Madden NFL 25 introduces a game-changing feature that reshapes player customization and elite-level play: Relic Abilities. These ultra-rare, position-specific skills offer enhanced gameplay effects far beyond traditional X-Factors or Superstar Abilities. In this guide, we’ll cover how to unlock and optimize these powerful tools, navigate the Field Generals Tier Gauntlet, and Madden 25 coins defeat the final boss encounter in Madden 25’s most strategic solo challenge yet.

What Are Relic Abilities?

Relic Abilities are advanced, position-specific powers that go beyond traditional X-Factor activations. They’re persistent, passive boosts or situational triggers that activate under strict gameplay conditions and can only be assigned to one player per team at a time.

Examples:

Temporal Read (QB): Slows defensive read progression for AI defenders when making hot routes or audibles within 5 seconds of the snap.

Phantom Route (WR): Allows your wide receiver to run a secondary shadow route if left unpressed within the first 2 seconds of the play.

Interceptive Shadow (CB): Increases the chance of catching underthrown balls and automatically shifts player positioning toward anticipated pass trajectories.

Relic Abilities cannot be purchased outright. They must be earned and unlocked through gameplay progression.

How to Unlock Relic Abilities

To earn a Relic Ability, you need to complete stages of the Field Generals Tier Gauntlet, a new challenge mode found under Solo Challenges > Gridiron Apex Trials.

Steps to Unlock:

Reach Level 30 in Madden Rank (any mode).

Access the Gauntlet Mode via the Gridiron Apex tab.

Complete Tiered Trials for specific positions.

Earn Legend Tokens by completing Apex Milestones.

Spend Tokens at the Relic Forge to unlock a random ability OR craft a targeted one with specific collectibles.

Milestone Examples:

Throw for 400+ yards with no interceptions (QB Trial).

Hold opponent WRs under 50 total receiving yards (CB Trial).

Execute 3 double-move routes with one WR in a single drive (WR Trial).

You need 5 Legend Tokens to unlock a random ability, or 8 tokens + 2 Role-specific Relic Pieces to choose your own.

Equipping and Using Relic Abilities

Once unlocked, Relic Abilities can be equipped from your Roster Management > Player Abilities screen.

Rules:

Only one Relic Ability can be active per team.

You can only assign it to players with 99 OVR or higher, ensuring it’s limited to top-tier players.

Abilities cannot be changed mid-match—choose wisely.

Strategy Tips:

Use Temporal Read with mobile QBs like Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen to mess with AI defenders and open up scramble lanes.

Pair Phantom Route with crisp route runners like Justin Jefferson or Davante Adams—perfect for quick timing throws.

Combine Interceptive Shadow with long zone defenders like Sauce Gardner or Patrick Surtain II to create turnover machines.

The Field Generals Tier Gauntlet

This series of challenges is one of the toughest solo modes Madden has ever introduced.

Breakdown:

10 Stages, increasing in difficulty.

AI-controlled elite teams with dynamic playbooks.

Environmental modifiers: sudden weather changes, “fog of war,” slow-mo blitz windows, etc.

Each stage has three objectives:

Win the game (obviously).

Complete a skill-specific goal (e.g., 3 user sacks, 2 no-look passes, etc.).

Avoid a failure condition (e.g., no turnovers or allowing <17 points).

Completing all three earns 2 Legend Tokens per match.

Boss Fight: The Apex Quarterback

Stage 10 pits you against the Apex Quarterback, an AI team featuring a 99 OVR custom QB named “Dominus Steele”, with adaptive playcalling, perfect reads, and pre-snap adjustments.

Dominus Steele’s Relic Abilities:

Chrono Recall: Once per half, he can rewind one failed play and replay it.

Precision Synapse: Gains an automatic perfect throw under pressure every 4th dropback.

Defensive Anticipation: Shifts defenders automatically into optimal zone positions post-snap.

How to Win:

Disguise Your Defense: Use Cover 6 and delayed blitzes to force mistakes.

Ball Control is Key: Keep him off the field with long, clock-draining drives.

Attack with Motion: Use jet sweeps and motion snaps to disrupt the AI’s timing and force defensive spread.

Defeating him earns:

4 Legend Tokens

A Choice Pack of 1 of 3 random Relic Abilities

Apex Gauntlet Trophy (cosmetic)

Bonus Tip: Use Momentum Boost Items

New to Madden 25, Momentum Boosts are single-use mid-game items that temporarily activate short-term buffs:

Examples:

Unstoppable Blitz: Increases user pass rush win rate for 3 plays.

Frozen Coverage: Freezes defensive backs in man coverage for 1.5 seconds on the next snap.

Mirror Match: Copies one Relic Ability from your opponent for 1 quarter.

These can be earned through Gauntlet milestones or purchased with M25 Training Points in the store. Save them for the Apex QB fight—they can shift the game instantly.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of Relic Abilities in Madden 25 brings strategic depth to gameplay like never before. Whether you're dominating online, grinding solo, or chasing collectibles, mastering these abilities will give you an edge. With the Field Generals Tier Gauntlet, Madden veterans finally have a worthy PvE challenge, and buy Madden 25 coins defeating the Apex Quarterback is a true badge of honor.

Sharpen your playbook, study your personnel, and rise to the Gridiron Apex. The field belongs to the tactician now.