With NBA 2K once again out in the world, players are learning just how many layers the game contains. From seemingly endless animation options and numerous side quests to a plethora of secret replica builds headlined by Michael Jordan, there is plenty to go around. And that’s before we take into account the badge system. So, that’s why we’re going to talk about what the best badges are in NBA 2K23.

Best Badges Guide for NBA 2K23

To begin, badge upgrades are broken up into four categories: Finishing, Shooting, Playmaking, and Defense/Rebounding. Players can earn badge points based on their performances, workout and practice drills, and so on. But at the end of the day, what makes a particular badge the best? Well, if we go back to our best dribble moves guide, it could be all about preference.

The best badges in NBA 2K23 are the badges that fit your player build, first and foremost. But before we get into all of that, let’s quickly mention all of the badges that make up each category.

Finishing (12 Badges Total)

  • Tier 1Aerial WizardBackdown PunisherDream ShakeDropstepperGiant SlayerMasherPost Spin TechnicianTier 2AcrobatFast TwitchFearless FinisherPro TouchTier 3 (Players must equip at least 10 points between Tiers 1 & 2 to unlock Tier 3)Slithery

Shooting (16 Badges Total)

  • Tier 1ClaymoreClutch ShooterComeback KidCorner SpecialistGuard UpMiddy MagicianSlippery Off-BallVolume ShooterTier 2AmpedCatch & ShootGreen MachineSpace CreatorTier 3 (Players must equip at least 10 points between Tiers 1 & 2 to unlock Tier 3)Agent 3BlindersDeadeyeLimitless Range

Playmaking (16 Badges Total)

  • Tier 1Ankle BreakerBreak StarterDimerFloor GeneralNeedle ThreaderPost PlaymakerSpecial DeliveryVice GripTier 2Bail OutHyperdriveQuick First StepUnpluckableTier 3 (Players must equip at least 10 points between Tiers 1 & 2 to unlock Tier 3)Clamp BreakerHandles For DaysKiller CombosMismatch Expert

Defense/Rebounding (12 Badges Total)

  • Tier 1Boxout BeastChase Down ArtistOff-Ball PestPogo StickPost LockdownRebound ChaserTier 2Ankle BracesMenacePick DodgerWork HorseTier 3 (Players must equip at least 10 points between Tiers 1 & 2 to unlock Tier 3)ChallengerClamps

All told, that’s a grand total of 60 badges. So, how do you go about picking out the best ones for your player? Well, take my current build, for example:

  • Slithery

  • Agent 3BlindersDeadeyeLimitless Range

  • Clamp BreakerHandles For DaysKiller CombosMismatch Expert

  • ChallengerClamps

I’m utilizing the replica “Chef” Steph Curry build here, so the potential is a deadeye shooter who can pass and drive effectively. Therefore, it makes sense to focus the energy on getting the most out of the Shooting and Playmaking badges. Of course, one doesn’t want to be entirely useless on defense.

If you’re using this or a similar build, your best options are likely to be in the shooting, playmaking, and defensive categories—on-the-ball defense, that is, not so much rebounding. Additionally, it’s probably smarter to avoid badges that enhance your post-game because how often are you going to realistically utilize post moves as a short guard?

This brings us to the other side: badges for the bigs. Naturally, if you’re building a bigger player, it would be smart to focus on post-related, defense-orientated, rebounding, and even screening badges. Start with some of those big ones as your base, then maybe start branching out to the shooting and playmaking categories a little more. Paying attention to a build’s attributes cap is of the utmost importance.

And if you’re trying to do it all, well, it’s going to be difficult to balance everything the 2K Player Build has to offer. That’s why it’s important to stick to it when you start. Make sure you go over every single option and how it could impact both you and your teammates on the court. Yes, there are a grand total of 60 badges to choose from—so why not choose the right ones?

That’s all we’ve got with regards to the best badges in NBA 2K23, basketball fans. Once more, choice is at the center of these decisions, and it is up to you to make the most of it. In the meantime, if you’re looking for more NBA 2K23-related content, then Twinfinite has got you covered. From guides answering how to go shirtless and how to challenge calls, not to mention the endless links below, this is the place to be.

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