NBA 2K21 is in full-swing, and that means some epic battles in The Park.
The Park is one of the best innovations in sports gaming, and has remained one of the most popular game modes in the NBA 2K series.
But despite this, The Park could use some updates that could really improve player experiences.
Latest News - Will Park Moves be Removed?
One signature aspect of Park gameplay in NBA 2K21 are Park moves, which add some theatrics to the court.
NEXT CHANGE?: Park moves could be on the chopping block in the future
A recent poll from NBA 2K Gameplay Director Mike Wang could point to these moves being moved to a new input system, or even removed in the future.
With Update 1.03 coming, we don't expect anything to happen so soon, but it's something Park regulars should look out for.
Lobbies
The Neighborhood in NBA 2K21 is an innovative experience that adds a social element to the world around The Park.
GOOD LUCK: Filling all of the courts in The Park is a big challenge with current lobbies
The problem however is with so many players entering The Neighborhood without any intention to play games in The Park, lobbies are limited to just a few games at a time. And worse, many of these courts are controlled by pre-made teams.
READ MORE: NBA 2K21 MyTEAM Beginner's Guide: New Game Modes & more
Increasing lobby size for The Park or separating it from the general Neighborhood would be a very welcomed change.
Matchmaking
The Park is an awesome place to try out your builds in a less competitive environment. At least it's supposed to be.
GIVE UP: When duos like this pull up in The Park, it's a big problem
Unfortunately with the way lobbies currently work, players of any and all OVRs can match together in the same lobby, and maxed out pre-made teams abuse this often to catch newer, weaker players.
READ MORE: NBA 2K21 MyCAREER: NCAA, Trailer, Cameos, Story & more
Even worse, newer players are often skipped over for games due to their rep or rating. That means finding a game is not only slow but extra challenging for new players.
READ MORE: NBA 2K21 COUNTDOWN: Pre-Load, Release Date, Demo & more
With some matchmaking control for Park lobbies, NBA 2K21 can balance the skill and OVR difference between teams. This could even factor in play time and pre-made status as a way to make better matchups.
Game Types
The Park allows for 3v3 and 2v2 games depending on the court you choose. More options could however open the game mode up even more.
SQUARE UP: More game types means finding the right fit for you
While the Rec offers the 5v5 most players might want, giving some 1v1 or possibly even the 3v3v3 score and stay on game type from MyCAREER practice would be a huge plus.
READ MORE: NBA 2K21 Demo: First Impressions, Graphics, Gameplay & more
This would obviously have to be combined with bigger lobbies to not slow things down. But in the end it could be an awesome way to shake things up.
Shooting Hotfix
One of the biggest complains from players for NBA 2K21 is the new shooting meter and its difficulty.
COMING IN HOT: The shooting hotfix gives players a break in most game modes, but not in The Park
For this reason, NBA 2K21 has received a shooting hotfix that readjusts how shooting works in the game.
READ MORE: NBA 2K21 REVIEW: New features elevate series to next level
While the shooting hotfix improves shooting for non-max difficulties, shooting will stay the same in The Park.
That means players can still get a break grinding their badges in MyCAREER, but will have to face the music of a more difficult shooting system when they hit The Park/The Neighborhood.