In NHL 21’s World of CHEL, users can customize the look of their avatars, the archetype, attributes, and traits. Having the right build is important, as creating the ideal player can maximize the most desirable attributes and help give you that extra edge out on the ice. But which builds should you look to create in the World of CHEL? Let’s go over some of our recommended loadout builds in NHL 21.
Sniper
- Height – 5’7”
- Weight – 160 lbs.
- Trait Slot 1 – Target Slapper 2
- Trait Slot 2 – Cardio Master 2
- Specialty – Quick Release
This Sniper build has max Speed (90) and Acceleration (90) thanks to the small, 5’7” frame that this player will possess. However, the Strength and Durability will be quite low, so keep that in mind when skating. As far as trait slots go, our first pick is Target Slapper 2, which boosts Slap Shot Accuracy by +4 and decreases a useless attribute in Defensive Awareness. The second slot goes to Cardio Master 2, which boosts Endurance (+5) and Durability (+7), both of which should come in handy.
Our Specialty pick is Quick Release, which gives a slight boost to Wrist Shot Power when performing a Snap Shot. This specialty should help maximize the shoot-first tendencies of a Sniper in the World of CHEL.
Dangler
- Height – 5’7”
- Weight – 160 lbs.
- Trait Slot 1 – Precise Passing 2/Target Slapper 2
- Trait Slot 2 – Cardio Master 2
- Specialty – Loose Puck Dekes/Stride Dekes/Toe Drag Dekes/Windmill Dekes
Much like with the Sniper build, this Dangler loadout helps maximize Speed and Acceleration, which is necessary when utilizing a player with this archetype. The Dangler archetype doesn’t have great shooting attributes as compared to the Sniper build, but the attributes are more or less fine for scoring nevertheless.
Now let’s talk about Trait Slots. Our first pick is Precise Passing 2, which boosts Passing by five points. Since shooting is not a major strength of this build, we’ve opted to go with more of a playmaker build. If you want a shooting boost for your Dangler build, however, try Target Slapper 2, which will help you when teeing up a one-timer. Our second slot goes to Cardio Master 2, which we’ve mentioned earlier in this article. And for the Specialty, we recommend you pick any of the four deke boosts, depending on which one you use the most in NHL 21.
Related: NHL 21: Comprehensive deking guide
Two-Way Forward
- Height – 5’10”
- Weight – 185 lbs.
- Trait Slot 1 – Stick ‘Em Up 2/Target Slapper 2
- Trait Slot 2 – Cardio Master 2
- Specialty – Stretch Passer/Quick Release
Two-way forwards, for the most part, are well-balanced in all areas of hockey. Still, you do want to pick the right attributes and boosts to maximize the archetype. Much like with the Sniper and Dangler builds, we’ve opted to go with the shortest possible height and lowest possible weight. This will maximize the skating attributes, as having a fast player is critical for both scoring and defense.
The two choices we have picked for Trait Slot 1 are Stick ‘Em Up 2 & Target Slapper 2. If you’re going for a scoring build, pick the latter. But if you’re going for a well-rounded, defense-minded loadout, pick Stick ‘Em Up 2, which will boost Defensive Awareness (which isn’t all that useful) by +3, and boost Stick Checking (which is very useful) by +4. And much like the Sniper and Dangler builds, we’ve picked Cardio Master 2 for Trait Slot 2.
Lastly, let’s go over the Specialty. You can either go with Stretch Passer, which will give a slight boost to long stretch passes, or Quick Release. Our advice is to pick the former if you want to play more of a playmaker role. Otherwise, pick the latter.
Power Forward
- Height – 6’2”
- Weight – 210 lbs.
- Trait Slot 1 – Crusher 2
- Trait Slot 2 – Cardio Master 2
- Specialty – Quick Release
Now we move to the Power Forward build. This build will be slower, but we went with the lowest possible weight and smallest height to maximize the skating attributes. Even though this loadout will not be terrific when it comes to skating, this build is great if you plan on being a force both in the checking game and at the front of the net.
Our first Trait Slot pick goes to Crusher 2, which fits a typical power forward to a tee. Crusher 2 provides a +3 to Balance and a +4 to Body Checking. The boost to checking should be great for physical power forwards that want to play a heavy game and knock opposing skaters off the puck. And to make sure that this build has as much Endurance as possible, Trait Slot 2 goes to Cardio Master 2.
Puck-Moving Defenseman
- Height – 5’9”
- Weight – 170 lbs.
- Trait Slot 1 – Precise Passing 2
- Trait Slot 2 – Stick ‘Em Up 2/Cardio Master 2
- Specialty – Stretch Passer/Back Skating
Now let’s go over defensemen builds. As far as blueliners go, our advice is to focus on two archetypes: Puck-Moving Defensemen and Offensive Defensemen. Both archetypes have better skating attributes, thus making them more desirable in the World of CHEL.
Let’s start off with the Puck-Moving Defenseman build; we’ve gone for the shortest possible height and lowest possible weight. For Trait Slot 1, our pick is Precise Passing 2. The job of a puck-moving defenseman is to push the biscuit up the ice, and Precise Passing 2 will help you do just that. This trait boosts Passing by five points. As for the second trait, we recommend picking either Stick ‘Em Up 2 or Cardio Master 2. Our recommendation is to go with the latter, but if you prefer the boost to Stick Checking, go with Stick ‘Em Up.
Lastly, let’s go over the Specialty. You have two options at your disposal: Stretch Passing or Back Skating. Stretch Passing can boost those long passes to your forwards, while Back Skating should make it a bit easier to back skate in your own zone when the opponent is on the rush.
Offensive Defenseman
- Height – 5’10”
- Weight – 185 lbs.
- Trait Slot 1 – Precise Passing 2/Target Slapper 2
- Trait Slot 2 – Stick ‘Em Up 2/Cardio Master 2
- Specialty – Stretch Passer/Back Skating
A Puck-Moving Defenseman loadout is usually the way to go, but if you’re looking to roll with a beefier defender, then try going with an Offensive Defenseman build. The traits and Specialty are basically the same, but this build is more or less for those who are fine with a slight decrease in skating attributes in order to receive a slight boost to the physical and shooting attributes.
