Abilities are the ultimate game changers that can transform the game in Madden NFL 24. Without any superstars or X-Factors on your team, you could potentially face challenges. This article aims to assist you in enhancing the development traits of your players and showcasing the most impactful X-Factors and abilities that can significantly influence your gameplay.
Madden NFL 24 just got released! Here are the best Superstar X-Factors and Zone Abilities in Madden NFL 24. Before we delve into the list, it's essential to understand the distinction between Franchise mode and other modes. In MUT, Head to Head, and Franchise mode, Zone abilities serve the same function. However, in Franchise mode, they also contribute to faster player development.
Madden NFL 24: The Best Superstar X-Factors And Zone Abilities
First of all, we have to explain to you what the Superstar X-Factor and Zone abilitiesare all about. The best players in the NFL have special abilities in Madden, which are marked with a star under the player ingame. Our example here is D.J Moore, the Chicaco Bears Wide Receiver. He has two abilities as a superstar that are comparable to Perks in other games. In Andrews' case, these are Mid Out Elite and Short Out Elite. As a result, Moore makes better catches in certain conditions and matchups compared to other receivers. And that is sometimes really unfair and hard to stop. But they are also the best players in the NFL, in reality it is no different with the matchups.
Only the very best players at their position get an X-Factor and can unlock zone abilities, an upgrade to normal abilities. Derrick Henry, for example, has to rush over 10 yards several times to get into the zone. Once he is in the zone, he performs even better and is unstoppable. The opponent has to adjust his play calling completely to this player in order to get him out of the zone again. Of course, this opens up spaces for the rest of the team.
You can only upgrade the Development Trait in Franchise mode. Therefore, you need to either have really good performances with your player or get awards after the season. You can only upgrade the Development Trait step by step. It is impossible to go from a "normal" Dev Trait player to a Superstar X-Factor in a single jump.
The Best X-Factors And Abilities For Each Position In Madden NFL 24
As already mentioned, X-Factors are gamechangers and can completely take over the game when they are in the zone. In Offense and Defense you can have a maximum of three X-Factors active per team position, all other players with this Dev Trait play as Superstar ingame.
Now here we have the best zone abilities for each position in Madden NFL 24. It should be said that no X-Factor is really bad. Each has its advantage, but of course we only show the best abilities.
Not all abilities are immediately unlocked for your players, that only happens when they have reached a certain OVR. Of course, Patrick Mahomes has already unlocked all abilities, but if you play with Trevor Lawrence, you have to work towards that first.
Madden NFL 24: The Best X-Factor And Abilities For Quarterbacks
Quarterbacks are the most important players on any NFL team, there's no doubt about it. If you don't have a franchise QB, you're rarely in a Super Bowl window. So when you start a franchise, the priority should always be a good QB.
QB's have five ability slots compared to all other players if they have the Superstar X-Factor Development Trait. If the QB is "only" a superstar, he has two abilities at his disposal.
These are the five best abilities for a QB:
| Ability | Description |
| Gunslinger | Passers with this ability have faster passing speed and release the ball quicker |
| Hot Route Master | Passers with this ability have access to four extra hot routes during pre-play adjustments |
| Quick Draw | Passers with this ability have faster passing animations when they are throwing under pressure |
| Dashing Deadeye | Passers with this ability have perfect accuracy on all throws under 40 yards while running outside the pocket |
| Inside Deadeye | Passers with this ability have perfect accuracy on all throws inside the numbers |
The Best X-Factor For QB's
The best X-Factor for your quarterback is Omaha, made famous by Peyton Manning. If Omaha is active (you have to make consecutive passes for 5+ yards in the air), then your QB sees the opponent's coverage before the snap. You can adjust your play accordingly to the coverage you see, which is really op.
The Best X-Factor And Abilities for Running Backs
Running backs can also single-handedly carry your offence. There are two different types, one is Derrick Henry, a power back who just runs over his opponents. And then there are the receiving backs like Christian McCaffrey, who is not as strong as Henry but is a real weapon in the passing game.
These are the best abilities for a RB:
| Ability | Description |
| Backfield Mismatch | Running backs with this ability have better catch in traffic and route running when coming out of the backfield against linebackers and linemen. |
| Juke Box | Ballcarriers with this ability have steerable juke animations |
The Best X-Factor For Running backs
Fright Train is the best X-Factor for Running backs. You have to rush several times for 10+ yards to get into the zone. If you do so, the ability increases the chance of breaking the next tackle, which it usually does. Very dangerous ability, you have to run commit if you want to deactivate it.
The Best X-Factor And Abilities For Receivers
Every offense needs at least one elite receiver, otherwise you will have problems in the passing game. The big names here include Justin Jefferson, DK Metcalf and Davante Adams. Tight ends are also part of the receiver group.
