NHL 21 | Xbox Series X / Xbox One

About the Game

NHL 21 puts the pace of professional ice hockey at the center of its on-ice action. Creating a scoring chance involves more than skating straight toward goal: passing lanes, puck protection and the timing of a deke can open space that raw speed cannot. Quick changes of possession keep both attack and defense involved throughout a shift.

This is the Xbox One physical version, which can also be played through backward compatibility on a disc-capable Xbox Series X. It is not a separate native Series X edition, and an Xbox Series S cannot read the disc.

Gameplay & Experience

Skill Stick controls give you direct control over puck movement and shooting. Creative dekes provide options in tight spaces, but a clever move still needs a clear purpose: get past a defender, protect possession or improve the angle for the next pass. On defense, staying in position and closing a lane can be more useful than chasing a hit that leaves the goal exposed.

Be A Pro

The expanded career follows an individual player and gives the journey more off-ice context through conversations and career decisions. Your performance helps shape the route as you try to establish yourself.

Franchise mode

Take a longer view by managing a club across seasons. Building a roster and balancing immediate results against future needs creates a different challenge from controlling a single game.

Local hockey nights

Offline games make it straightforward to compete on the same console. The presentation surrounds the play with broadcast-style camera work and the atmosphere of an NHL arena.

Standout Features

• Skill Stick shooting, puck control and creative dekes
• Expanded Be A Pro career experience
• Franchise management across multiple seasons
• Xbox One disc playable on disc-capable Xbox Series X