2K and Visual Concepts are looking for graphical improvements with every new NBA 2K game and the upcoming iteration of the series is no different. A new shader allows NBA 2K26 to portray things like sweat on athletes' bodies and dehydration leading to small cracks forming on their lips. The stitching on uniforms will be visible, giving names and numbers on the jerseys more presence.

Improved lighting in arenas helps bring out these details on top of giving more of a shine to the court floors. Similar to what EA Sports has been trying to do with CFB and Madden, 2K delved deep into NBA lore and has included team-specific pre-game rituals to enhance the authenticity of the game.

In the same vein, the crowd model diversity has been expanded for NBA 2K26 with many fans wearing jerseys of curr

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