NBA 2K22 is giving gamers more to do in The W this year. On Thursday, the 2K team revealed new features and updates coming to the mode on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 consoles. Most notably, The W introduces a new player progression system, playable off-day experiences, and updates to online play. Check out everything Ronnie’s crew had to say in its Courtside Report below.
NOTE: ALL The W* INFO BELOW COMES DIRECTLY FROM NBA 2K22
New ‘The W’ NBA 2K22 experience
New player progression
Drum roll, please. NBA 2K22 is proud to announce an all-new Badge progression to The W. Along the way, you’ll earn badges to improve areas of your player’s game. In NBA 2K22, you can customize your player’s badges freely, opening the door to endless possibilities and unique builds based on your specialties. When creating your MyPLAYER, you’ll see the available badges next to your attributes in the four categories of Finishing, Shooting, Playmaking, and Defense. These dictate how your player can improve and become more well-rounded. By playing games, you’ll fill the meter in each category, and earn badge points. Points can be used to equip and upgrade badges. Managing and editing badges is easy by saving custom badge loadouts specific to your MyPLAYER. By doing so, you can fine-tune your experience and get strategic when facing off in various experiences within The W.
NBA 2K22 The W Off-Day Experience
Honing your craft takes dedication. We get it, but everyone deserves an off-day too. This year 2K added three new playable activities to the off-day experience for you to participate in. 2K wants players to be more thoughtful and balanced in your workout regimen, meaning the choices you make will play a role in how you progress, gain popularity, and build your wallet.
The three new playable modes will grant you and your MyPLAYER the closest thing to becoming a WNBA pro. The W delivers more opportunities to improve your game and the most authentic experience to date. Scrimmages will be a great way for you to practice with teammates in a short game, lasting only one quarter. If you want to be a team player, this is how you earn team chemistry with your squad, leading to more trust on the court. In addition to scrimmages, join team practices and work on specific skills during drills to earn badges and upgrade them. Filling out the stat sheet in a big game is a special feeling, but to take center stage players need to practice.
Contact Workouts
It’s never a bad idea to get in the coach’s ear either, and it might just get you a little extra, like two additional team drills. Coaches can be helpful, but so can current and former WNBA players. NBA 2K22 will feature contact workouts, an exciting way of learning new skills in The W. Progressing through the Season will help players form connections with some of the WNBA’s brightest stars, such as Candace Parker, A’ja Wilson, and Nneka Ogwumike. You’ll be able to challenge them to 1-on-1, 2-on-2, or even 3-on-3 games of 21.
Best of all, you’ll be able to join forces with players after you make contact with them. You can choose to play alongside a player or go toe-to-toe against them in future workouts. Each contact specializes in different skills and will help you improve one of your badge categories. By beating them, you’ll boost your badge in that category significantly. If you can’t defeat your contact the first time around, it’s all good. You can always run it back as many times as you like.
We want to get you started by giving you three WNBA contacts the moment you step into The W — it’s good to have connections. You’ve got the skills to become a WNBA legend, but you need guidance on your path to greatness. NBA 2K22 allows you to turn idols into mentors and legends into advisors. Learn from your WNBA heroes and become the face of the next generation in The W.
The W Online
Returning to NBA 2K22, The W Online is ready to get underway, but with a couple of added elements. Now you’ll be able to link with your friends before the matchmaking process. The W Online allows you to play online with your friends and take the court as a team. Whether you’re competing with your friends or solo, you’ll earn Season XP by playing games. Leveling up will earn you new prizes and rewards, such as two new historic contacts from the Houston Comets and New York Liberty who will be playable during contact workouts! At the start of every season, we’ll refresh the historic contacts so you can keep growing your network. The W’s all-new off day experiences, badge progression, and contact workouts are all about making your dreams a reality with NBA 2K22. Not only can you envision yourself as a WNBA player, you can actually become a WNBA Legend. We can’t wait for you to experience all it has to offer, including new, exclusive clothing, signature animations, and other awesome rewards.
Do you like what you see from The W in NBA 2K22? What are you most looking forward to in this year’s game? Drop a comment and let us know. For more 2K news as it comes, follow along with Sports Gamers Online.