NBA 2K20 vs. NBA 2K19: The Nine Major Differences

Alton Clarke
5 Min Read

NBA 2K20 vs. NBA 2K19: The Nine Major Differences

Now that NBA 2K20 has been out for nearly a month and we’ve already seen multiple patches, we’re getting a good idea about what we have in this year’s game. From a gameplay standpoint, it’s a clear improvement over NBA 2K19. However, there are still some obvious issues. Let’s look at the 10 biggest differences between NBA 2K19 and NBA 2K20.

Also Read: NBA 2k20 locker Codes

MyTeam Is Much Better

All things considered, no 2K mode took a bigger step forward than MyTeam. The mode is far more generous to fans. There are more ways to earn rewards, prizes, and MyTeam points. The gameplay improvements offer another enhancement to the experience, and the position locking has stopped the funhouse lineups.

MyGM is Much Worse

For as big of a step forward as MyTeam has taken, MyGM took a larger step backward. Fans of the mode have lost aspects of customization and were given a relatively worthless leaderboard. I think I speak for all of the MyGM fans out there when I say it would have been better to leave it exactly as it was than to pillage the concept the way it has been in NBA 2K20.

MLO Works a Little Better

MyLeague Online in NBA 2K19 was a disaster thanks to servers that couldn’t handle the offseason. This year, the mode functions better, although not optimally. MLO fans have been far less vocal which tells you there were some improvements.

The MyCareer Story Has Changed

2K still believes in its cinematic components for MyCareer. This year’s story isn’t as intrusive as last year’s. It was produced by LeBron James and has some elements of social activism. I won’t ruin the plot for anyone who plans on playing through it.

2K20 Has Slightly Better Visuals

Overall, NBA 2K20 is a better looking game than NBA 2K19, but the improvement is slight. It comes down to lighting and a new facial animation concept that makes the players look more lifelike.

Speed Matters Again

Though the differences aren’t as appropriately stark as they were when the first retail build was released, there is still a welcomed speed threshold dividing guards and big in NBA 2K20 that wasn’t present in NBA 2K19. You won’t see people getting away with ridiculous lineups featuring 5 centers anymore.

It’s Harder to Shoot

Shooting was way too easy in NBA 2K19, but that’s not the way NBA 2K20 plays. Some might argue it’s a little too difficult to get buckets, but I like the balance.

WNBA is in the Game

2K finally brought in the WNBA to its game. The presentation is top notch and you can play through an entire season with any of the teams. There is no MyLeague or Play Now Online with the ladies. Perhaps that’ll happen at some point in the future.

It’s Easier to Reach 95 Overall

In previous years, the race to 99 has been perhaps the most compelling piece of the 2K release cycle. Gamers are grinding to build their MyPlayers again in 2K20, only it shouldn’t take as long as it has in the past. Players can get to 95 with VC and by grinding, but their ascension from a 95 and up depends on their level of play. It’s a nice notion to generate a skill gap. Some may have thought the MyPlayer Builder is one of the nine biggest differences. I would have said that two weeks ago, but the more I play around with it, the more I realize that the process is still a lot like it was before.

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Alton Clarke was born and raised in Syracuse. He has written for MSNBC, The Business Insider and Passport Magazine. In regards to academics, Alton earned a degree from St. John’s University. Alton covers entertainment and culture stories here at Diving daily.