These are the best abilities for a WR/TE:
| Ability | Description |
| Route Technician | Receivers with this ability have a high success rate when creating separation on the last cut of any route. |
| Slot-O-Matic | When lined up in the slot, receivers with this ability make faster cuts and have better hands when catching passes less than 10 yards from the LoS. |
Slot-O-Matic is so good that you should consider using it instead of Runoff Elite, though it only works in the slot of course. A pure outside receiver like Mike Evans should get Runoff Elite if he never lines up in the slot.
The Best X-Factor for WR/TE
Double Me is the best X-Factor for Receivers. You activate it by making 20+ yard catches, and after that the defense has to literally double your receiver. If the opponent doesn't and you have a 1v1 matchup, agressive catches always result in completions. Huge.
Madden NFL 24: The Best Abilities for Offensive Linemen
Offensive Linemen Superstars are very rare in Madden NFL 24. But if you have one, you are a lucky one. Cause it is sooo difficult to upgrade them to a Superstar.
Note: Offensive Linemen don't get X-Factors.
These are the best abilities for Offensive Linemen
| Ability | Description |
All Day | Blockers with this ability will allow less frequent shed attempts by their block target. |
| Edge Protector | Blockers with this ability reduce an edge pass rushers's chances of using a quick block shed move. |
Madden NFL 24: The Best X-Factor And Abilities For Defensive Linemen
Defensive Tackles with Superstar Abilities are very important if you want to stuff the opponent's run game. Aaron Donald will always win 1v1 blocks when his abilities pop up. Inside Stuff and Outside Stuff are very hard to counter and will disrupt the running game with a 3-man front, which also makes the passing game more difficult.
These are the best abilities for a Defensive Linemen
| Ability | Description |
| Inside Stuff | Defenders with this ability use faster run shed moves for a better chance at shedding block against inside zone plays. |
| Under Pressure | Defenders with this ability can apply pressure to the quarterback from a greater distance. |
The Best X-Factor For Defensive Linemen
Fearmonger: Some pass rushers intimidate quarterbacks with their sheer presence. When they enter the zone; they can apply significant pressure on quarterbacks even while engaged with blockers.
Madden NFL 24: The Best X-Factor And Abilities for Edge Rushers
Defensive Ends and Outside Linebackers are the most important players for every defense. You need to have at least one star pass rusher in your team, otherwise it will be hard to put pressure on the QB without blitzing. You activate this ability just by sacking the QB multiple times.
These are the best abilities for an Edge Rusher
| Ability | Description |
| Edge Threat / Edge Threat Elite | Defenders with this ability use faster, more dominant pass rush moves while rushing from the edge of the defense. |
| Double Or Nothing | Pass rushers with this ability must spend double the pass rush points to perform a move but are granted dominant wins. |
The Best X-Factor For Edge Rushers
Unstoppable Force: Elite pass rushers are a mix of strength, speed, and tenacity. When they enter the zone, this ability increases their win rate and block shed speed against one-on-one pass blocks. You activate this ability just by sacking the QB multiple times.
Madden NFL 24: The Best X-Factor And Abilities for Middle Linebacker
The Middle Linebacker is your user when playing defense. It is not necessary to use a superstar player here, because you can do all the user plays by yourself. If you have a player like Lavonte David, make sure to use Lurker to get better angels to intercept a ball.
These are the best abilities for Middle Linebackers
| Ability | Description |
| Lurker | Defenders with this ability can make jumping, 180-degree interceptions while lurking in a zone in the middle od the field. |
| Pick Artist | Defenders with this ability have higher chances to catch uncontested interceptions, and they have unlimited stamina on the return. |
The Best X-Factor For Middle Linebackers
Zone Hawk: Zone Hawk defenders lock down a part of the field. When they enter the zone; this ability increases the rate of interceptions while in zone coverage.
Madden NFL 24: The Best X-Factor And Abilities for Defensive Backs
Cornerbacks and Safeties are there to lock down the secondary. Built your roster with at least one elite Cornerback or Safety, otherwise Receivers will dominate you from the beginning.
These are the best abilities for a Defensive Back
| Ability | Description |
| One Step Ahead | Defenders with this ability generally react much faster to receiver cut moves when in man coverage. |
| Pick Artist | Defenders with this ability have higher chances to catch uncontested interceptions, and they have unlimited stamina on the return. |
The Best X-Factor For Defensive Backs
Shutdown: defenders have the talent to erase receivers from the game. When they enter the zone; their coverage is tighter and interceptions are more frequent on contested catches.
These are the best tips we can give you to equip your players with the best gamechanging abilities. Use it to win with your favorite franchise team!