Want to dominate the court in NBA 2K24? If so, you’ll need a firm understanding of the game’s ranking system, and that’s true whether you’re a casual player or plan to go pro. Climbing up the ranks is a crucial aspect of the game’s competitive experience, because it lets you test your skills against other human players.
This guide will detail everything about the NBA 2K24 ranking system, including how it works, the progression tiers, and how to get more MyREP points in MyCareer. Better yet, we’ve provided a few tips to outsmart your opponents in Play Now Online and to give you an edge on the basketball court.
NBA2K Ranking System
Is There A Ranking System In NBA 2K24?
Yes, there is a ranking system in NBA 2K24—multiple, in fact! In some cases, the system runs discreetly in the background, matching players with opponents of comparable skill to create balanced gameplay (and to avoid outright blowouts). In others instances, the systems are more overt with a clear progression path.
Each NBA 2K24 game mode, including Play Now Online, MyCareer, MyTeam, and MyNBA, has a unique ranking system tailored to each mode’s specific objectives. While the ranking system itself is different across these game modes, its overarching goal is the same: to create a fairer competitive environment for all players.
How Does The NBA 2K24 Ranking System Work?
No one (outside of the dev team) knows exactly how the NBA 2K24 ranking system works, especially in Play Now Online. For starters, the matchmaking rating is kept secret and appears to be heavily weighted by the number of matches won. The system is likely also influenced by individual stats, like assists, steals, turnovers, and double-doubles.
It’s worth noting that the NBA 2K24 rank system is a topic of contention among players, with many lambasting the ineffectiveness of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM). In fact, some have called for an overhaul, claiming that the algorithm unfairly penalizes players even when they perform well.
Now, let’s take a closer look at how the ranking system functions across the different NBA 2K24 game modes.
NBA 2K24 Play Now Online Ranking System
NBA 2K24 Play Now Online is a casual 5v5 mode in which players compete against each other in real-time games. The goal is simple: climb the ranks and become recognized as the greatest of all time. There are ten ranks, each with three sub-levels, and you must win a certain number of games at each level to progress.
It’s a more direct form of competition than MyTeam, as you’ll play with premade NBA teams and get matched with another player using a team with a similar skill. This means you could choose a lower-ranked team like the Hornets or Pistons and still have a fair chance of winning. For this reason, Play Now Online strictly focuses on individual skills rather than team-building.
NBA 2K24 MyTeam Ranking System
MyTeam allows players to create their own NBA team using former and current NBA stars. This ranking system is centered more on team-building—specifically, the overall ratings (or “OVR”) of player cards and the value of the team built with them. This is a stark contrast to Play Now Online, which focuses on player performance.
The OVR rating is determined by a player card’s attributes (shooting, defense, playmaking, physicals, etc.), which are influenced by the real-life performance stats of NBA players. In general, the higher the OVR, the more valuable (and effective) the player card is in MyTeam. For example, a 98 OVR Joel Embiid would be worth more than a 92 OVR Damian Lillard.
While OVRs are immutable (i.e., fixed), you can boost the effectiveness of players with Badges. These “buffs” upgrade skills and can be earned by completing challenges, buying packs, or trading. Higher-tier badges will offer better boosts. For example, “Limitless Range” can improve your 3PTers from deep, while “Scooper” enhances a player’s ability to make quick scoop layups.
NBA 2K24 MyCareer Ranking System
MyCareer is a single-player campaign mode in NBA 2K24 that lets you pave your own journey to the NBA. While there’s no explicit “ranking system,” you will earn MyREP points (aka “REP”). This will serve as your reputation status (and unofficial “rank”) in the game mode. As you progress, you’ll also earn better rewards, boosts, and buffs to your MyPlayer statistics.
You can earn myREP points by playing and winning games in MyCareer (e.g., Pro-Am or Rec) or The City. However, you will net loads more myREP points by playing basketball matches in the City. Ultimately, the end goal is to climb the ladder and land in the Top 10 of all Veteran 3 players in NBA 2K24.
There are also Affiliate REP points, which you can only earn after you sign with one of the two available clubs: Rise and Elite. You’ll start the mode as a free agent and can choose an affiliation as you progress. Fortunately, your REP will only reset if you decide to switch affiliations, and you can’t be demoted to a lower rank.
All REP Rewards
You’ll earn a ton of rewards as you earn more REP points in NBA 2K24. Let’s take a look at ‘em.
- Rookie 1: Affiliate-branded basketball and Player Banner.
- Rookie 2: Affiliate-branded clothing collection, 5x Gatorade Boost, and 10x Skill Boosts.
- Rookie 3: Ability to remove shirt in the City and access to badge-improving drills in The Rec or City.
- Starter 1: Two-Way Tenacity Booster (boosts offensive and defensive skills), 10x Gatorade, and 20x Skill Boosts.
- Starter 2: Permanent extra turbo meter (without gym workouts) and affiliate-branded hoverboard.
- Starter 3: Elite-level MyPlayer gameplay animations, improved Daily Rewards, 25x Gatorade Boosts, and 50x Skill Boosts.
- Veteran 1: Recharge Booster (improves adrenaline bar recharge) and 50,000 VC.
- Veteran 2: All defensive attributes are increased by +1 (not counting towards animation or badge unlocks) and Rebirth 2.0 (all Rebirth 2.0 builds get upgraded to 99, start with silver badges, and receive a 10% boost to badge progression).
- Veteran 3: All Shooting attributes get a +1 bonus (not counting towards animation or badge unlocks), 100,000 VC, and 99x Gatorade and Skill Boosts.
- Top 10 (refreshes daily): All attributes in Finishing, Shooting, Defense, and Playmaking get a +2 bonus, arrive in the City with style, a custom Billboard Announcement, and an exclusive Top 10 logo.
How To Win Games In NBA 2K24 Play Now Online
Want to win more games? Here are a few pro tips to help you climb the ranks in NBA 2K24 Play Now Online!
Observe Players And Their Positions
Try to grasp your player’s position in relation to the ball quickly. If there is more than one opponent or if you have a strong center, try to maintain your position. The opponent will likely try to stop you by fouling you. Instead, try to provoke an opponent with passive play and then switch to an aggressive playstyle to lead you to score.
Likewise, building your game on quick passing is an active method of winning, as it’s not always necessary to play passively. You can apply this tactic to pull your top scorer to an available area by making quick passes. This rapid style of play can confuse defenders and create openings in their defense, giving you opportunities to score.
Possession And Screening
You should always try to read the game. When your player (with strong shooting abilities) receives the ball, attempt to screen him on your center player’s side as much as possible. For example, having screen support for a sharpshooter like Stephen Curry can give you an advantage over your opponent. After the curtain, depending on your player’s strengths, you can then either attempt a three-pointer or a layup/dunk.
Watch Your Highlights
Watching highlights is key to improving your NBA 2K24 gameplay. This will allow you to identify mistakes, such as missed passes, poor shots, and unnecessary fouls. By focusing on these errors and actively working to avoid them in future matches, you’ll gradually enhance your skills and decision-making. Eventually, you’ll find yourself dominating your opponents!
Climbing The Ranks
Whether you’re playing casually or aiming for the pros, you need to get a firm understanding of the various ranking systems in MyCareer, MyTeam, and Play Now Online. And we hope our guide has helped you get a bit closer to fully grasping how it all works, including the progression tiers and the rewards you can earn. With this knowledge on your side, we think you’ll be well-prepared to climb the ranks and crush the competition in your next NBA 2K24 match.
Remember to check out our E-Basketball betting page to watch and bet on the latest NBA 2K tournaments or check out our E-Basketball Betting Guide.
