Basketball video games have come a long way from just playing an exhibition between two teams. Through the NBA 2K series, users can live out their fantasies of achieving glory playing as their favorite team or individually through the MyPLAYER mode.
But the game is so dense, it may be hard to find where to embark on your 2K journey. If you have decided to give NBA 2K26 a shot and don't know where to start, this guide will explain how each mode works and how to get the most out of 2K26.
Learn 2K
Seasoned veterans, or especially if you're a beginner, are highly recommended to launch the Learn 2K mode first to learn the basics, as new gameplay features have been introduced, including a new shooting mechanic. If you think you're going to button-mash your way to victory, you'll be sadly mistaken, as this tutorial will show you how the fundamentals of basketball work as they relate to the game. New intermediate tutorials have been added to tie the basics and advanced skills together to learn techniques such as layups, dunks, and variations of pick-and-roll plays.
2K Games
Play Now
After learning the basics in Learn2K, new players should be ready to experience the Play Now mode, which will get you into the action quickly by playing as your current favorite team or reliving and creating moments from NBA history with classic teams from the Magic vs Bird era, Jordan era, Kobe era, LeBron era, and Steph era through solo or multiplayer games. Users can also play as any team in the WNBA in an exhibition through the WNBA tab of the menu selection screen.
MyCAREER
This mode includes a new storyline called Out of Bounds, in which you begin your journey as an unknown prospect from a small town with hopes of making it to the NBA. Players will get to understand the world of modern basketball by working your character through the ranks of its version of AAU, exploring different paths to the NBA by playing in Europe, improving their NBA draft position, and experiencing various storylines for games in playoffs within the league.
The City
2K Games
Test your ability against the 2K community in The City, NBA 2K26's free-roam hub in the form of a centralized neighborhood where players can explore, compete, and connect in various modes and activities, including Pro-Am tournaments. This year's edition has different parks, including HD remasters of four iconic NBA 2K16 MyPARKs.
MyTEAM
2K Games
Having dreams of having Breanna Stewart team up with LeBron against Angel Reese and Kevin Durant? In MyTEAM, you'll get that chance. MyTEAM is a card-collecting, team-building mode where users can assemble their ultimate fantasy lineup of past and present NBA (and now WNBA) stars.
When entering the mode for the first time, you'll watch a short video before having the option to choose from three tutorials, including a beginner tutorial that teaches the basics of basketball from scratch, such as the rules and how the game works, before the mode takes you into a quick game featuring NBA and WNBA legends.
Mirroring role-playing and first-person games, each player, coach, jersey, and arena is represented as a trading card. Cards can be earned by playing games, completing challenges, opening packs, or acquiring them in the Auction House.
No matter which direction you decide, NBA 2K26 provides solid tutorials in the majority of game modes, offering a wider variety without overwhelming players.
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