Over the years, MyPlayer in the NBA 2K has emerged as one of, if not the, most popular modes in the entire game. And with the release of NBA 2K26 looming, changes and quality-of-life improvements coming to the mode have been an oft-asked-about topic. Luckily for them, 2K has promised that MyPlayer — more specifically, the MyPlayer Builder — will be receiving one of the most comprehensive overhauls in NBA 2K26.
But what does this “overhaul” entail, and what should 2K players be most excited about? Here are the biggest takeaways from today’s MyPlayer Builder reveal. And for a more comprehensive look at these changes, be sure to check out 2K’s Courtside Report.
New Animation Glossary Allows For Smarter Builds
One of the most frustrating parts of MyPlayer in past years was figuring out which animations you could unlock, and what attributes you needed to get them. NBA 2K26 addresses this with a brand-new Animation Glossary, which displays every animation in the game alongside its height and attribute requirements.
Even better, you can search by specific NBA players like Steph Curry or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to model your build after their exact playstyle. Additionally, once you finish your build, the system will auto-assign animations based on your closest NBA player comparisons for a more seamless starting experience.
On paper, it seems to be an extremely efficient and streamlined system that makes things easier for players. However, my only concern is the auto-assigning part and whether or not it will actually apply what players want. Still, it’s a promising new wrinkle.
Build By Badges Offers More Control
Instead of guessing which attribute unlocks which badge, a new feature called Build by Badges will be debuting in NBA 2K26. You can now select the badges you want — at the tier you want — and the Builder will lock in the minimum attributes required for them.
This lets you focus on what matters most: Designing the rest of your player around your key strengths without accidentally losing a badge you planned your whole build around.
For those who choose to be a bit more fluid with their MyPlayer builds, this feature probably won’t be of much use to them. But, for players who love to have a plan and know what role they wish for that build to play on the court, it’s a godsend.
Build Specialization Quests Add Long-Term Growth
New this year is Build Specialization, a brand-new RPG-style progression path that promises to add more identity and long-term purpose to your MyPlayer.
Each build lets you choose one of five skill areas to specialize in: Finishing, Shooting, Playmaking, Defense, or Rebounding. You’ll then complete a nine-step questline tailored to that discipline. For example, the Shooting path might require you to make 100 mid-range or 3-point shots to progress.
This matters because the rewards (as told by 2K) aren’t just cosmetic, but play a substantial role when it comes to unlocking skill boosts, exclusive apparel, new archetype names, Cap Breakers, and also provide permanent Max +1 and Max +2 Badge Perks.
If you’ve ever felt like your build has hit a ceiling too quickly, this system should give you a long-term grind that actually enhances your effectiveness on the court, whether you’re doubling down on your strength or patching up a weakness.
Custom Takeovers Let You Create A Meta-Breaker
Takeovers will be returning in NBA 2K26, but they’re advertised as being more focused, impactful, and finally customizable.
In total, NBA 2K26 will feature 44 Takeovers and 11 Takeover Abilities, which is way down from last year’s bloated pool. The dev team says this was done to make each one more meaningful. And, on paper, it should work. As you grind through games and fill your Takeover meter, you’ll have access to rewards such as Takeover Tokens, Takeover Presets, and Takeover Accelerators.
But the crown jewel? The Custom Takeover, the final reward. Once you unlock a Custom Takeover, you can choose three different attributes to boost, as well as pair them with any Takeover Ability your build qualifies for.
Want to boost up Speed With Ball, your long-range jumper, and your interior shooting, then add a Lethal Layup Takeover Ability? Go for it! Should it perform as advertised, this should give players unprecedented control to tailor their boosts exactly to their unique build, effectively letting them create their own meta. That’s the hope, at least.
These are just a few of the things that stood out to me in the MyPLAYER Builder reveal. For more information, scroll up and check the Courtside Report for yourself. And for more information on the upcoming NBA 2K26, check out our pieces on the new presentation features coming this year, or how motion styles can change gameplay.
