Second patch for Madden NFL 18 addresses issues and adds new features

A massive patch released for Madden NFL 18 today just about a month after the first update was made to the game. This is the one that many have been waiting for as it fixes issues that have been identified by the community following release, adds new features, improves some player and coach likenesses and brings in some new equipment. Blocking in the Gun Monster formation has been fixed, Seasons have been introduced for MUT Squads, and much more that has influence across gameplay, Franchise, and Ultimate Team. 

Biggest Changes

♦Addressed the issue with players recovering a fumble not being able to be tackled
♦Tuning to decrease Hit Stick and Cut Stick fumbles globally
♦Addressed the issue with receivers assigned to a bubble screen running the incorrect route
♦Addressed an issue where the QB could not dive while scrambling
♦Addressed the issue with Gun Monster formation leading to offensive line pancake blocks
♦Added Vicis Zero1 Helmet with six supporting facemasks

♦Added several new chemistry abilities to MUT, including:
Unfakeable – When user-controlled, player does not get faked out by ball carrier moves; when AI-controlled, can only be faked out by Tier 1 moves
Secure Tackler – When user-controlled, player does not allow broken tackles; when AI-controlled, can only allow broken tackles to Tier 1 moves
Footsteps – These defensive players will apply a higher catch-penalty to receivers when they are near the receiver during the catch point
Situational Pass Rusher – When pass rushing, these players receive a boost to pass-rush success chance on third and fourth and long situations
Primetime Protector – These blockers excel at pass blocking in 3rd/4th and long situations
Lead the Way – Blockers more likely to succeed at run blocking in pull or lead block assignment
INT Specialist – These defenders are far less likely to drop interceptions unless the ball is tipped

New Features

♦Longshot Game Rewind – Play any scene once you have completed the story mode
♦Squads Seasons – Play seasons in MUT Squads
♦MUT Champions Monthly Leaderboards – See how you stack up on a monthly basis
♦MUT Champions Lineup Restrictions – Events can now support lineup restrictions
♦Tournament Official Rules – View and agree to the official rules for Competitive Madden
♦Video Player – UI Tiles can now trigger videos

Gameplay

♦Addressed many exploit blitzes that deal with QB Contain players and “locking” the tackles
♦Addressed an issue around the “Bad Ballhawk” user banner triggering incorrectly
♦Addressed an issue where the spot of the ball would be incorrect after a muffed punt
♦Addressed an issue around Defensive Pass Interference catch animations triggering incorrectly in Competitive game style
♦Fixed an issue around the Gauntlet in Skills Trainer stopping at level 39
♦Fixed an issue around the Gunslinger trait sometimes not functioning correctly
♦Addressed issue around the Camera being reset after a kicking play in MUT Squads
♦Fixed exploit around Playmaker mechanic while using Target Passing
♦Addressed animation issue with cut blocks
♦Added timing rumble to kick meter when enabling Accessibility Options
♦Fixed an issue where a user would be unable to call a timeout after the opponent had called a previous timeout
♦Fixed an exploit blitz out of 3-4 Under
♦Tuned diving catches on Competitive game style
♦Fixed an issue where the defense could reset the offense’s ID Mike via Reset Play mechanic
♦Added penalties to users who use the LB/L1 CPU-defensive assist mechanic on Competitive
♦Addressed clock issues in overtime
♦Tuned reach tackle attempts by defenders being blocked by receivers
♦Added additional thresholds for broken sacks on Competitive game style
♦Added additional thresholds for hit stick fumbles on Competitive game style
♦Added additional thresholds for auto-broken tackles on Competitive game style
♦Added additional thresholds for AI Strip Ball attempts on Competitive game style
♦Tuned to increase inaccurate throws when using non-QBs at the QB position
♦Addressed two exploits around receiver motions that forced DBs out of coverage assignments
♦Addressed issue of receivers freezing at the line in MUT Squads
♦Reduced frequency of Illegal Block in the Back penalties in Simulation game style
♦Fixed an issue around fumble recoveries not being tracked correctly in the stats menu
♦Tuned to improve man coverage defenders getting beat deep by slower receivers
♦Added a banner that triggers when a player with a “low” catch rating drops a pass or INT
♦Added a banner that triggers when a AI player with high hit power causes a big hit fumble
♦Added a banner that triggers when a AI player with the strip ball trait causes a strip fumble
♦Improved the MUT Chemistry abilities graphics, which will now be chemistry blue when it flickers, and will also show the symbol of the ability that is triggering in the player ring
♦Added the ability to create more complex rules for sets and lineup restrictions

Franchise Mode

♦Addressed an issue around incorrect amount of XP being spent when purchasing traits
♦Tuned Speed Regression for running backs in offline Franchises (already in Cloud)
♦Added Vegas as a relocation option to offline Franchise (already in Cloud)
♦Fixed Screens not properly scaling when viewing in 4K
♦Updated Player and Coach career stats and Legacy Scores in Franchise
♦Fixed an issue with ball spotting when exiting Supersim
♦Addressed multiple issues in Franchise Twitter feed
♦Addressed issue where Edit/Create Player right-arm sleeve would not appear in Franchise
♦Addressed issues around WR Off the Line mechanics in Franchise Player as WR
♦Color Rush games now have correct uniforms in Play Now Live Thursday Primetime
♦Fill Roster setting has been fixed to auto-sign a free agent if there are no active players at a position where one is required when enabled
♦Fixed an issue where injured players would appear as healthy in Franchise games
♦Team Tab depth chart now correctly re-orders itself when returning player early from injury
♦Addressed an issue with FS/SS having a Season Goal of 0+ Interceptions

Visual

♦Addressed visual inaccuracies on the following players and coaches:
-Patriots’ David Harris
-Bears’ Leonard Floyd
-Bears’ Cameron Meredith
-Cardinals’ Robert Nkemdiche
-Panthers’ Julius Peppers
-Lions’ Ameer Abdullah
-Lions’ Jim Caldwell
-Lions’ Teez Tabor
-Giants’ Evan Engram
-Giants’ Paul Perkins
-Texans’ J.J. Watt
-Ravens’ Marlon Humphrey
-Colts’ T.J. Green
-Raiders’ coach Jack Del Rio
-Chargers’ Mike Williams
-Saints’ Michael Thomas
-Steelers’ Sammie Coates
-Free agent Colin Kaepernick
-Rams’ Sammy Watkins
♦Added Nike Force Savage Elite cleat
♦Added Nike Alpha Menace Elite cleat (replaces Nike Untouchable)
♦Addressed loading screen to reflect proper steps around revealing Run Fit play art
♦Addressed the issue around reset option in Edit Uniforms not functioning