YouTuber Joe Knows sat down with Mike Wang (NBA 2K gameplay director) to talk about NBA 2K26 gameplay, including changes to shooting, contest system, dribbling, finishing, and defense. Here are the main takeaways:
Shooting
- No RNG (random dice roll) in shooting anymore except on desperation heaves (half/full court buzzer shots)
- Pure green window system: if you time it correctly in the window, it goes in – you can theoretically shoot 100%
- Compared to 2K24:
- 2K24 had RNG on the edges of the green window
- Now it’s strictly skill-based: timing + attributes + contest = result
- Defense balances it out: contests are stronger, so hitting 100% consistently isn’t easy
Shot Contest System
- Balancing is tough since real-time view can make contests look off
- Factors: height, wingspan, defensive ratings, badges, hand placement
- Replay shows why some “look open” shots are actually lightly contested
- Goal: make defensive investment matter but not overpower others
Rhythm Shooting (Stick vs. Button)
- Both are viable: preference/playstyle-based
- Button = more like shooting a free throw
- Stick = more like shooting a deep 3 with rhythm/tempo
- Some players switch situationally (button in some cases, stick in others)
- Rhythm shooting isn’t mandated, so button users won’t be disadvantaged
Badges & Badge Boosts
- Badge Max +2 perk lets you boost badges beyond your attribute cap
- Attributes = global impact, while badges = situational
- Best strategy: specialize in certain badges rather than spreading them thin
Finishing (Layups & Dunks)
- All playstyles can be OP if built right – not just shooters
- Visible green windows added back for layups/dunks
- Custom layup packages introduced
- Floaters are strong again
- Dunks simplified: just hold down stick (no more complicated inputs)
Dribbling
- More explosive and branchable combos
- Tall builds (6’6–6’9) move better, though not as quick as guards
- Lots of new combos & “hidden” moves to discover
- Cover star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has effective dribble animations
Defense & Steals
- No more dice-roll pluck steals
- Steals now based on timing + anticipation of ball hand
- Blitz steals rewarded, pluck spams nerfed. Higher steal rating = better reach animations, faster recovery, and larger collision radius
- Blocks also require timing, not just rating
Build Diversity
- Opened up some move requirements so more archetypes can access them
- Example: certain dribble styles previously locked to only smalls/swings now available to more sizes if they meet rating
- Encourages more diverse builds instead of everyone chasing one archetype
Overall for NBA 2K26:
- More skill-based gameplay (less RNG)
- Each playstyle (shooter, slasher, lock, big, playmaker) can dominate if mastered
- Defense upgraded to balance the stronger offense skill gap
- Build system is more flexible, encouraging variety
