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NHL 26 WOC OVERHAUL
Check out some of the new features coming to the World of Chel experience in NHL 26!
<Systems Design - UI/UX - Game Content - Research/Analysis>
This concept project reimagines how players grow, compete, and personalize their experience in EA SPORTS NHL's World of Chel. From meaningful progression and ranked play to challenges and cosmetic unlocks, every feature is built to reward dedication and elevate long-term engagement.
EVOLUTION SYSTEM
Player Evolution introduces a long-term leveling system with five distinct tiers — Amateur to Legend — each unlocking new upgrade potential, visual badges, and performance milestones. Players earn XP through gameplay or complete specific performance-based milestones to progress through over 100 levels.
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The Evolution system affects more than just player level — it dynamically shapes a user’s build potential. As players advance, they gain access to higher attribute limits and new customization options, allowing them to fine-tune their playstyle and stand out on the ice.
Players level up in the Evolution system by earning XP through gameplay and completing challenges. The XP required increases with each level—starting at 500 XP from Level 1 to 2, then increasing by 100 XP each level after. Milestone levels unlock new tiers: Semi-Pro at Level 20, Pro at 40, Superstar at 75, and Legend at 100.
Progression isn’t limited to XP alone. A Level 37 player could unlock Pro tier early by meeting key performance metrics like wins, games played, and point totals—rewarding skill and consistency just as much as time played.
While this system encourages growth, competitive balance remains a priority. Each attribute group has specific hard caps — for example, Speed may max at 95, while Faceoffs cap at 90 — to prevent meta-breaking builds. Players will begin with an overall rating near 85 and, through steady progression, can reach a maximum of around 90. This tight range ensures that every match remains fair while still rewarding time and performance.
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The Evolution system brings purpose to every game played—rewarding effort, consistency, and improvement. Whether climbing through levels or hitting stat milestones, players now have a clear, meaningful path forward.
RANKED CLUBS
Ranked offers structured, seasonal competition across 6v6 and 3v3 modes with tiered progression — Bronze to Elite — and a special Champion tier reserved for the top 500 players. Milestone rewards and cosmetics provide an incentive to rise through the ranks and cement your legacy.
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The Ranked hub offers quick access to both 3v3 and 6v6 modes, each showing your current rank at a glance. A dedicated Ranked Loadouts button ensures your builds are tuned for high-stakes play, while the Progression tab delivers deep insights into your ranked journey — from win streaks to milestone rewards.
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The Ranked system spans from Bronze to Champion, rewarding consistent performance and competitive success. Each tier represents your skill bracket, with Champion reserved for the top 500 players — the best of the best in World of Chel.
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Ranked Loadouts are built separately from standard World of Chel loadouts to ensure balanced, competitive play. Abilities are disabled in Ranked, putting full focus on player skill, attribute choices, and team strategy.
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To raise the level of team-based strategy in Ranked, duplicate player archetypes are no longer allowed within a squad. Each position must be filled by a unique build type—encouraging varied playstyles, balanced lineups, and deeper tactical decisions every game.
REVAMPED CHALLENGES
Challenges are broken into Daily, Weekly, Seasonal, and Milestone tracks — giving players consistent goals and rewarding gameplay variety. Completing challenges grants XP, unlockable cosmetics, and bragging rights.
With XP now tied directly to Player Evolution, completing Challenges has a renewed sense of value. Progress through tiers and unlock meaningful upgrades simply by playing.
Beyond XP, Challenges now serve as a gateway to exclusive cosmetic rewards — from unique gear designs to badge embellishments — giving players new ways to stand out both on and off the ice.
Whether you're grinding daily tasks or chasing seasonal milestones, the revamped Challenges system keeps every game meaningful — offering both progression and personalization with every shift.
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