seconds, just like real life. There is a significant statistical dropoff in hockey when players are fatigued. If you get hemmed into your own zone with tired players, you will pay the price. Manage your line changes carefully.
Here is some good reading on shift lengths:
Hockey is a highly intense sport often called the fastest game in the world. If you have ever watched or played in a hockey game you will know there is a lot of truth to it. Players are asked to go…
Posts about NHL Shift Length written by Benjamin Wendorf
Injury Occurrence : CPU: 40 / Human: 40
Raise this slider to 100 when simming in franchise for more realistic injury rates
SKATING
All of the skating sliders work in conjunction with the game speed slider, passing sliders and fatigue sliders to represent the pace and flow of the game.
Back Skating: Max
Hustle Type : Authentic
Puck Carrier Agility : 40
Puck Carrier Skating: 0
Player Acceleration : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Skating Speed : CPU: Max / Human: Max
Skating Agility : CPU: 55 / Human: 55
SHOOTING
One Timer Accuracy : CPU: 20 / Human: 20
Shot Accuracy : CPU: 0 / Human: 0
Shot Power : CPU: 65 / Human: 65
Slap Shot Accuracy : CPU: 35 / Human: 35
Slap Shot Power : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
PASSING
The most noticeable change you may notice is in this area of the game. Passing percentages will be lower mainly because the game calculates this as passes cleanly received. You will see fewer cleanly received passes. You will see hard passes get tipped and glance away more often. As a result, there are more battles for the puck, more mistakes and more broken plays.
Manual Passing - OFF
Pass Assist : 30
Min Pass Speed: 0
Max Pass Speed: 65
Saucer Pass Speed : 65
Pass Accuracy : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Pass Interceptions : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Pass Reception Ease : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Reception Reaction Time : CPU: 65 / Human: 65
Puck Control Rating Effect : CPU: 70 / Human: 70
Puck Speed Reception Effect : CPU: 75 / Human: 75
Pickup Type Effect : CPU: 80 / Human: 80
Bouncing Puck Receptions : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
PUCK CONTROL
The puck is loose. That glued to the stick feeling simply isn’t there anymore. The best puck handlers will stand out more.
Incidental Contact Puck Loss : Stick , Legs and Body
Incidental Stick Contact Immunity : 0
Puck Control : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Deking Impact : CPU: 35 / Human: 35
Spin Deke Impact : 35 / Human: 35
Skating Impact : CPU: 80 / Human: 80
GOALIES
Goalie Cover Frequency : 25
Goalie Passing : 65 – Goalies still cover when under pressure, you will now see the occasional safe pass once in a while
Goalie Cross Crease Reaction Time : CPU: Max / Human: Max
Goalie Save Reaction Time : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Goalie Deflection Reaction Time : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Goalie Screen Effect : CPU: 75 / Human: 75
Goalie Screen Persistence : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
CHECKING
Holding onto the puck for extended periods of time is difficult. In conjunction with the passing and puck control sliders, these allow puck battles to really play out. Setting up in the zone should be a challenge.
