Some of the key points include the return of MyCOURT, the ability to earn Season XP and rewards in NBA games, and the story being optional and told in flashback, so it can be played at any time. Badges and Takeovers have also been revamped.
As always, I'd recommend reading the original Courtside Report if you're a keen MyCAREER gamer, but here's my summary of the key information.
- One of the goals for MyCAREER in NBA 2K25 was to provide a more tailored experience, with different ways to play depending on whether you're a newcomer, a returning player, or a veteran of the mode.
- This year's MyPLAYER Builder offers an array of customisations in the structure and archetype of your build, resulting in over 100 new archetypes.
- Builds can be created from scratch, if you have the knowledge and confidence to do so. Community Builds return from NBA 2K24, allowing you to use standout players in the community as a blueprint to create your MyPLAYER. Each Season will see more Community Builds added to the game.
- More information will be available about each Community Build, including Badges, Takeovers, and Signature Animations, so that you can accurately try them out in the Build Tester.
- There are now five Physical attributes in the MyPLAYER Builder: Speed With Ball, Speed, Agility, Strength, and Vertical. The Speed With Ball attribute now determines dribble launching, replacing the Acceleration attribute that was used in NBA 2K24.
- All MyPLAYERs begin with a Stamina of 85. This attribute is raised through workouts in the Gatorade Gym, with each workout granting two attribute points regardless of result. Once you hit 99 in Stamina, it's permanent.
- MyPLAYERs can perform four workouts per week, which offers a chance to earn a temporary turbo boost and a new body type for your player if you earn at least three stars on all four weekly workouts.
- Completing all twelve workouts will unlock Workout Warrior (which gives you 99 Stamina), a permanent Turbo Meter Boost, and all of your unlocked body types across all new and existing saves.
- There is a new Takeover system, featuring 72 Takeovers and 14 Takeover abilities. Takeovers target specific attributes and now have five levels, essentially ranging from "heating up" to "red-hot".
- The Takeover meter fills as you continue to play well, gradually boosting the targeted attributes. This will happen automatically, rather than having to activate Takeover as in previous years.
- At Level 5, you'll trigger a Takeover Ability that allows you to completely dominate for a short period of time. Only Levels 1-3 will be accessible initially, with Levels 4 and 5 unlocked by hitting the previous level in 30 different games.
- Each Takeover has attribute requirements, which will be displayed in the MyPLAYER Builder.
- NBA 2K25 includes 40 Skill Badges, spread across two tiers determined by your player's height. Like Takeovers, they have attribute requirements which the MyPLAYER Builder will display.
- The reduction in the number of Badges has been done to make each one feel equally valuable and desirable, with fewer overly-specialised Badges that only activate in very specific circumstances.
- A new level of Badges above Hall of Fame - Legend - is now attainable, but carries the highest attribute requirements.
- Badge Perks return, allowing you to boost Badge progression. These boosts include raising a Badge beyond its maximum level for a Season, earning a flat rate of progression simply for having Badges equipped, and so on. Performance Multipliers also boost Badge progression by meeting certain goals, but these can only be earned by completing Quests.
- Permanent and immediate boosts can be earned with Badge Elevators. These will be Seasonal rewards, with Seasons 1-4 rewards offering boosts up to two levels, while rewards in Seasons 5-8 will feature Badge Elevators that can raise Badges up to three levels to their maximum.
- Cap Breakers can be used to raise attributes above the maximum set in the MyPLAYER Builder, in order to earn Takeovers, unlock animations, etc. Each attribute can be raised a maximum of five above its cap, must be maxed out first, and is still subject to its maximum potential according to your build's height, weight, and wingspan. 15 Cap Breakers can be earned via Rep rewards.
- NBA 2K25 MyCAREER, titled "Heart of a Dynasty", is centred around the concept of building the greatest dynasty in NBA history.
- At the beginning of NBA 2K25 MyCAREER, you can play MP's backstory in flashback. This includes a club league showcase game, a high school championship game, a FIBA under-19 World Cup game, and an open run invitational game against NBA players.
- Completing these flashback games unlocks a MyPOINTS Accelerator, which increases MyPOINTS progression by 5%. The story can be skipped to begin with and completed later if you prefer, and are willing to forego the early boosts and rewards.
- Dynasty Rankings join the GOAT Rankings system, measuring your progress towards the aforementioned goal of establishing an all-time great dynasty.
- MP doesn't enter the league with GOAT hype this year, meaning that you'll have to earn your spot in the starting lineup.
- Key Games return, and offer more control over which ones you play. This involves splitting the season into two halves, and setting different Personal Goals with the Coach and GM.
- Overall Rating, Build, and the strength of your team all play a role in determining Key Games and the players you match up against to try and outperform.
- Successfully completing Key Games earns Dynasty Badges that will allow your teammates to play better. There are 18 Dynasty Badges to unlock, with ranks of Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
- FIBA games and a tournament are available via Heart of a Dynasty. MP can recruit other NBA players to take part in the tournament.
- Jersey swaps can be earned by completing tasks in games against top players. These jerseys can be worn around The City, and displayed in your MyCOURT.
- On that note, MyCOURT returns in NBA 2K25 MyCAREER; more details to come.
- Season XP can be earned through NBA games, so you no longer need to play online to earn rewards for The City and MyTEAM.
