Tips for Levelling in NBA 2K19

Teammate rating screen.
The better you play, the more VC you can potentially earn per game.

NBA 2K19 plays a lot like an RPG. When you start MyCAREER, your MyPLAYER is underpowered, lacking key skills, and sitting at a low overall rating. Your goal? Reach 99 overall and dominate the court. But getting there requires VC (Virtual Currency), smart training, and efficient stat upgrades. Here are some tips for levelling in NBA 2K19 to help you achieve that goal.

Fastest Ways to Earn VC and Level Up in NBA 2K19

1. The Quickest (But Costliest) Method – Buy VC

VC for sale in the shop.
If you want to avoid training all together, your best approach is to buy VC. This will save you time in the long run.

If you want to skip the grind, you can purchase VC directly from the in-game store. While it’s the fastest way to level up, it’s also expensive. Here are the VC bundle options:

  • 5,000 VC
  • 15,000 VC
  • 35,000 VC
  • 75,000 VC
  • 200,000 VC
  • 450,000 VC

Since upgrading attributes gets more expensive as you level up, reaching 99 overall takes a LOT of VC. If you want to spend as little as possible, you’ll need to earn VC efficiently through gameplay.

2. Play Well in Games – Maximize Your VC Earnings

Your in-game performance determines how much VC you earn. To maximize earnings, focus on:

Teammate Grade – Play smart to boost your grade by:

  • Making good passes & avoiding turnovers.
  • Playing tight defense (getting blocks & steals).
  • Taking open shots & making them.
  • Boxing out for rebounds.
  • Setting screens for teammates.

Stats & Performance – Put up numbers that match your build’s strengths. Scoring, rebounding, assists, and defensive plays all contribute to VC earnings.

The better you play, the more VC you earn per game!

3. Maximize Your NBA Salary

Your NBA contract determines how much VC you make per game. Early in MyCAREER, focus on:

  • Negotiating for higher VC per game (even if it means fewer incentives).
  • Signing with a team that pays well rather than just your favorite team.

A higher salary means faster upgrades, so choose wisely!

4. Avoid Unnecessary VC Purchases

76ers Baja Hoodie.
This Baja Hoodie costs the same as four attribute points in layups for my MyPLAYER.

VC is best spent on upgrading attributes, not cosmetics. Early on, avoid buying:

  • Clothing (NBA Store, Swag’s, etc.)
  • Accessories & Shoes
  • Animations (unless they directly improve your gameplay)

Tip: Once you’re consistently earning good VC, you can start splurging on customization items.

5. Spin the Daily Prize Wheel for Free VC

Daily Prize Wheel.
In the Ante Up building you can play in VC wager matches and spin the Daily Prize wheel.

Inside the Ante Up building, you can spin the Daily Prize Wheel once per day. Potential rewards include:

  • Free VC
  • Apparel & Shoes
  • Temporary Attribute Boosts

Always check in daily for a free boost to your VC earnings.

6. Earn VC from Endorsements & Incentives

Endorsement Deal.
Increase the amount of fans you have to improve your endorsement deals.

As you gain fans, you’ll unlock endorsement deals that provide extra VC. To maximize endorsement earnings:

  • Play well & increase your fanbase.
  • Choose endorsements with the best payout.
  • Add incentives (e.g., extra VC for scoring 20 points or getting 5 assists).

Hit your incentives every game to stack up extra VC!

Boosting Your MyPLAYER’s Stats & Badges

7. Buy Boosts for Temporary Stat Increases

Buying a boost.
The Buy Boost Stand sells a number of player boosts.

At the Boost Stand near the Pro-Am Team Arena, you can purchase temporary attribute boosts for a set number of games.

Boosts are useful in competitive modes like Park or Rec Center since they improve performance, leading to more wins, higher VC earnings, and faster badge progress.

8. Train at the Team Practice Facility (Unlock & Upgrade Badges Faster)

Gatorade Training Facility.
You can train your MyPLAYER at the Gatorade Training Facility.

Badges are crucial in NBA 2K19. They enhance skills and provide key advantages over opponents.

How to Level Up Badges Quickly:

  1. Visit the Team Practice Facility regularly.
  2. Choose the badge you want to train.
  3. Complete drills (4 per day) to earn Badge Points.
  4. Aim for three-star completion to earn the maximum points per drill.

Prioritize badges that fit your playstyle. For example, Sharpshooters should focus on the Catch & Shoot badge.

8. Train at the Team Practice Facility (Unlock & Upgrade Badges Faster)

Badges are crucial in NBA 2K19. They enhance skills and provide key advantages over opponents.

How to Level Up Badges Quickly:

  1. Visit the Team Practice Facility regularly.
  2. Choose the badge you want to train.
  3. Complete drills (4 per day) to earn Badge Points.
  4. Aim for three-star completion to earn the maximum points per drill.

Prioritize badges that fit your playstyle. For example, Sharpshooters should focus on the Catch & Shoot badge.

Neighborhood Events – Bonus XP & VC Opportunities

NBA 2K19’s Neighborhood has special event days that offer 2x VC, MyPoints, and badge progress.

Neighborhood Events Include:

  • Reese’s Puffs Crunch Hour (2x VC and MyPoints)
  • Trivia (earn VC by answering NBA-related questions)
  • Court Conqueror (beat AI teams for VC rewards)
  • Gold Rush (VC wager matches with big payouts)
  • Dodgeball and Red/Blue Ball (fun side activities for extra VC)

Check in regularly to take advantage of these events.

Final Tips for Reaching 99 Overall Faster

  • Grind efficiently by maximizing VC earnings per game.
  • Upgrade key attributes first before secondary ones.
  • Use daily rewards like the Daily Prize Wheel and challenges.
  • Train at the Team Practice Facility to upgrade badges faster.
  • Take advantage of boosts and 2x VC events for quicker progress.

By following these strategies, you’ll level up your MyPLAYER faster, unlock badges efficiently, and earn VC without unnecessary grinding.

If you have more tips for levelling in NBA 2K19, share them in the comments below.

 

enricofairme

Enricofairme, founder of Hold to Reset, has spent over six years creating in-depth gaming guides, reviews, and news for a global audience. Passionate about gaming trends and player experiences, he covers everything from AAA titles to indie gems. Follow him on X for real-time gaming updates and insights.

3 responses

  1. John Wood says:

    Team Practice: Drills are limited to 4 per day instead of the aforementioned 3.

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