Madden 21 includes a number of different abilities that gamers can select to enhance their players' performance. Zone or X-Factor abilities are activated by completing some sort of in-game requirement. Every Madden, EA makes some slight tweaks to the best zone abilities. Each of these zone abilities give players an inherent advantage on the field. However, not all of the zone abilities are worth the effort gamers need to put in to activate them.

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X-Factor abilities have the potential to shift the momentum and flow of the game in one play. Some of the abilities can even guarantee that a turnover will occur. To help players get the most out of these abilities, here are the top ten zone abilities and their effects in Madden 21.

Updated on August 15, 2021 by Payton Lott: There are dozens of X-Factor abilities in Madden 21 that players should not bother using. This updated list includes five more viable abilities that teams can consider activating to improve performance in certain situations. The best X-Factor abilities in Madden 21 are often very difficult to trigger. Sometimes, gamers will struggle to get one to trigger once during a standard game. However, the abilities at the top of this list are a little simpler to unlock. With more triggered abilities, people will be able to see at least some impact on the performance of their top players. Users should rely on the abilities below to have the best chance of securing a victory. 

15 Shutdown

Shutdown is a good ability to use on a safety to beef up coverage. By triggering two forced incompletions, safeties will be able to play tighter coverage and come up with more interceptions until the defense allows 30+ yards. In theory, this X-Factor can last for the entire game.

Although it is unlikely, having the potential to keep the ability active for so long makes it a viable option in game. It may not be the top defensive choice, but it remains one of the best Madden 21 X-Factor abilities.

14 Focused Kicker

The Focused Kicker X-Factor ability should be active on both punters and kickers. While it is active, players will have to try to miss field goals and shank punts.

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Granted, there are no other options, but it is still a solid ability in game. Making field goals is crucial in competitive games, and a lot of people overlook the importance of field position. With Focused Kicker, users will make more field goals and put their defense in a more favorable position to have success.

13 YAC 'em Up

For players like Tyreek Hill that can outrun any defender, YAC 'em up is not a bad choice.  After making a a 20+ yard reception, the player is almost guaranteed to break their first tackle. This ability will help speedy receivers break that last tackle before making it to the end zone.

It is easy to initiate and sometimes pays off in a big way. The only problem with the ability is that Double Me will almost always provide more upside. There is no YAC without a secured catch.

12 First One Free

First One Free has the same requirement Wrecking Ball (three rushes of 10+ yards), but it only gives the user one free successful juke. It is an effective way to break open a big play, but ultimately provides less potential upside than other rushing X-Factors.

Three ten yard runs aren't exactly guaranteed either. Of course, jukes work more often than trucks or stiff arms, but not three times better. Use Wrecking Ball on stronger running backs for more of an impact on the game.

11 Wrecking Ball

In those short yardage situations, Wrecking Ball is the go to X-Factor for running backs. After logging three rushes of 10+ yards, the player will have a very high success rate on the next three trucks or stiff arms.

This ability will essentially give teams three free first downs. If gamers save the truck or stiff arm for the right moments, they can get huge chunks of yardage on the ground. It may be difficult to get those three 10+ yard carries, but Wrecking Ball is worth the effort. Even small running backs can truck defensive linemen with the X-Factor.

10 Nasty Streak

Nasty Streak is the best ability for fullbacks and pulling linemen on run plays. It will increase the chance of an impact block on defensive lineman or linebacker. While it is not frequently used, Nasty Streak is key in obvious ground and pound situations.

RAC 'Em Up is good too, but gamers will want to secure a catch before yards after catch are important. Still, Nasty Streak ranks at the bottom of this list due to the small number of plays that it will be active.

9 All Day

All Day should be the go-to option for all offensive linemen in Madden 21. The ability will prevent many defensive shed attempts in both run and pass defense.

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Gamers will quickly notice how much more consistent the offensive line is with All Day activated. Matador is another solid option, but it is geared toward bull rushing defensive linemen instead.

8 Unstoppable Force

Assuming the opponent will be using All Day, Unstoppable Force makes for the perfect counter. After a sack, this ability will make the player win more one on one matchups against offensive linemen, as well as increasing shed speed.

While getting the sack will be tough at first, teams will struggle to slow a top tier pass rusher who has Unstoppable Force active.

7 Bottleneck

Defensive backs that force completions will activate Bottleneck. This ability gives corners the upper hand in man press, meaning that corners will have a much higher success rate when attempting to jam receivers on the line.

If Bottleneck works, the route will be completely ruined. In man coverage, Bottleneck essentially takes one receiver out of the play.

6 Blitz

Blitz will be the best option for players with two defensive tackles in a 4-3. Instead of needing a sack, defensive tackles can activate this ability with just one tackle for loss.

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The ability will turn whichever player made the tackle for loss into a brick wall in the middle. The player with Blitz will have little to no resistance against the offensive linemen while the ability is active. As the name suggests, Blitz is a problem for pass protections.

5 Truzz

Truzz is extremely easy to unlock. All that gamers have to do is run one yard for it to activate. The ability will prevent running backs from fumbling, as long as they are past the one yard threshold.

While it may not be the most exciting ability, players will avoid hundreds of fumbles because of it. In Madden, just as in the NFL, turnovers often decide the winner and loser of a game, making Truzz invaluable.

4 Zone Hawk

Safeties that force incompletions will activate the Zone Hawk ability. This ability increases the chance that a safety will force an incompletion or make an interception.

Just like Avalanche, Zone Hawk can have an enormous impact on a game. The ability will at least give players a few third down stops. If used with the right player, the ability almost guarantees an interception at some point during the game.

3 Double Me

For wide receiver ones, Double Me will provide the most consistent upside. This ability will encourage receivers to go out and snag the football, especially in man situations.

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Fast and athletic receivers will win a lot of contested 50/50 balls that would normally result in deflections or interceptions. While there are a couple of other viable options, Double Me will give players the best chance to get more first downs and win ball games.

2 Avalanche

Interior linebackers should always choose Avalanche for their X-Factor ability. After making a hit stick tackle, players with the Avalanche X-Factor will cause a fumble every time they hit stick a player with the ball.

Being able to control when a fumble occurs is a huge advantage in MUT 21. As long as gamers are moving toward the line of scrimmage when they hit stick, the ball will pop out.

1 Omaha

Omaha is by far the best strategic X-Factor for quarterbacks in Madden 21. The ability allows players to see defensive coverages before the snap. Gamers that know football will be able to exploit any defense by understanding where the gaps and holes are.

Omaha will also provide plenty of opportunities for hot routes and other audibles. This ability basically allows offenses to cheat, making it much easier to pick apart a secondary.

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