All Superstar X-Factors Available in NHL 23

I’ve long been of the opinion that organized sports would be more interesting with superpowers. If we can’t have full-on superpowers like flight or stopping time, though, I’d be willing to settle for some more subtle stuff like the Superstar X-Factors in NHL 23. Speaking of which, here are all the Superstar X-Factors available in NHL 23.

All Superstar X-Factors Available in NHL 23

Superstar X-Factors are a variety of special abilities that can be equipped onto your players in NHL 23. These abilities can provide subtler benefits, like increased stats in a particular field, as well as more overt improvements like mid-match energy boosts. Every player has one Zone Ability, which provides the greatest effect, as well as three Superstar Abilities, which function the same, but at a slightly diminished rate.

Related: Fastest Wingers in NHL 23

Superstar X-Factors are broken up into six categories based on the precise skill or stat they augment:

• Shooting: Speed and strength of shots
• Passing: Speed and ease of passing between players
• Skating: Ease in changing direction, higher movement speed
• Defending: Blocking shots
• Goaltending: Saving shots and increasing range
• Hockey IQ: Fundamentals like interceptions, breakaways, and drives

Hit the Ice

NHL 23 features the following Superstar X-Factors, broken up by category:

Shooting

• Make it Snappy: Improves snap shot while in a stride
• Shnipe: Improves puck settling
• One Tee: Improves one-timers
• Thunderclap: Improves slap shot from point
• Heatseeker: Improves wrist shots
• Beauty Backhand: Improves backhand
• Shock and Awe: Improves shooting out of a Toe Drag
• Close Quarters: Improves close shooting
• Seeing Eye: Improves shooting through Screens
• Off the Rush: Improves slap shot on the Rush

Passing

• Tape to Tape: Improves passing to players within a player’s vision
• Send It: Improves long passes
• Magnetic: Improves pass reception and puck pick-up
• Third Eye: Improves peripheral passing ability

Skating

• Wheels: Improves skating while holding the puck
• Elite Edges: Makes direction changing easier
• In Reverse: Makes back skating easier
• Ankle Breaker: Improves high-speed dekes

Defending

• Yoink!: Improves defensive stick lifts
• Stick ‘Em Up: Improves defensive stick technique
• Shutdown: Improves rush defending ability

Goaltending (Goalies only)

• Contortionist: Improves ability to make wild saves
• All or Nothing: Improves Poke Checking
• Dialed In: Improves saves while on a Roll
• Post to Post: Improves post-to-post saves
• Butterfly Effect: Improves Butterfly Goalie skill

Hockey IQ

• Puck on a String: Improves general stick handling
• Quick Pick: Improves puck interception skill
• All Alone: Boosts breakaway finishes
• Quick Draw: Improves profiency in a Faceoff
• It’s Tricky: Improves trick shooting skills
• Crease Crasher: Improves skill at picking up a rebound
• Big Tipper: Improves ability to deflect shots
• No Contest: Improves ability to fight off opponents for the puck
• Truculence: Improves hitting skill
• Total Eclipse: Improves goalie screening
• Back at Ya: Boosts Payback against hitters
• Unstoppable Force: Increases strength while moving the puck
• Bouncer: Improves Net Battling skill
• Big Rig: Improves net drives
• Handled It: Successful 1-on-1 saves boosts your team’s energy
• Whirlwind: Making consecutive saves boosts your team’s energy
• Born Leader: Every goal boosts your team’s energy

Picking players with Superstar X-Factors that fit your priorities and playstyle will go a long way toward ensuring your consistent victory. It’s like assembling your own hockey-themed Justice League.