- 2K21 FAQ
- General
- Gameplay
- MyPLAYER (Attributes/Badges)
- MyCAREER — NBA Career
- MyCAREER — Park/City/Pro-Am/Rec
- MyTEAM
2K21 FAQ
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Most of the answers are the same, but this page was not updated for 2K21 Next-Gen.
General
Does VC/MT from previous years carry over?
No
Does anything transfer cross-platform?
No
Are dashes/capital letters in Locker Codes required?
Dashes are required. All-uppercase or all-lowercase.
Are Locker Codes one-per-console?
Some codes can only be redeemed once per console. This usually applies to guaranteed-item Locker Codes.
Should I clear reserved space?
No, you should not. This will do more damage (sometimes not noticeable) than it fixes.
What do I do if my save file has been corrupted?
Only 2K Support will be able to help you if your files are lost. Take a video that includes both the corruption message and your gamertag and contact them, they may be able to clone your lost player onto a new one. If you do not have this video, it is possible they may grant you a one-time exception. You can submit a ticket but live chat is recommended.
Sometimes, files aren't really corrupted and the message is given in error. Do a full console restart and try opening the file (ignore the corruption message).
What do I do if my save file has been accidentally deleted?
Same answer as the one for the question above. That being said, if you accidentally deleted your save, 2K is not obligated to assist.
The game says my account is age restricted and/or the MyCAREER tab is completely missing from my main menu, why?
This is an issue with your account's console permissions. Check the user-generated content settings for ALL accounts logged in on your console. This includes privacy restrictions and parental control settings. After you change your settings, do a full power cycle of your console.
On XB1: Settings > Account > Privacy & Online Safety > Xbox Live Privacy > View details & customize > Game Content. One particular permission to look at it is "You can see and upload community creations". Set this to 'everybody'. Also try toggling the other ones to 'everybody'.
On PS4: //manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps4/basic/about_kids.html
If you're still having trouble, contact 2K Support, live chat is recommended.
I got an error message "You do not have the required account privileges", why?
Check your Xbox Gold/PlayStation Plus subscription, it likely ran out. Any game modes where you must connect with other players requires an active subscription. Log out of any accounts you are not playing with.
If you're still having trouble, contact 2K Support, live chat is recommended.
Where is the option to create a MyCAREER save? I only see MyPLAYER Builder?
You start a MyCareer save at the end of the MyPlayer Building process where it tells you your player comparisons. If you don't see the option, make sure you deleted any demo files including "description not found" files, the demo, and that you are not at the 15 file limit across all game modes.
If you're still having trouble, contact 2K Support, live chat is recommended.
I am stuck on a loading screen, what do I do?
Do a full power cycle of your console. If you're still having trouble, contact 2K Support, live chat is recommended.
My game's audio cut out and I can't hear anything, what do I do?
Do a full power cycle of your console. If you're still having trouble, contact 2K Support, live chat is recommended.
Is it safe to change my PSN ID?
Yes
Will Start Today be added to NBA 2K21?
Per 2K's statement to Forbes, they cannot commit to bringing back Start Today for NBA 2K21. Here is the relevant bit from the article:
I reached out to a representative from 2K to get an idea of when or if the feature will be available. It appears 2K would like to add it, but cannot commit to bringing it back this year.
According to the 2K rep, because the game was completed prior to the NBA finalizing the schedule for the current season, there was no way to have it ready for launch since the entire feature is connected to the real NBA ledger.
As far as adding it as a post-release update, 2K cannot commit, though it appears they are looking into it. The rep said: “It would be a major effort to retroactively support it on a live product with live saves and all that.”
Gameplay
I'm brand new to the game or struggling, any advice?
Main Menu -> Play Now -> 2KU. If you're here because your post was removed, it's likely because your post was too generic. Master all the 2KU tutorials and make a post with any specific questions you have.
Why can't I shoot well?
Online timing will be different from offline timing due to input lag so you will need to adjust for that.
You need practice. An easy way to practice online is to create a Pro-Am team and practice shooting around in the Pro-Am arena.
High shooting badges are a must. See NBA 2K Lab's recommendations.
Is there a benefit to using shot aiming?
The boosts this year from most to least effective are...
- Shot stick aiming + LT timing
- Shot stick aiming only, no LT timing
- Shot stick/button timing only, shot meter off.
LT is Mike's recommended way of timing your shot while aiming. You can use RT or let go of the stick if you prefer.
Is there a benefit to turning off the shot meter?
Turning the shot meter off increases the green window and buffs good shot timing but also nerfs bad timing.
