There are three different types of abilities in Superstar mode for Madden NFL 25. Core Abilities are equipped to your Superstar and specifically increase your player’s performance, Showdown Abilities are used during Showdown mode against other players, and Teammate Abilities affect specific positions on your team. Some Core abilities have three tiers associated with them, which can be upgraded by leveling up certain stats. Each tier has a similar effect, but increases the effectiveness and makes the ability more valuable to your player or team. In this guide, let's take a look at the best core skills to upgrade for each position in Superstar Mode!
Stat | Description |
Throw Power (THP) | Determines how far a player will be able to throw the ball. |
Throw Under Pressure (TUP) | Determines passing accuracy when throwing under pressure. |
Throw Accuracy Short (SAC) | Determines the accuracy of throws under 20 yards. |
Throw Accuracy Mid (MAC) | Determines the accuracy of throws between 20-40 yards. |
Throw Accuracy Deep (DAC) | Determines the accuracy of throws of more than 40 yards. |
The best core skills to focus on with the Quarterback are the skills that define their ability to make solid passes. Passing is the fundamental strength of a good Quarterback, making them the cornerstone of the offense. With these core skills upgraded, you will unlock the gold tier of crucial passing abilities such as Arm Talent, Short Deadeye, Mid Deadeye, Deep Deadeye, and Pressure Cooker. These abilities allow you to make efficient passes anywhere on the field, even with pressure!
Stat | Description |
Speed (SPD) | Determines how fast a player can run. |
Acceleration (ACC) | The rate at which a player will reach their top speed. |
Break Tackle (BTK) | Determines broken tackle success for ball carriers vs standard tackles (not Hit Sticks or Cut Sticks). |
Change of Direction (COD) | Determines how quick a player can change directions when running. |
Spin Move (SPM) | Determines how well a player can catch the ball. |
Catching (CTH) | Determines how well a player can catch the ball. |
The best core skills to focus on with the Halfback are the skills that allow you to misdirect the defense with your movement while keeping top speed and having the ability to shrug off tackles. With these core skills upgraded, you will unlock the gold tier of crucial ballcarrier abilities such as Spin Elite, Shake Off, and the silver tier of Sticky Fingers. These abilities allow you to travel even more yards due to your ability to carry the ball with finesse!
Stat | Description |
Speed (SPD) | Determines how fast a player can run. |
Acceleration (ACC) | The rate at which a player will reach their top speed. |
Change of Direction (COD) | Determines how quick a player can change directions when running. |
Catching (CTH) | Determines how well a player can catch the ball. |
Spectacular Catch (SPC) | Determines how well a player can catch the ball when being defended. |
Catch In Traffic (CIT) | Determines how well a player can catch the ball while under tight defense or pressure. |
The best core skills to focus on with the Wide Receiver are the skills that allow you to win the majority of contested catch plays regardless of distance while applying constant pressure as a consistent touchdown threat. With these core skills upgraded, you will unlock the gold tier of crucial receiving abilities such as Sticky Fingers, Iron Grip, and Showboat. These abilities guarantee that every pass thrown your way will be caught and capitalized on!
Stat | Description |
Strength (STR) | Determines how effective a player can block. |
Tackle (TAK) | Determines a player's success in tackling against another player. |
Man Coverage (MCV) | Determines how effective a defender can stick to his assigned receiver to defend. |
Hit Power (POW) | Determines how powerful a player will be able to perform a hit-stick tackle to force fumbles. |
The best core skills to focus on with the Linebacker are skills that allow them to keep up, cover, and take down even the most reputable of receivers. With these core skills upgraded, you will unlock the gold tier of crucial defense abilities such as Man KO Elite, Tackle Elite, and Destroyer. These abilities will allow your Linebacker to put any receiver down on the ground!
Stat | Description |
Speed (SPD) | Determines how fast a player can run. |
Jumping (JMP) | Determines how high a player can jump and catch the ball. |
Play Recognition (PRC) | Determines how well a defender can read the offensive team's play. |
Hit Power (POW) | Determines how powerful a player will be able to perform a hit-stick tackle to force fumbles. |
Press (PRS) | Determines the ability of a player to pressure and disrupt passes. |
Catching (CTH) | Determines how well a player can catch the ball. |
The best core skills to focus on with the Cornerback are the skills that let them read the offense's advance and punish their mistakes with an informed interception. With these core skills upgraded, you will unlock the gold tier of crucial defense abilities such as Honorary Receiver, Destroyer, Press Elite, and Film Student. These abilities will let you feel like the field is in the palm of your hands, allowing you to cover crucial routes!