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September 2024 saw the release ofNBA 2K25. The popular basketball franchise returned with new updates to its MyPlayer mode. Longtime fans of the game should be familiar with the badge system, but optimizing a player build differs from previous iterations. This time around,badges have a new tier: Legend. Apart from the Gold and Hall of Fame tiers, frequently activating a badge will upgrade its MyPlayer potential to a new level.
Next to takeover abilities, badges are wherea MyPlayer build is really made. Depending on your character’s position, understanding the role will help you understand which badges lead toquicker on-court success. Most importantly, play style will determine how to optimize a build. Is the player an anklebreaker or a defensive specialist? Is the goal to dominate the glass or be a reliable sharpshooter? Having a realistic vision of your MyPlayer will greatly accelerate the creation of a dynasty inNBA 2K25.
Best Badges: Point Guard
Optimize Ball Handling For Greater Decision-Making
The most important attribute for PGs is ball handling. If the facilitator can’t take care of the rock, then other skills won’t matter. To achieve the best PG build, forget about rebounding and general badges. First,concentrate on play-making badges.
PGs will possess the ball more than any other position, so handling pressure is critical. This doesn’t mean that PGs can’tfocus on scoring abilities. On the contrary, once the MyPlayer is a reliable ball handler, inside and outside scoring badges must be active. Whether the build emphasizes shooting or driving depends on the play style.
Chain together combos after frequent dribbling
Tougher to steal the ball from
Fast when attacking from the perimeter
Boost chances of knockdown stand-still jumpshots
Better perimeter defense
10 Biggest NBA 2K25 Differences & Changes From NBA 2K24
NBA 2K25 added some new features to the franchise, including new game engines, and gameplay tweaks to update the way the game is played.
Best Badges: Shooting Guard
Be The Go-To Shooter In Crunch Time
Shooting guards might not be expected to handle the ball as often as PGs, but they need toexcel at moving without the rock. Moreover, teams depend on SGs' shooting range abilities.
Whether your play style demands getting open looks at the basket or creating a shot, the best SGswill activate shooting badges. Apart from three-pointers, being aknock-down shooter inNBA 2K25or rim-attacker is where SG players should focus on building an elite guard. If defense isn’t a priority, scoring ability is essential to SGs and must be reflected in the active badge selection.
Extends three-point shooting range
Contested shots have less effect
Boosts stand-still jumpshots
Shifty Shooter
Improves off-ball shooting ability
Badges depend on the player’s height. Keep this in mind when trying to optimize player performance.
Best Badges: Small Forward
Stretch The Court And Play Above The Rim
Small forwards can certainly shoot the rock. However, building an SF around range abilities doesn’t optimize the position’s size. If you’re creating an SF, then thinking about playing inside the paint is paramount. This position should play above the rim,dunking and rebounding.
When given the ball on offense, an SF is entrusted to take care of the ball and score by backing down the defender orknocking down open jumpers. But this build shines because of the player’s ability to launch above defenders.
Increases alley-oop or put-back potential
Increases chances of dunking over a defender
Increases tipped or stolen passes
Increases defensive ability against ball handlers
Best Badges: Power Forward
Crash The Glass On Offense And Defense
Maybe you’re a Tim Duncan fan who wishes to outperform the Hall of Famer. To start this journey,protect the rim. Crashing the glass for rebounds on defense creates more possessions for the team. On offense, elite rebounding skills will lead to easy points. A little range doesn’t hurt, as driving guards cancreate open jump shots for PFs. But ultimately, a build that focuses on securing the basketball is where this position shines.
Improves player’s ability to fight for rebound position
Snag rebounds from further distances
Increases post defense
Increases paint scoring efficiency
Best Badges: Center
Dominate The Paint And Control The Pace Of Play
Undoubtedly, NBA stars like Nikolai Djokovic and Joel Embiid have changedhow the center position is perceived. These big guys excel in the game, including outside shooting. InNBA 2K25, creating a stretch center with badges and takeover abilities is possible.
But seeing how centers spend the majority of their time in the paint, badges thatboost play near the basket are essential. Activating these badges greatly increasesdefense inNBA 2K25and inside scoring potential.
Improves player ability to fight for rebound position
Increases timing and leaping ability to contest shots
Increases rim protection
Maximize Position Potential With Badges
A Dynasty Starts With Building The Best MyPlayer
Badges complementMyPlayer takeover abilities.Where takeover abilities can boost player performance in key situations, badges create afoundation of a position build. With forty badges to choose from, there are numerous ways to construct your MyPlayer. Yet, certain badges aremust-haves for specific positions. With badges, your vision of leading a dynasty can become a reality inNBA 2K25.
