NBA 2K22: Every Detail We Know about the Game

NBA 2K22, one of the most sought after sports games is finally here. This is the first NBA game from 2K for the next-gen console, and not only that, it will be the first time you will get an expanded WNBA career mode.

There are going to be plenty of new updates, and things to change your perception about the NBA 2K series. So, without any further delay let us see what the all new NBA 2K22 has to offer to the fans.

NBA 2K22: PS4/Xbox One VS PS5/Xbox Series X

Ever since, the next gen consoles have been introduced, there is a bit of a confusion amongst fans regarding specific differences in features and updates in the available games based on the console. Since, most of the games have been and are being released on both gen consoles, there is a lot of curiosity among people as to what extra do we get if we play the same game on a next-gen console.

Last gen consoles, like, Xbox One and PS4 will be getting The Neighborhood, which is going to be on a cruise ship this year. You would be able to play hoops on the ship and participate in shoreside events, which surprisingly sounds pretty cool, especially given how much time is wasted walking around The City to get to what you want to do.

The City is also coming back to the next gen consoles, i.e., Xbox Series X|S and PS5. It will be in every way an enhanced open world experience with Player VS Player matchups, NPCs to interact with, and end number of stores to spend your micro-transactions. The quest system is going to be new and refined, and not only that, there will be new ways leveling up, new rewards will be available, and also engaging with the NBA 2K community will be better and improved. Moreover, it seems like there would be skateboards to make traversing the world a bit quicker.

Non-availability of cross-play could be a disappointing thing. Only your MyTeam progression will travel with you from one console to the next (PS4 to PS5, for example).

Furthermore, The WBNA mode is only going to be on new-gen consoles. Yet another thing players of previous gen consoles will miss out on.

NBA 2K22 Gameplay

In all likely hood, you will be witnessing immense amount of changes in the game this year, far too many to list all of them, but here are some of the key changes:

• The blocking systems and shot contest have been absolutely refurbished so that there can be different kinds of blocks and better rewards for basketball IQ. You will not be seeing Ghost contests anymore. So if you wish to earn those blocks you will have to work on your defense even more.
• Steal attributes have been given much more importance in NBA 2K22. So if you are a kind of player who fancies stealing attributes, you may want to tie it right as only hen you will get higher hit rate.
• The defensive AI has also been improved to react in a smarter manner. It may not be a perfect AI for NBA 2K22, but should definitely lay a good foundation for future games.
• Dribbling animation has also been improved. There are 32 dribble styles for the men’s league and 4 for the women’s, with the women’s dribble styles based on that of Seimone Augustus, Chelsea Gray, Arike Ogunbowale, and Gabby Williams.
• Post play has been upgraded with more fakes, particularly for big players.

NBA 2K22: Career Mode

NBA 2K22’s career mode will be revolving around the City as compared to some previous games. In previous games you played your single-player mode with a story, and then only ventured into the city/neighborhood if you wanted multiplayer or boosts from the Gatorade gym. Now with the new quest system in The City, it’s all going to be one and the same. This year’s story will see your My Player character exploring life outside basketball more with forays into fashion and film.

The full story hasn’t been detailed yet, which is a bit unusual, and there’s no word on how this will work for the last-gen consoles, given they won’t be getting The City.

NBA 2K22: WBNA mode

Though this is not the first game to introduce single-player WNBA mode, however, NBA 2K22 takes it to a different level altogether by adding things to do between games, like training with some league titans, and extensively upgrading player progression. It sounds quiet similar to the men’s career mode.

The W Online is going to be the highlight of this game. Unfortunately, this feature is only available for next gen consoles like Xbox Series X/S and PS5. There’s also going to be a My WNBA mode similar to the My NBA mode.

NBA 2K22: New badges

Having heard the criticism from 2K21, Visual Concepts have made the badges more equitable across positions with more badge points awarded to players. The upgraded MyPlayer builder also makes it clearer how these badges will be earned and how many points you’ll need.

Here’s the list of the new badges from the Courtside Report:

• Fast Twitch – Ability to get off the floor quicker for standing layups and dunks
• Grace Under Pressure – Ability to convert standing layups more effectively
• Limitless Takeoff – Ability to soar from further away on driving dunk attempts
• Mouse in the House – Ability for bigs to finish over shorter players more efficiently
• Unstrippable – Ability to secure the ball better when gathering for a layup/dunk in traffic
• Chef – Ability to knock down Steph-like off-dribble deep 3’s
• Limitless Spot-up – Ability to hit logo-range 3’s off a catch and shoot
• Lucky #7 – Boosts your ability to score when shooting early in the clock
• Mismatch Expert – Ability to successfully shoot over taller defenders on a switch
• Glue Hands – Ability to make difficult catches and quicker branch out to a shot or dribble
• Hyperdrive – Boosts the speed and effectiveness of moving dribble moves
• Quick Chain – Boosts the ability to quickly chain dribble moves together
• Post Playmaker – Boosts the effectiveness of both shots and moves when playing in the post
• Triple Threat Juke – Increases the effectiveness of triple threat fakes, jabs, and go moves
• Ball Stripper – Ability to strip layup and dunk attempts more effectively
• Hustler – Ability to get to those scrappy 50/50 balls quicker than opponents
• Menace – Significantly drops the offensive ratings of opponents w

• hen you smother them

If you add those to the previous badges, there’s 80 badges in total, with existing badges also getting upgrades.

NBA 2K22: Seasons

Seasons are coming back, and before you assume it’s yet another attempt to part you from your cash for season passes or battle passes or whatever, Visual Concepts were quick to reassure players that seasons would be free for all NBA 2K22 owners.

Seasons rewards are going to be a key part if wish to level up in MyTeam, MyCareer and The W Online.

Season one most likely will have rollerblades and kart as rewards for The City. Whereas, In The W Online rewards will include badges, clothing bundles, VC and, nail polish.

NBA 2K22: Release Date

The global release of the game is Friday, September 10. As per usual, there’s a suite of digital consumables for everyone who pre-orders:

• 5,000 Virtual Currency
• 5,000 MyTEAM Points
• 10 MyTEAM Promo Packs (delivered one a week)
• A Boost for each MyCAREER Skill type
• A Boost for each Gatorade Boost type
• Luka Doncic MyPLAYER Jersey
• 95 Rated Luka Doncic MyTEAM Free Agent Card

NBA 2K22: Cover Athletes

As far as cover athletes are concerned, there are plenty. Slovenian Luka Dončić, Mavericks stalwart Dirk Nowitski, NBA all-time leading scorer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Olympic legend and current Brooklyn Nets player Kevin Durant.

The WNBA 25th Anniversary Edition features Los Angeles Sparks legend and current Chicago Sky player, Candace Parker.