Madden 26 Superstar Mode Not Working

This Madden 26 Superstar is a widespread issue reported by many players as of late November/December 2025. The most common symptoms are getting stuck on an infinite loading screen after a game or receiving an “Error retrieving data” message when trying to load your save.

Since EA has not yet released a permanent patch for this specific bug, players have found a few “glitch” workarounds that force the mode to reload.

Try these fixes in order:

1. The “Quick Play” Reset (Most Successful Fix)

This method “wakes up” the game’s logic by forcing it to load a different mode first.

1. Close the Madden 26 app completely (do not just minimize it).

2. Restart the game.

3. Instead of going to Superstar, go to Quick Play (Play Now).

4. Start a game, play for 1-2 minutes (or just let the kickoff happen).

5. Quit the match and return to the Main Menu.

6. Immediately try to load your Superstar save again.

Also read : Why is My Copy and Paste Not Working

2. The “Network Toggle” Fix (PS5 / Xbox)

If the issue is caused by a server handshake failure, forcing a disconnect can sometimes bypass the check.

1. Go to your console’s Network Settings.

2. Disconnect from the internet (Go Offline).

3. Open Madden 26 and try to load Superstar mode.

   • Note: If it requires an online connection, it will fail.

4. Minimise the game, turn the Internet Back On, wait for the console to reconnect, and then maximize the game and try to enter.

3. The “Test Connection” Glitch (PS5 Specific)

A specific workaround for PlayStation users stuck on the loading screen:

1. When the error or loading screen happens, press the PlayStation button.

2. Go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection.

3. Let the test finish.

4. Go back to the game. It may force the error message to clear or the menu to pop up, allowing you to save/exit properly.

4. Check for Corrupted Avatar Data

If the above do not work, your specific Avatar file might be corrupted (a common legacy bug).

• Go to Customize > Share & Manage Files > Delete Files.

• Look for “Avatar” or “Profile” data (be careful not to delete your Franchise or Career save files).

• Deleting the local profile data sometimes forces the game to re-download your avatar from the server, fixing the mismatch.

5. Specific “Showdown” Issues

If you can load “The League” (NFL career) but not “Showdown” (3v3 online):

• This is almost always a server-side outage. If the servers are under heavy load (like they are currently), Showdown is the first mode to fail. You simply have to wait.

Next Step: Issue on PS5

Please try these PS5-specific steps in this exact order:

1. The “Test Connection” Glitch (Try This First)

This method clears the “infinite load” loop by interrupting the network handshake.

1. Launch Madden 26 and try to enter Superstar Mode.

2. When you hit the Infinite Loading Screen (spinning circle) or the error message, do not close the game.

3. Press the PS Button on your controller to open the Control Center.

4. Navigate to Settings (Gear icon) > Network > Connection Status.

5. Select Test Internet Connection and run the test.

6. Once the test says “Connected” for all checks, double-tap the PS Button (or select the game card) to jump immediately back into Madden 26.

7. The game should now either load you in instantly or pop up a “Connection Lost” message. If you get the message, click “OK” and try entering Superstar mode one more time.

2. The “Offline Launch” Bypass

If the above doesn’t work, we need to trick the game into loading your local save file before it tries to sync with the (broken) EA server.

1. Go to PS5 Settings > Network > Settings.

2. Toggle Connect to the Internet to OFF.

3. Open Madden 26.

4. Navigate to Superstar Mode. It should load your character (since it can’t check the server).

5. Once you are inside the Superstar menu (locker room/hub), press the PS Button.

6. Go back to Network Settings and turn Connect to the Internet back ON.

7. Return to the game. You are now online and inside the mode.

3. Clear Corrupted “Profile” Data (Last Resort)

If you are still stuck, your local “Profile” save data (which stores your settings and avatar visuals) might be corrupted.

• Warning: This will reset your game settings (camera, volume, etc.) and may reset your Avatar’s appearance (face/gear), but it should not delete your Superstar career progress if that is saved separately.

1. Close the game.

2. Go to PS5 Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

3. Select Saved Data (PS5) > Upload or Delete from Console Storage.

4. Select Delete.

5. Find Madden NFL 26.

6. Select the file named “Profile” or “User Profile” (Do NOT select the file named “Superstar 1” or “Career” if you see it).

7. Delete the Profile file only.

8. Restart the game. It will act like it’s your first time playing (ask for brightness settings, etc.). Once you get to the menu, the game will download a fresh profile from the server.