Mike Wang's suggestion: "If you struggle with shot timing I wouldn’t turn it off. But if you know your timing well you’ll see higher %s"
NBA 2K Lab suggestion: "The results suggest that a low rating like 60 may not see very much benefit from turning their meter off. However, higher rated shooters see a massive boost when timing the shot correctly. These results also suggest that if you turn your meter off and have poor timing you are heavily punished."
How do I switch my matchup in Neighborhood games?
Flick your right stick up. Video showing this.
MyPLAYER (Attributes/Badges)
How do I make my face scan?
Use the MyNBA2K21 app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
How do I change my face scan or appearance?
Go to MyPLAYER -> Appearance in the MyCAREER menus. This option may not be available until after your high school and college games in MyCAREER.
How do I change my name?
Not possible after player creation.
My name switched to Junior, how do I change it back?
Your name will switch back after you finish the prelude (high school + college).
Can I change my attribute caps, body type, and Takeover?
No, these are locked in at player creation. Editing your MyPlayer Builder file does not have any affect on existing MyCareer saves.
What are MyPoints? What does it mean when I unlock an attribute upgrade? What does it mean if I have no available upgrades?
MyPoints are how you progress your player's overall in the game. When you start, even if you buy VC, your player is capped at 85 OVR. To get beyond that, you have to unlock attribute upgrades (aka "capbreakers") which let you get to 95 OVR. These unlocked attribute upgrades still must be bought with VC.
How long does it take to grind from 60 OVR to 95 OVR?
Roughly 40 hours in NBA games.
How do I upgrade between 95-99 OVR?
These upgrades are not bought with VC but rather based on your performance and wins in any MyCareer game mode (NBA/Park/etc). If you play well, your overall will increase. If you play poorly, it can drop. You will not drop below 95.
Park emphasizes wins. NBA games emphasize personal performance. Generally, winning an NBA game and filling your takeover meter at least twice guarantees a 99.9 OVR game rating. Most players agree this is the easiest way to achieve 99.
Can I upgrade above my caps?
For every overall you go up between 95-99, you get +1 to all of your attributes. +1 at 96, +2 at 97, +3 at 98, and +4 at 99.
Weekly workouts at the Gatorade Training Facility add a bonus (min +1, max +4) to physical attributes only. The Gym Rat badge unlocks these bonus attributes permanently at +4.
Does the +1 attribute bump from 95-99 OVR unlock animations? Do I keep these animations permanently after I buy them?
Yes, you will be able to unlock higher tier animations. If this does not take into effect, play a few MyCareer NBA games. If your ratings drop below what is required for the animation, it will be unequipped.
How do I unlock the Gym Rat badge?
Official Requirements:
- Option 1: Play at least 50 non-simmed MyCAREER NBA games and win the championship in the same season. This unlocks Gym Rat for that MyPLAYER.
- Option 2: Achieve SS2 REP. This unlocks Gym Rat for all MyPLAYERs on that account.
User-Contributed Info:
- 50 non-simmed games includes both regular season and Playoffs. This means you can theoretically play 35 regular season games + 16 Playoff games.
- Sim Out w/ VC is allowed (must be a starter and up by 25 points after 2Q).
- You do not need to win all Playoff games.
- You can foul out Playoff games.
- Getting traded does not affect requirements.
To check if you've successfully unlocked Gym Rat, go to the badges menu and press Y/triangle to view your personality badges.
How do I unlock the jumpshot creator?
This year, the jumpshot creator is unlocked immediately, nothing special that needs to be done.
What jumpshot should I use?
The best jumpshot is the one that you can time well. 2K does not patch individual jumpshots. When users complain about X jumpshot being patched, it is placebo.
There are many existing posts on the subreddit you can search for with user recommendations. Google "site:reddit.com/r/nba2k after:2020-09-01 best jumpshot", this works better than Reddit's search bar. If you want a numerical/data-based answer to this question, see NBA 2K Lab. Heads up that their jump shot data is membership-only. We are not endorsed by NBA 2K Lab and do not earn anything if you choose to subscribe.
If you're here because your post was removed, it's likely because your post was too generic. If this information is not sufficient, feel free to make a post with specific questions you have.
For custom jump shots, do both the base and release matter?
According to NBA 2K Lab, the base determines your green window and make %. The release is your personal preference so pick whatever helps you time your shot. Some players like a snappy and early release, some players like a hitch in their shot, etc.
What's the best/fastest way to earn VC?
Play NBA games at the highest difficulty you feel comfortable with. Play MyPLAYER Nation games whenever available to get the 2x boost.
