Here’s How to Shoot in “NBA 2K18” (Because They Changed It Again)

Like the shifting or the seasons, or the trading of Dwyane Wade, some things in life are inevitable.

You can add “changes to the shooting function in NBA 2K” to that list.

We previously complained about the fact NBA 2K17 had a “slightly more temperamental” shooting style than that of NBA 2K16, but in that case, we were talking more about controller sensitivity.

But for NBA 2K18, they’ve—quite literally—changed the game.

Let us break it down for you (and hopefully spare you several precious quarters of wasted gameplay, as one certain confused writer experienced…)

How It Used to Work

Way, way back in the day (we’re talking September 2016), NBA 2K17 debuted an updated shot system.

As with previous versions of the game, there sat a Stamina Bar under each player, which you could use to gauge the accuracy of your shot. As you held down the Square button (on PS4) or X button (on Xbox One), or moved the right thumbsticks, you would see the Stamina Bar fill up, before eventually diminishing.

The trick was to ensure you had a full Stamina Bar when you released the ball. If successful, it would glow green, promising a perfect shot.

Now, everything has changed.

How It Works in NBA 2K18

Are you sitting down? Okay, good. We regret to inform you the Stamina Bar is no longer used to demonstrate shot accuracy or force. So, if you spend too much time staring at it while trying to sink threes, you’re not going to have much luck.

Instead, there’s a brand-new Shot Bar that sits beside each player (although it only appears as you begin to take your shot—and never during layups).

It’s significantly smaller and shorter than the 2K17 Stamina Bar, so you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled and your reflexes sharp. However, a perfect ‘green’ shot isn’t solely based on timing, as it once was: It’s now based on how you’re positioned on the court (and your posture), combined with accurate timing. At the top of the screen, you’ll see a report on your ‘Release’ and your ‘Coverage’.

Take a look at these screengrabs of your faves to see the Shot Bar in action:

(To date, the 'Green' eludes this particular player.)

Thankfully, your controller will now also vibrate to indicate the best time to release your shot.

What this means is, going forward, players might wind up ignoring the Shot Bar completely, relying solely on their senses to become the eSteph Curry. How zen.

Need more? Let ol’ mate OG Almighty break it down for you:

Otherwise, best of luck on your NBA 2K18 journey, which features plenty of shaken-up teams (thanks to the trade-crazy offseason). Isiah Thomas, free from injury, is available to play on the Cavs! Cover star Kyrie Irving has had his uniform updated to Celtic white-and-green! Russell Westbrook is now joined in Oklahoma by Paul George! Enjoy testing out the new match-ups before the real-life season begins…

Read More:

How to Get Bonus VC in NBA 2K18

Photo: 2K Games