NBA 2K21
Credit: NBA 2K
As predicted, the new shooting mechanic has been the talk on the first official day of release for NBA 2K21. In a word, most users find making shots consistently to be: difficult.
Having logged some hours on the game myself, I concur this aspect of NBA 2K is definitely tougher. However, I’m a part of the group that doesn’t want to see anything changed.
The gameplay is strong and a bit more strategic in every mode, and the changes to shooting are largely a part of this quality.
That said, here are some shooting tips offered by 2K’s own Mike Wang, the Gameplay Director on the series.
The clicking of the left trigger is new to me, and I’ve been looking to implement it into my process. Aside from these tips from Wang, here are some things I’ve recognized as a help to improve shot-making and overall offensive efficiency in NBA 2K21.
In Sim Modes and MyTeam
Take Good Shots
This seems like a no-brainer, but because shooting has been too simple to master for so long, it has eliminated the necessity of taking good shots. The new difficulty on shooting almost forces you to pay closer attention to hot zones, ratings and badges.
In MyCAREER/PARK/PRO-AM
Badges Matter
This year, the badges are MASSIVE, if you have not acquired them and applied it to your MyPlayer, you will struggle to sink threes. I’d argue that’s the way it should be for the sake of balance, skill gap and adding value to a major component of the game.
All Modes
Be OK With Simply Making the Shot
2K has fostered this green-light-obsessed community that behaves almost as if the made basket doesn’t count for as much if it isn’t a perfect release. I know this is a video game, but it’s a video game based on basketball. And everyone who has ever actually played any kind of hoops knows that a made basket–even if it goes in like this…
is a positive.