Board Effect Non-Puck Carrier : 25
Board Effect Puck Carrier : 25
Hitting Assistance : 25
Stumble Threshold : Max
Fall and Stumble Fall Ease: 50
Aggression : CPU: 75 / Human: 75
Hitting Power : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Size Effect : CPU: 40 / Human: 40
Speed Effect : CPU: 30 / Human: 30
Checking/Balance Rating Effect : CPU: Max / Human: Max
Preparedness Effect : CPU: 30 / Human: 30
Incidental Contact Effect : CPU: 55 / Human: 55
Poke Checking Accuracy : CPU: Max / Human: Max
Poke Checking Power : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Stick Lift Effectiveness : CPU: 65 / Human: 65
PENALTIES
CPU Penalties: 15
CPU Teammate Penalties: 15
Tripping: CPU: 15 / Human: 15
Slashing : CPU: 5 / Human: 5
Elbowing : CPU: Max / Human: Max
High Sticking : CPU: Max / Human: Max
Cross Checking: CPU: Max / Human: Max
Boarding : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Charging : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Delay of Game : CPU: 55 / Human: 55
Holding : CPU: 40 / Human: 40
Hooking : CPU: 20 / Human: 20
Interference : CPU: Max / Human: Max
AI
AI Learning: 0
CPU Difficulty Adjustment: 0
CPU Faceoff Difficulty: 65
Fight Difficulty: 50
CPU Strategy Adjustment: 5
User Strategy Adjustment: 0
BAP Strategy Adjustment: 5
Franchise Sliders Version 6 (last updated 4/28/20)
Spoiler
Quick Settings
NHL Experience: I am an expert
Controls: Skill Stick
Difficulty: All-Star
Gameplay Preset: Custom (FULL SIM)
On Ice Trainer: OFF
Shot Aim: Assist
Rules
Game Play Presets: Custom (Full Sim)
Game Style: Custom (Full Sim)
Post Whistle Rules: Authentic
Rules: Custom (NHL)
Fighting: 2
Icing: Hybrid Icing
Injuries: On
Offsides: Delayed
Penalties: 3
Tie Break: 5 min (3 on3) then shootout
Trapezoid Rule: On
Penalty Time Scaling: 0
Coincidental Penalty Time Scale: 0
Game Settings
Game Play Presets: Custom (Full Sim)
Game Style: Custom (Full Sim)
]Period Length: 14 Minutes
Difficulty: All-Star
Camera: True Broadcast
Goalie Camera: High
Shootout Camera: True Broadcast or Low
Away Line Changes: Auto
Away Shot Aim: Aim Assist
Home Line Changes: Auto
Home Shot Aim: Aim Assist
Gameplay Sliders
GENERAL
Gameplay Version: v1.00 (Latest)
Game Style – Custom (Full Sim)
Attribute Effects : Max
Broken Stick Frequency : 75
Game Speed : 3
Fatigue Effect : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Fatigue Recovery : CPU: 60 / Human: 60
All four lines will be used, realistic TOI distribution, effect is not overdone so play doesn't get too sluggish
Injury Occurrence : CPU: 40 / Human: 40
Raise this slider to 100 when simming in franchise for more realistic injury rates
SKATING
All of the skating sliders work in conjunction with the game speed slider, passing sliders and fatigue sliders to represent the pace and flow of the game.
Back Skating: 55
Hustle Type : Authentic
Puck Carrier Agility : 0
Puck Carrier Skating: 25
Player Acceleration : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Skating Speed : CPU: 55 / Human: 55
Skating Agility : CPU: Max / Human: Max
SHOOTING
One Timer Accuracy : CPU: 20 / Human: 20
Shot Accuracy : CPU: 0 / Human: 0
Shot Power : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Slap Shot Accuracy : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Slap Shot Power : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
PASSING
Manual Passing - OFF
Pass Assist : 30
Min Pass Speed: 25
Max Pass Speed: 35
Saucer Pass Speed : Max
Pass Accuracy : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Pass Interceptions : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Pass Reception Ease : CPU: 5 / Human: 5
Reception Reaction Time : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Puck Control Rating Effect : CPU: 85 / Human: 85
Puck Speed Reception Effect : CPU: 70 / Human: 70
Pickup Type Effect : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Bouncing Puck Receptions : CPU: 15 / Human: 15
PUCK CONTROL
Incidental Contact Puck Loss : Stick , Legs and Body
Incidental Stick Contact Immunity : 0
Puck Control : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Deking Impact : CPU: Max / Human: Max
Spin Deke Impact : 35 / Human: 35
Skating Impact : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
GOALIES
