Beginner’s Guide to NBA 2K23

NBA 2K23 has just launched today, September 9, 2022, for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, and of course, PC. The year's annual entry consists of several new features that are making the game a refreshing experience. That's why you should read this beginner's guide to NBA 2K23 so you can get a head start on the competition right away.

MyPlayer Build

While it's entertaining to make your MyPlayer the oddest and most outgoing person on the block, don't overlook their attributes. When you first create your MyPlayer, there are several features that have a significant impact on the type of player you are.

Of course, your position will matter, but with that your Handedness. This will decide if you're right or left-handed and will change how you're player shoots and goes for layups. With that, you're Height, Weight, and Wingspan all have a direct impact on your player's maximum attributes. So choose wisely for those when thinking of your MyPlayers conception.

New Gameplay Controls

2K Games has provided comprehensive coverage of the new gameplay controls, which include numerous changes. There are some minor changes worth noting, but the major ones we've got covered right here.

Lead to Basket Returns – Players can hold Triangle/Y to send a teammate on a cut to the basket, then release it to make a pass.

Adrenaline Boosts – Each player has three “adrenaline boosts” per session. These are shown as three small bars under the stamina meter, and once exerted, your playing will be exhausted. You can trigger these boosts as soon as you start to make an attacking move forward or pass a defender. Stationary and side-to-side dribbling won't affect it.

Authentic Shooting – Working towards more authentic shooting in NBA 2K23, you'll have five shot meters to choose from and more factors to consider when picking your shots. Now, Shot Speed, Release Height, Defensive Immunity (contest), and Timing Impact, all factor into your shot.

Defensive Shading Mechanic – Defensive players will now have three bars on their indicator to represent three zones: Straight up, Shade Left, and Shade Right. The zone the defender is covering is highlighted red, and if a ball handler attacks a red lane, they'll get cut off, lose their dribble, and possibly fumble the ball.

New Game Modes

The biggest new game mode is the Jordan Challenge. This lets you relive Hall of Famer Michael Jordan's greatest moments in his career. And if you complete them all to a certain standard, you could even get to rep his jersey in MyPark. We've got all the details for what that entails right here.

Another big new game mode is the MyNBA Eras. This lets you jump back in time all the way to 1983, with four distinct starting points: The Magic vs Bird Era, the Kobe Era, and the Modern Era. Effectively letting you rewrite the course of basketball history.

So, what's your take? Did our NBA 2K23 beginner's guide help? Are there other details or features that you should feel should be included in this guide? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!