NBA 2K26 is officially out this week and the latest edition of the game is serving up a bunch of new features and upgrades.
Headlined by cover star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the player ratings dominate the headlines, but NBA 2K26 has undergone a major overhaul in its gameplay, shooting, and game modes, with the new game giving basketball fans plenty to discover.
Here are three key takeaways from NBA2K26
The gameplay is as smooth as they said it was
The headline upgrade for NBA 2K26 ahead of its release was the improved gameplay thanks to the dynamic Motion Engine, and the early returns are positive.
On first playing the new game, the change in player movement was obvious from the outset, with the fluidity on dribble moves, passing, defense, and shotmaking are super realistic and fast. The new game rewards quick decision-making and reads and has the engine to support it.
The enhanced rhythm shooting stands out as it rewards timing and tempo. Once you get the hang of the new player movements, focused on the upper body, the results are there, especially with the big men, who are shooting more threes than ever.
The City gets a makeover
2K
The City has a new look this year, bringing a more compact layout, with the Theater, Rec, and Proving Grounds, etc all in a central, easy-to-navigate map.
Essentially, you can just get on the court a whole lot quicker by being able to see just about every part of The City and go from one location to another with ease.
However, instead of three streetball courts, NBA 2K26 brings everything together in one Street Kings location, a 'collegiate-style Roman-inspired' court where players take on skilled CPU bosses to hone their skills before Ranked Matches or MyCareer quests.
There's also 40 levels of various rewards available to customise your player hub and keep things fresh.
Tyrese Haliburton breaks down what’s new with Parks in The City plus the new Pro-AM Summit 👀 pic.twitter.com/Vf6NYBSZzq
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 27, 2025
A new feature in 2K26 is the addition of 'Crews', which replaces 'Affiliations' so you can team up with your friends and other players to work together for communal rewards.
You can keep your Crew small or go as big as 50 people, completing weekly goals and work your way through all 30 Crew levels.
As smaller, more mobile environment, with more to play for. The City is a big win for the new game.
MyTEAM mode brings NBA and WNBA stars together
In a historic move for the game franchise, for the first time, NBA and WNBA players have been integrated into the MyTEAM mode, allowing you to create rosters combining the best players from both leagues onto a single team.
Bring your favorite players from the NBA and WNBA together like never before in #NBA2K26 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RPN5i1VSA4
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 14, 2025
All cards maintain the same attributes and badge systems, so the gameplay is balanced regardless of who is on the court.
Putting together a squad with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander running pick-and-rolls with A'Ja Wilson is borderline unstoppable.