Can you turn off momentum?
Yes, momentum can be fully disabled through the settings menu in Madden 22 and Madden 23 on next-gen consoles.
As a hardcore Madden gamer and content creator, I‘ve done extensive testing on how impactful the momentum engine is. While it deepens the simulation experience in some ways, there are perfectly valid reasons you may want to turn this chaotic feature off.
What Does Momentum Do in Madden?
Momentum mechanics dynamically adjust attributes and gameplay elements based on in-game events. For example:
| In-Game Event | Impact |
|---|---|
| Long TD Scored | +3 boost to key player ratings for scoring team next drive |
| Road team goes on big run | Home crowd noise reduced massively hurting defense composure |
| User strip-sack caused | Higher chance of CPU dropped passes, broken tackles next drive |
Over the course of a game, you could end up with expanded stat lines like this:
QB Ratings by Drive: 75, 88, 99, 82, 68
RB Yard Per Carry by Quarter: 4.1, 3.2, 8.9, 2.1 This adds drama and unpredictability but also frustration for those wanting more control.
How to Fully Disable Momentum
- Access Game Options from the main menu
- Select Settings
- Switch Momentum Effect to Disabled
Disabling this will remove all dynamic rating adjustments and presentation changes tied to big plays and shifting momentum.
I recommend hardcore competitive players turn momentum off. The stat boosts and penalties handed out feel arbitrary rather than skill-based. However, those wanting a deeper single-player franchise experience may enjoy the cinematic feel.
Strategies With Momentum On or Off
Here are some key offensive and defensive strategies I use with momentum both enabled and disabled:
| Momentum ON | Momentum OFF |
|---|---|
| – Use aggressive playing calling to "ride the wave" of boosts | – Stick to a balanced gameplan without expecting shifts |
| – Take risks on long bombs when ratings spike | – Execute your original gameplan without deviation |
| – Run up score to trigger momentum perks | – No need to run up score or stats |
| – Adapt quickly when momentum shifts | – Play field position and take points |
The core gameplay remains the same but your mental approach with or without momentum differs greatly.
Bottom Line – Should You Turn Off Momentum?
I personally keep momentum off almost exclusively as a competitive Madden gamer and content creator. The randomness creates inconsistency that frustrates me as a player.
However, it comes down to aligning with your priorities below:
| Disable When | Keep Enabled For |
|---|---|
| – You want complete control over players/stats | – Single-player franchise enjoyers |
| – A hardcore competitive H2H player | – Casual gamers who want more "storyline" |
| – Interested in replicating modern NFL | – Old-school Tecmo Bowl-esque chaotic feel |
So choose based on your personal tastes! I hope breaking down exactly how momentum works sheds some light on managing this polarizing Madden feature. Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments below!