Goalie Cover Frequency : Max
Goalie Passing : 50
Goalie Cross Crease Reaction Time : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Goalie Save Reaction Time : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Goalie Deflection Reaction Time : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Goalie Screen Effect : CPU: Max / Human: Max
Goalie Screen Persistence : CPU: 75 / Human: 75
CHECKING
Board Effect Non-Puck Carrier : 1
Board Effect Puck Carrier : 1
Hitting Assistance : 0
Stumble Threshold : 50
Fall and Stumble Fall Ease: 25
Aggression : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Hitting Power : CPU: 35 / Human: 35
Size Effect : CPU: 65 / Human: 65
Speed Effect : CPU: 35 / Human: 35
Checking/Balance Rating Effect : CPU: 80 / Human: 80
Preparedness Effect : CPU: 30 / Human: 30
Incidental Contact Effect : CPU: 75 / Human: 75
Poke Checking Accuracy : CPU: Max / Human: Max
Poke Checking Power : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Stick Lift Effectiveness : CPU: Max / Human: Max
PENALTIES
CPU Penalties: 15
CPU Teammate Penalties: 15
Tripping: CPU: 15 / Human: 15
Slashing : CPU: 5 / Human: 5
Elbowing : CPU: Max / Human: Max
High Sticking : CPU: Max / Human: Max
Cross Checking: CPU: Max / Human: Max
Boarding : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Charging : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Delay of Game : CPU: 65 / Human: 65
Holding : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Hooking : CPU: 20 / Human: 20
Interference : CPU: Max / Human: Max
AI
AI Learning: 0
CPU Difficulty Adjustment: 0
CPU Faceoff Difficulty: 65
Fight Difficulty: 50
CPU Strategy Adjustment: 5
User Strategy Adjustment: 0
BAP Strategy Adjustment: 5
The Original Set: Franchise Sliders Version 1
Spoiler
Quick Settings
NHL Experience: I am an expert
Controls: Skill Stick
Difficulty: All-Star
Gameplay Preset: Custom (FULL SIM)
On Ice Trainer: OFF
Shot Aim: Assist
Rules
Game Play Presets: Custom (Full Sim)
Game Style: Custom (Full Sim)
Post Whistle Rules: Authentic
Rules: Custom (NHL)
Fighting: Max
Icing: Hybrid Icing
Injuries: On
Offsides: Delayed
Penalties: 4
Tie Break: 5 min (3 on3) then shootout
Trapezoid Rule: On
Penalty Time Scaling: 2
Coincidental Penalty Time Scale: 0
Game Settings
Game Play Presets: Custom (Full Sim)
Game Style: Custom (Full Sim)
]Period Length: 9 Minutes
Difficulty: All-Star
Camera: True Broadcast
Goalie Camera: High
Shootout Camera: True Broadcast or Low
Away Line Changes: Auto
Away Shot Aim: Aim Assist
Home Line Changes: Auto
Home Shot Aim: Aim Assist
Gameplay Sliders
GENERAL
Gameplay Version: v1.00
Game Style – Custom (Full Sim)
Attribute Effects : 5
Broken Stick Frequency : 40
Game Speed : 0
Fatigue Effect : CPU: 35 / Human: 35
Fatigue Recovery : CPU: 30 / Human: 30
All four lines will be used, realistic TOI distribution, effect is not overdone so play doesn't get too sluggish
Injury Occurrence : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Raise this slider to 100 when simming in franchise for more realistic injury rates
SKATING
All of the skating sliders work in conjunction with the game speed slider, passing sliders and fatigue sliders to represent the pace and flow of the game.
Back Skating: 60
Helps with defensive play, neutral zone play and backchecking effectiveness
Hustle Type : Authentic
Puck Carrier Agility : 45
Puck Carrier Skating: 35
Player Acceleration : CPU: 40 / Human: 40
Skating Speed : CPU: 40 / Human: 40
Skating Agility : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
SHOOTING
With these shooting sliders, what I wanted to do was ensure the balance between shots, goals and misses was improved. I wanted to see more tipped pucks and players using screens. I wanted the quality of the chance to show here.
One Timer Accuracy : CPU: 35 / Human: 35
Shot Accuracy : CPU: 40 / Human: 40
Shot Power : CPU: 55 / Human: 55
Slap Shot Accuracy : CPU: 55 / Human: 55 - Helps with getting pucks tipped and players using screens from the point
Slap Shot Power : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
PASSING
These are largely unchanged from last year, but I agreed with a lot of the feedback that passes were a bit too fast at times. I slowed that down, which helps with the overall pace.
