Madden 25 best abilities – our tier list for Superstar and X-Factors

✓ At A Glance

Here are the best Superstar Abilities:

• Dashing Deadeye
• Balance Beam
• Outside Apprentice
• Third-Down Threat
• All-Day
• Deep Route K.O.
• Demoralizer
• El Toro
• B.O.G.O.

The best X-Factors abilities are:

• Run & Gun
• Ankle Breaker
• Double Me
• YAC
• Em Up
• Shutdown
• Run Stuffer
• Blitz
• Relentless

 

Madden 25 has brought back the Superstar and X-Factor abilities aspect from previous iterations. These provide top players with a slight boost and a power-up that they can activate. While it’s not exactly how the real-life sport works, it provides a game-like aspect that players have enjoyed over the years. Whether you’re looking for what to have on your own Superstar player or which abilities to keep an eye out for when signing players in Franchise Mode, this guide is for you.

Best Superstar abilities

The best Superstar abilities vary by position. A defensive end won’t have the same superstar abilities as a cornerback. A wide receiver may not even have the same as a tight end. They each do something unique, and that lends itself to different positions and different player archetypes. Here’s which ability matches up the best with what position.

Position	Superstar Ability	Reason
QB	Dashing Deadeye	40-yard or less throws are accurate while running outside the pocket.
HB	Balance Beam	Keeps balance on tackle attempts, won’t trip over fallen defenders.
WR	Outside Apprentice	Grants four more hot route options for receivers out wide.
TE	Third-Down Threat	Provides boost on key third-down plays where TEs are often featured.
O-Line	All-Day	Shed attempts by defensive linemen will be less successful.
DB (Corner and Safety)	Deep Route K.O.	More successful knock-outs when targeted on deep passes (20+ yards).
LB	Demoralizer	Hit-stick tackles will empty opponent’s “in the zone” gauge.
EDGE	B.O.G.O.	Rushers can get a free pass-rush point during a play.
DT	El Toro	Dominant bull-rush moves when gauge is full.

These abilities generally work with most players, and they’re the most effective for each position.

Best X-Factors in Madden 25

X-Factors are reserved for the best of the best, such as Sauce Gardner, Patrick Mahomes, Justin Jefferson, Travis Kelce, Christian McCaffrey, and others. Here are the best X-Factor options for players at each spot:

Position	Superstar Ability	Reason
QB	Run & Gun	Perfect accuracy for a QB throwing on the run.
HB	Ankle Breaker	Increased juke move success after catching the ball.
WR	Double Me	Aggressive catches have more success.
TE	YAC ‘Em Up	Near-guaranteed broken tackle on first attempt after catch.
DB (Corner and Safety)	Shutdown	Coverage is tighter and interceptions are more common.
LB	Run Stuffer	Increases win rate and block shed speed in one-on-one blocks on run plays.
EDGE	Relentless	Rush moves are free when they enter the zone.
DT	Blitz	Opposing blockers have resistance wiped out.

These abilities are difficult to get in Superstar Mode. Players with these are very difficult to sign or trade for in Franchise Mode as well. They can be a little overpowered, but they’re balanced by the difficulty in acquiring them as a player.