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With the release of NHL 22, hockey fans and even general sports fans around the world rejoiced at the new, but familiar features. Anyone who’s gotten their hands on a copy already knows that there is plenty to do in the latest entry in the series.
The sheer amount of content and systems in the game can be daunting at first for many fans, but there’s never any shame in a couple of pointers on some of the surprisingly vital game features. Across the various game modes NHL 22 has on offer, there are tons of minor tweaks every player can make to improve their overall experience.
10 Save Your Coins
There are plenty of different tips for the sprawling Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) mode, but something that rises above all the others is that you should save your coins. There’s plenty of times you’ll be tempted to take a shot with a cheap HUT pack with hopes for something rare, but that’s an ill-advised move.
Hoarding away your coins until you have enough to purchase something specific that you’re after is far more valuable. You may never know when you’ll want a specific player, so a few rainy-day coins are never a bad thing.
9 Understand Traits Instead Of Neglecting Them
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For some players, the only thing that matters is diving into the gameplay, and all the other stuff is just a headache on the side. Everyone is free to play their games in their own ways, but anyone that neglects the player traits system is sure to have an uphill battle during their time with NHL 22.
With plenty of traits to work with, you’ll be able to build exactly the type of character you desire, even if you don’t get to choose most of them.
8 Utilize Synergy
An important tip for the HUT mode is to not forget about the many synergy’s that you have access to. The easiest way to describe them is as additional bonuses that you can bestow onto your players. The best part is that you have full control over the activation of your synergies.
From synergies that provide buffs to acceleration, endurance, puck control, and strength, to synergies that will turn your characters into the strongest defensive player around, there are plenty of options to try out.
7 Practice Your Dekes
It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that mastery of the game's somewhat intricate deke system will help any player find more success in each game. One look at the offensive controls for the dekes may have your head spinning, but even starting with the simplest options is a great start.
There are plenty of different ways to practice your dekes, and if you’re a confident player there’s no better place than in a game. With a bit of practice, you’ll go from relying on a between-the-legs saucer pass to working in a forehand tap back deke at the right moments.
6 Getting Traded Isn’t Always Easy
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Plenty of first-time players for the NHL game franchise may have a tough time adapting to the complex control schemes on offer. That adapting time may result in a player not doing as well as they’d like in the Be A Pro mode.
Some gamers buy sports games with the intention of using or playing alongside their favorite teams, so it can be a bummer if you end up on a rival team. Pay attention to the story and work on your diplomatic skills to aid in a successful trade.
5 Game The Auction House
Something that will be familiar to plenty of sports fans is the market within NHL 22. The HUT auction house is the place to go for your HUT game mode needs, but it can be a bit confusing. That confusion may keep some players from experiencing everything HUT has to offer.
The best way to start making use of the auction house is by starting small. Pay attention to the way different transactions work, and you’ll be a market pro in no time. Don’t worry, the surprisingly well-balanced market isn’t likely to fail anytime soon.
4 Get Your Free Daily Packs
NHL 22’s HUT mode does a great job at drawing players in and keeping them hooked. Once per day, you can return to the game and claim a free daily pack that has the chance to provide you with some great items or players.
While many players don’t receive anything too special, every card matters in the auction house. Some players have reported getting some of the rarest players possible from their free daily packs, so it’s at least worth checking out your free rewards.
3 Learn To Fight Properly
If you’re a hockey fan who enjoys the occasional brawl, then you’re in luck. While NHL 22’s fighting system can be fun to play around with, some players have expressed frustration and confusion. Starting a fight is easy enough, but winning one is a bit tougher.
Start off by familiarizing yourself with the overall controls for NHL 22’s fighting. Once you’re confident you know how to throw down, you need to keep in mind that timing is incredibly important. Take a break from button mashing and pick your shots at the right time.
2 Your Player Archetype Matters
One of the best parts of NHL 22 is just how customizable the entire experience is. Whether you play hockey for real or want to live out your fantasies, you can create your pro in whatever manner you’d like.
Selecting the right archetype for your player can make a huge difference based on your role on the ice, and your playstyle. You probably aren’t going to want to be a playmaker if you prefer playing more defensively, and you probably won’t want to be an enforcer if you want to be front and center scoring goals.
1 You Can Be The Number One Draft Pick
Becoming the number one draft pick in your Be A Pro mode may seem like a daunting task, but it’s perfectly manageable for careful players. There are plenty of tips to get you to the top, and the biggest to start is to play well, and win your games.
The major tip would be to build your player carefully. Players need to pay attention to archetypes, traits, and most importantly the dialogue options between your player and their colleagues. If you play well, answer questions right, and listen to your coach, you won’t have to worry about being number two.