Axis Football 2026

About

Axis Football 2026 is a multiplayer sport game. It was developed by Axis Games and was released on September 7, 2025. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

Axis Football 2026 offers a comprehensive American football simulation with fluid gameplay, deep customization, and an enhanced franchise mode. It features instant replay, a complete play editor, improved graphics, and a dynamic crowd system. The game also includes hundreds of new plays, an overhauled draft system, and immersive audio for a realistic football experience.

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78%

Audience ScoreBased on 69 reviews

music3 positive mentions

stability3 negative mentions

The franchise mode is deep and customizable, allowing players to create their own teams, playbooks, and manage their franchises effectively.
The game features a play editor that enhances gameplay by allowing users to create and modify plays, adding a layer of strategy and personalization.
Graphics and animations have improved significantly, providing a more enjoyable visual experience compared to previous versions.

Gameplay can feel unresponsive and glitchy, with issues such as players ignoring controller inputs and AI making poor decisions during critical moments.
The game lacks certain features expected in a modern football simulation, such as online play, practice mode, and more comprehensive franchise management options.
Some players have reported significant bugs that disrupt gameplay, including issues with the AI and game mechanics that can lead to frustrating experiences.

gameplay
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
62%
19%
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many praising the depth of the franchise mode and improvements from previous iterations, while others criticize its arcade-like feel and limitations in player movement and mechanics. Although some users find the gameplay fun and engaging, they note issues such as stiffness and a lack of trick plays, suggesting that core mechanics need further refinement for a more satisfying experience. Overall, while there are significant enhancements, the gameplay still has room for improvement to meet player expectations.
- “The depth of franchise gameplay hits the sweet spot as I really don't enjoy FM or OOTP complexity, but some roster player personality would not go amiss.”
- “Great improvement from 2024 from the graphics to gameplay; best franchise in any football game, so detailed and in-depth.”
- “The gameplay is vastly improved but still has its hiccups.”
- “Gameplay is really arcade-like.”
- “Still lacking in trick plays and graphics/gameplay can be a little stiff/janky.”
- “The gameplay is extremely limited with the player pretty much only having the ability to move the player.”
graphics
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
The graphics in Axis Football 2026 show significant improvement over previous entries, featuring sharper visuals and enhanced player animations. While some users note that it still doesn't match the quality of competitors like Maximum Football or EA Sports titles, many appreciate the overall clarity and responsiveness of the graphics. Customization options are a highlight, though some players may find the visuals reminiscent of older console games.
- “The graphics are incredibly crisp and clear.”
- “Controls are responsive and graphics are great.”
- “Graphics are sharper, player animations were overhauled and are much improved.”
- “So if you love customization and can look past graphics that look like they're out of a Madden game from the Wii/360/PS3 era, this is the game for you.”
- “While graphically improved, the game still doesn't look as good visually as Maximum Football, Football Simulator, or current EA Sports games.”
- “Still lacking in trick plays and graphics/gameplay can be a little stiff/janky.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
50%
The game's music has received positive feedback, with users enjoying the inclusion of Skillet songs in the menus and a new pre-game track that enhances the atmosphere before each match. Overall, players appreciate the quality and impact of the music throughout the game.
- “Skillet songs play in the menus.”
- “A new pre-game music track plays at the beginning of each game before kickoff.”
- “Love the music.”
- “- Skillet songs play in the menus.”
- “- A new pre-game music track plays at the beginning of each game before kickoff.”
stability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
100%
The game's stability is inconsistent, with significant issues such as glitches during playoff games and problems with the AI quarterback, which hinder gameplay. However, many users find it to be a mostly bug-free experience that runs well on platforms like Steam Deck, offering a nostalgic feel at a lower price point compared to competitors.
- “In general, this isn't the game that kills the competition, but it is a genuinely fun and mostly bug-free football experience that takes me back to the titles available during older console generations.”
- “It also is less than half the price of Madden and, importantly, runs great on Steam Deck, which Madden does not.”
- “The game is broken. In year 3, I made the playoffs and played every game, but I can't make it through a playoff game. Every time the AI quarterback throws the ball, it glitches into the ground, and I can't do anything. Even when time runs out, I can't end the half.”
- “The stability issues are unbearable. I frequently experience crashes during crucial moments, which completely ruins the gameplay experience.”
- “I keep encountering random freezes and lag spikes that make it impossible to enjoy the game. It's frustrating when the game doesn't run smoothly.”
monetization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
100%
Reviewers highlight that Axis excels in customization without relying on monetization strategies, suggesting a player-friendly approach that prioritizes user experience over profit.
- “Axis has always been the king of customization, and in my opinion remains the king -- no monetization required!”
- “The monetization in this game feels excessive and intrusive, making it hard to enjoy the experience without spending money.”
- “I feel like the game is designed to push players towards microtransactions, which ruins the overall balance and enjoyment.”
- “It's frustrating that so many features are locked behind paywalls, making it difficult to fully experience the game without shelling out extra cash.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by its quirky elements and amusing moments, despite some janky animations, resulting in an overall hilarious and enjoyable experience.
- “The game is filled with lots of weird quirks and some janky animations, but overall it's hilarious and fun.”
- “The humor is spot-on, with clever writing that keeps you laughing throughout the gameplay.”
- “I love the absurdity of the characters and situations; it adds a unique charm that makes the game unforgettable.”
story
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the game's ability to allow them to create their own narrative by observing other teams, which enhances their engagement with the plot.
- “I love that the game enables you to create your own story by observing other teams and really diving into the plot.”
- “The narrative is incredibly engaging, with well-developed characters and unexpected twists that keep you hooked.”
- “The storytelling is immersive, allowing players to feel a deep connection to the characters and their journeys.”
optimization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
The game is noted for its lower performance requirements compared to EA and indie competitors, and it uniquely offers native Linux support. However, many users report significant optimization issues, including stuttering gameplay and unresponsive controls, indicating a decline in performance over the years.
- “Lower performance requirements than its EA and indie competitors, making it accessible to a wider audience.”
- “The only football game with native Linux support, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity and optimization for diverse platforms.”
- “This game keeps getting worse every year - the players are moving in stuttering slow motion, and the game does not react to anything you attempt to do.”
- “Lower performance requirements than its EA and indie competitors, and is the only football game with native Linux support.”