Manual Passing - OFF
Pass Assist : 30
Min Pass Speed: 35
Max Pass Speed: 40
Saucer Pass Speed : 40
Pass Accuracy : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Pass Interceptions : CPU: 0 / Human: 0
Pass Reception Ease : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Reception Reaction Time : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Puck Control Rating Effect : CPU: Max / Human: Max
Puck Speed Reception Effect : CPU: 75 / Human: 75
Pickup Type Effect : CPU: 60 / Human: 60
Bouncing Puck Receptions : CPU: 60 / Human: 60
PUCK CONTROL
Just a minor nudge down of the puck control slider was needed here. I am seeing a lot of loose pucks, boardplay and jostling without the game getting too sluggish.
Incidental Contact Puck Loss : Stick , Legs and Body
Incidental Stick Contact Immunity : 0
Puck Control : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Deking Impact : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Spin Deke Impact : 65 / Human: 65
Skating Impact : CPU: 30 / Human: 30
GOALIES
Goalie Cover Frequency : 35
Goalie Passing : 25
Goalie Cross Crease Reaction Time : CPU: 55 / Human: 55
Goalie Save Reaction Time : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Goalie Deflection Reaction Time : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Goalie Screen Effect : CPU: Max / Human: Max
Goalie Screen Persistence : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Cycle the puck, get traffic in front of the net, make smart shooting decisions and you will be rewarded.
CHECKING
Attributes matter here. Physical players will stand out. You will see every type of hit, from bumps to big bodychecks. Players will stumble, full and lose the puck, based on who is involved in the hit. You will also get realistic hit totals (15-30 per team).
Board Effect Non-Puck Carrier : 25
Board Effect Puck Carrier : 25
Hitting Assistance : 25
Stumble Threshold : 10
Fall and Stumble Fall Ease: 50
Aggression : CPU: 50 / Human: 50
Hitting Power : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Size Effect : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Speed Effect : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Checking/Balance Rating Effect : CPU: 75 / Human: 75
Preparedness Effect : CPU: 40 / Human: 40
Incidental Contact Effect : CPU: 35 / Human: 35
Poke Checking Accuracy : CPU: 15 / Human: 15
Poke Checking Power : CPU: 20 / Human: 20
Stick Lift Effectiveness : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
PENALTIES
Penalties were actually on the low side this year, after being very high at release time in NHL 19. You should get more consistent penalties with these changes. NHL average is around 3 PPs per team.
CPU Penalties: 50
CPU Teammate Penalties: 50
Tripping: CPU: 20 / Human: 20
Slashing : CPU: 10 / Human: 10
Elbowing : CPU: 35 / Human: 35
High Sticking : CPU: 75 / Human: 75
Cross Checking: CPU: 75 / Human: 75
Boarding : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Charging : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Delay of Game : CPU: 45 / Human: 45
Holding : CPU: 25 / Human: 25
Hooking : CPU: 15 / Human: 15
Interference : CPU: 75 / Human: 75
AI
AI Learning: 0
CPU Difficulty Adjustment: 0
CPU Faceoff Difficulty: 65
Fight Difficulty: 50
CPU Strategy Adjustment: 5
User Strategy Adjustment: 0
BAP Strategy Adjustment: 5
Audio & Visual Settings
VISUAL
Auto Zoom: Auto
Camera: True Broadcast
Camera Perspective: Alternate
Control Indicator: Off
Indicator Size: Off
Fighting Instructions: Off
Goalie Camera: High
Puck Highlight: Large
Puck Size: Authentic
Score Clock Overlay: Authentic
Shootout Camera: True Brodcast or Low
VOLUME
Arena Announcer Volume: 8
Arena Music Volume: 7
Commentary Volume: Max
Crowd Volume: 8
Goal Horn Volume: 8
Menu Music: 7
SFX Volume: 7
On-Ice Trainer
Control Hints: Off
Feedback Hints: Off
Shot Aim Targeting: Off
Goalie Coverage Grid: Off
Shot Lane: Off
Pass Aim Targeting: Off
Pass Suggestions: Off
Offside Warning: Off
Defensive Positioning: Off
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