NBA 2K24 Badge System Explained: NBA Player Template, Level Progression System
A replica build glitch in NBA 2K23 lets players model their MyPlayer as their favorite NBA star. For example, players could replicate the stats and skillsets of players such as Trae Young, Kawhi Leonard, and even NBA legends like Dennis Rodman and Chauncey Billups.
Visual Concepts swiftly stepped in and removed the glitch by deleting all replica builds without any notice. Some community members complained about the decision and argued that the bug should have been left in.
This controversial patch came after players had already taken umbrage with how expensive it was to upgrade a player fully. In NBA 2K23, it costs roughly 270,000 to max out a build, which costs over $100 of purchased VC.
NBA 2K24 addresses both concerns by improving the mode's progression system and introducing an NBA player template inspired by the replica build glitch. Let's jump right into everything you need to know.
NBA 2K24 MyCareer Builder Explained
In NBA 2K24, players can either create their own custom MyPlayer or start with an NBA player template. Visual Concepts explained: "A variety of player types are among the handful of NBA players chosen for the templates feature."
It's also important to note that the player templates are customizable, but players can also use the template as is. The devs did not reveal which NBA players the templates will be based on. For players who decide to use a custom build, Takeovers are not a part of the builder process and instead occur in-game.
As for archetypes, the devs claimed to emphasize preventing meta-builds by improving attribute caps and updating max heights and weights per position.
How Does Badge Progression Work in NBA 2K 24?
Badges have been split into four tiers in NBA 2K24: S-, A-, B-, and C. A player's height determines tier assignments, and players unlock badges by meeting certain criteria. Players earn higher badge levels based on their play style. Badges with high usage reach higher levels, while badges that don't get used as often will drop. However, no badge will ever drop below a Bronze level.
This system introduces an interesting push-and-pull mechanic. the devs explained: "In the end, role players with singular focuses will likely have fewer badges but at higher levels than well-rounded players who like to dabble with a little bit of everything."
Badge perks help and hurt badge progression. For example, the Scholar perk significantly increases badge level progression for PvP games finished with a high teammate grade. However, players will receive no badge progression for low teammate grades.
While performance multipliers provide benefits to all badges based on in-game performance.
New NBA 2K24 Badges
NBA 2K24 has a total of 77 skill badges across MyTeam and MyCareer. We won't go through every new badge, but here are a few to keep an eye on.
- Speed Booster – A perimeter-only quick first step badge, Speed Booster will allow for quicker launches when coming from a stand-still dribble situation.
- Bulldozer – A mix of a scoring and a ball-handling badge, think of this as Bully version 2.0 with elements of the old Clamp Breaker. Bulldozer improves the player’s ability to push through physical body-ups and finish with physicality around the rim.
- 94 Feet – Players with 94 Feet receive fewer body-up stamina hits and improved body-up wins when pressing full court. Don’t worry, those who do not have this badge will regret pressing full court.
That's everything we know about badges so far. For more, make sure to check out the rest of our NBA 2K24 coverage.
Ryan graduated from Ithaca College in 2021 with a sports media degree and a journalism minor. He gained experience as a writer for the Morning Times newspaper before joining Dexerto and Esports Illustrated as a games writer. He mainly writes about first-person shooters, including Call of Duty and Battlefield, but he is also a big FIFA fan.