As one of the leading analysts when it comes to NBA 2K progression systems and mechanics, few questions surface more than "how do I change affiliation?"
After pouring endless hours into building up a player within their chosen faction, many reach a point where they yearn for a change of scenery – new home courts, new narrative arcs, new team identities, and new attribute focuses.
Trust me, I get it. I‘ve gone through the affiliation transfer process multiple times over my decade-plus grinding MyCareer. Sometimes you just need to mix things up!
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll provide everything you need to know about changing affiliations in NBA 2K23, along with expert insights into weighing up this big decision.
Affiliations – Gameplay and Identity Overview
Firstly, let‘s analyze the core focuses, strengths, and weaknesses of the four NBA 2K23 affiliations:
Beasts of the East
All-Around/Defensive
The gritty, blue-collar identity of the Eastern Conference. Expect bruising rebounders, lockdown perimeter defenders, effort and hustle.
Key Attributes: Interior Defense, Blocks, Offensive Rebounding, Stamina
Western Wildcats
Athletic/Dunking
Showtime dunkers and high flyers embodying the fast-paced, high-scoring Western Conference teams.
Key Attributes: Driving Dunk, Vertical, Speed with Ball, Acceleration
North Side Knights
Fundamentals/IQ
Skilled team players who favor fluid ball movement, BBIQ, positional mastery over raw athleticism.
Key Attributes: Pass Accuracy, Post Moves, Mid Range Shooting, Hands
South City Vipers
Isolation Scorers
Bucket getters who live for breaking ankles, hitting contested jumpers, carrying the scoring load alone.
Key Attributes: Shot Close, Steals, Ball Handle, Difficult Shots
| Affiliation | Playing Style | Key Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beasts of the East | Defensive/Rebounding | Interior D, Rebounding | Shooting, Playmaking |
| Western Wildcats | Athletic Dunkers | Vertical, Speed, Dunks | Defense, IQ |
| North Side Knights | Fundamentals/IQ | Passing, Positioning | Athleticism |
| South City Vipers | Isolation Scoring | Difficult Shots, Handles | Teamwork, Defense |
"As a spot-up shooter, I joined South City for the ball handling boosts to expand my game" ~ Power Forward, Level 40
Locating The Affiliation Transfer Centers
So you‘ve weighed up the decision and are set on a change of scenery. Here is exactly where you can find the four Affiliation Transfer Centers pinned around the MyCareer City map:
Beasts of the East – Tucked away up north by the docks and warehouses. Look for the BOTE banners and graffiti murals nearby.
Western Wildcats – Smack bang in the middle of the beachside party district down south. Spot the iconic Wildcat statue.
North Side Knights – Across the bridge north of the city center, next to the Knights‘ own armored mascot.
South City Vipers – Deep in downtown‘s warehouse district not far from the central courts. Just follow the Viper logos spraypainted on the walls.
I‘d advise using the convenient subway fast travel nodes to quickly make your way to the nearest transfer center.
Step-By-Step Affiliation Transfer Process
Here is the simple process once you‘ve arrived to officially switch factions:
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Locate the "Transfer Here" Sign or talk to the designated representative.
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Hit A/X to bring up the transfer prompt.
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Select your new affiliation from the list.
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An animation will play, solidifying your new allegiance!
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You‘ll spawn directly into your new affiliation‘s home courts and headquarters.
And it only takes a moment! Although the implications of this decision run much deeper…
"At first I was worried about losing my teammates and progress. But the transfer revived my passion for the grind and I met awesome new friends repping my new colors!" ~ Sharpshooter, Level 20
Weighing Up The Impacts of Transferring
While a simple process on the surface, transferring affiliations has significant effects on your MyCareer experience you should consider:
Lost Badge Progress
All badge points and progress associated with your original faction will vanish. For later game players, this can mean hundreds of hours of grinding.
Story/NPC Changes
Certain narrative characters and plot points may no longer make sense or be available after switching allegiances.
Affiliation Season Reset
Your previous affiliation seasonal goals and progression also reset. So you‘ll be starting from scratch working towards the new rewards.
Teammate Bonding Reset
The chemistry and relationship levels built up with affiliated teammates will reset – so you‘ll need to grind new connections.
Benefits of Transferring
However, there are also plenty of potential benefits:
- Alleviate boredom/burnout after extensive playthroughs
- Better match playstyles complementing new player builds
- Reconnect IRL friends or future Rec teammates
- Boost activity finding games/events during quiet periods
- Opportunity to rebuild and experiment again
"I moved South City to team up with my bro‘s new playshot build – our duo is carrying games!" ~ Glass Cleaning Lockdown, Level 40
Expert Tips For Smoothing Over Affiliation Transfers
With years locked into MyCareer under my belt, here are my top pro tips when it comes to transferring affiliations:
Research Thoroughly First
Dig into the forums, subreddit, YouTube to gauge activity levels, complaints etc. to find the best current fit affiliation.
Time it Well
Ideally transfer either very early before investing much grind into your original faction or alternatively very late once you‘ve squeezed everything out of it.
Build Around New Bonuses
Respec your player or create a new build catered towards your upcoming affiliation boosts.
Embrace the Fresh Start
Don‘t worry about lost progress. Enjoy rebuilding and the renewed grind. Explore, meet new characters, and light the competitive fire again!
Act Fast After Transfer
To mitigate chemistry/relationship losses, quickly network and squad up with new affiliated players.
And there you have the A-Z guide on switching up your MyCareer journey by transferring affiliations in NBA 2K23. For more tips and discussion, find me streaming daily on Twitch at MikeVeksNBA.
Let me know if this helps guide your decision – or if you have any other NBA 2K questions!
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