World of Chel
Online hub built around a created virtual pro: play a suite of casual and competitive online modes solo or with friends against clubs worldwide. NHL 27 World of Chel is one of the series pillars expected to return — the detail below is confirmed for NHL 26, the immediately prior title, and is a strong guide to what the mode will offer until EA details the game on July 16, 2026.
What World of Chel includes
These are the parts of World of Chel carried in NHL 26, each of which the mode is built around:
- Ones — 1v1v1 free-for-all; the quick-play 'Ones Now' variant appears across the series.
- Threes — Arcade 3v3 with an Eliminator bracket format.
- Drop-In — 3v3 and 6v6 matchmaking; in NHL 26 you can request to join Clubs directly from the Dressing Room.
- EASHL Clubs — 6v6 team play with rankings and grudge-match records.
- Season of Chel — Free Season Pass for everyone — all reward tiers, no paid upgrade.
- Player builds — Three class-free X-Factor slots per loadout with attribute sliders from -10 to +10.
What changed most recently
Boosts removed in favor of three class-free X-Factor slots; sliders widened to -10..+10; drop-in players can request to join clubs from the Dressing Room; prior-year club identity and records transfer in; Season Pass made free for all.
What to expect in NHL 27
NHL 27 World of Chel should carry forward the free Season Pass, class-free X-Factor loadouts and club transfer from the prior year, with Ones, Threes and 6v6 EASHL Clubs intact. Any new playlists or a fresh cosmetic season are details EA saves for the CHEL deep dive.
Related: browse all NHL 27 game modes, or see how player ratings feed every mode.