When negotiating your endorsement deals, prioritize event VC payout and game incentives, store discounts are not valuable in the long run.
Don't forget to do your Daily Spin and 2KTV trivia (answers are always posted) for more VC opportunities.
If you're here because your post was removed, it's likely because your post was too generic. If this information is not sufficient, feel free to make a post with specific questions you have.
What's the best/fastest way to earn MyPoints (badges)?
After each game, you will see a summary of how your MyPoints earnings were calculated. Take note of the actions that gave you the most MyPoints and do those as much as possible in future games. For example, if you earned 1000 MyPoints for 10 dunks and 400 MyPoints for 2 floaters, floaters are more valuable to do. Play MyPLAYER Nation games whenever available to get the 2x boost.
If you're here because your post was removed, it's likely because your post was too generic. If this information is not sufficient, feel free to make a post with specific questions you have.
Can I respec my badges?
Yes, you can respec badges after every upgrade you unlock in that category. Once you unlock all upgrades in that category, you can respec the badges in that category whenever you want.
Can I get additional Badge Points?
Once your MyRep gets to Legend, you receive 10 extra badge points in all four categories.
How do Hot Zones work?
This year, you get one shared hot zone across all game modes (NBA/Park/Pro-Am). They are based on your last 50 games. Each zone requires a minimum amount of shots and a make percentage that will set the zone as Hot/Cold/Neutral. Once the minimum number of shots in a zone is reached, that zone can change from game to game depending on the results of the most recent 50 games.
Can I create female MyPLAYERs?
Female MyPLAYERs are only available in next-gen (PlayStation 5/Xbox Series X|S).
MyCAREER — NBA Career
How do I change the difficulty/quarter length/after cut frequency?
You can find these options in MyCareer settings. Make sure you look while in the Neighborhood and not while in game, in a team practice, or in your MyCourt.
Does increased difficulty increase the MyPoints/Badge Points earned?
Yes
How do I Ask Out & Sim to End (w/ VC)?
Be a starter and lead by 25+ points after halftime.
How do I unlock the ability to change the rotations? change jerseys? change arena sounds? change the playbook? influence free agency?
All of these are unlocked as you progress through MyCareer, usually by the end of your first season. The exact timing varies for everyone, there is no known way to force these. Become a starter and play well and you will be notified by your team's management as you unlock these perks.
How do I unlock individual drills?
Individual drills are unlocked after playing 10 NBA games. After each NBA game, be sure to do the team practice. Games have to be played, not simmed (sim out with VC is okay).
Once drills have been unlocked, you will get 4 drills after each NBA game, 4 after each Pro-Am/Rec game, and 1 after each Park game. You cannot stack more than 4 drills at once.
Is the NBA roster locked in when I create my save or when I enter the league?
The roster is locked in when you create your MyCAREER save, using the latest official rosters available at the time.
Can I restart my NBA career with the same player without losing my attributes/badges?
No, you would have to create a new MyCAREER save to use the latest rosters.
MyCAREER — Park/City/Pro-Am/Rec
Is Daily Spin once every 24 hours or once per calendar day?
Once per calendar day, resetting at 12 AM PST.
Where do I go to find the clothing items I won from the Daily Spin?
When you win a free item, you can go into the store that you won the item from and choose what you want your free item to be. Eligible items will say "prize eligible".
Does my MyPlayer's clothes transfer across builds?
Yes
I am stuck on the loading screen for The Rec, what do I do?
Do a full power cycle of your console. If you're still having trouble, contact 2K Support, live chat is recommended.
How do I dismiss the bad sportsmanship warning message after quitting a game?
This is a message that cannot be dismissed for approximately 30-60 minutes. You will see it referred to in the community as a "time out" for bad sportsmanship (ex. quitting games).
Does 2x VC/MyRep from Daily Spin work for NBA games?
No, this boost only works for online games.
What do the logos (basketball, microphone, etc) above player's heads mean?
These are VIP's verified by 2K. We keep a list of ones the community has run into here.
How does the game decide who plays PG?
Position >> Height (shorter) <--> Ratings (Ball Handle/Passing). There are rare cases where this is not followed.
MyTEAM
How do you do the Cam Reddish "glitch"?
This is not a glitch, it is an intended game mechanic. Acquire fully evolved versions of each player required, lock in the set, then swap each player for cheaper versions. You can then sell the fully evolved cards.
If you would like to know how much this will cost, look up the cards on your platform's Auction House or look at recent posts in the subreddit.