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.
