You often think sports games are a representation of the actual sports they’re based on. The matches you play in the game will usually follow the strategies used in the actual sport. However, that’s far from the truth.
The thing is, a lot of players who enjoy playing sports games don’t play the actual sport that much. I am not saying that’s true for everyone, but it’s quite common. As such, players tend to use strategies that only work in the game. NBA 2K26 also faces the same issues.
Players go for cheese strats that only work in the game. These cheese strats are OP and can get you points, which is why players like to spam them. One of the most commonly used mechanics is the fadeaway three-pointer. If you have ever played an online 2K match, you know what I am talking about.
How Three-Point Shooting Is Plaguing The Competitive Spirit Of NBA 2K26
Basketball is all about using strategy to make plays. Using different formations, screens, and openings to find a way to score the basket. Actual basketball players understand this, but 2K players don’t.
This is why you see the same pattern in most online 2K matches. It’s the same dribble moves spam into a fadeway three. And, it’s not just my personal opinion. Recently, there was a thread on the NBA 2K subreddit talking about the same issues. Here are some of the most notable comments.
“I can’t even play online. One of the most stale and boring gaming experiences I’ve ever had. Fading uncontested threes with a guy in your face or incapable of staying in front of someone as they get free runs at the rim bc they made lightning launch a literal flash step”, one commentator said.
It’s not all the players’ fault. Why wouldn’t you use a strategy that guarantees a point? If you are playing competitively, you are obviously going to choose the strategy that allows you to win the games easily. The game has forced all the players to adapt to a certain meta, and if you go against it, you get punished.
“Can’t even blame the player base at this point, it’s the developers’ fault for allowing for these cheesy builds and mechanics. It feels like cod where you either adapt to the meta or lose your mind over and over again trying to be different”. A commentator complained.
Overall, it’s become a big problem in NBA 2K games. The fadeaway three is the most common problem, but there are other cheese strats that you will find player spamming in online matches. This just hurts the experience of players who want to enjoy a traditional game of basketball in the game.
