How to Unlock GOAT Builds in NBA 2K27
GOAT Builds in NBA 2K27 unlock through four paths: the GOAT Builds builder path (8 players, available from day one of Season 2), the Season 2 rewards track (3), REP (5) and Lifetime Challenges (2). This guide shows how to get each player, from easiest to hardest, with a checklist to track your unlocks.
Updated · Requirements from 2K's Season 2 Courtside Report
- 8Day one
- 3Season levels
- 5REP tiers
- 2Lifetime
All four unlock paths at a glance
Easiest to hardest: builder path, Season level, REP, Lifetime Challenges.
| Path | Requirement | GOAT Builds |
|---|---|---|
| Available immediately (8) | Builder path, from Oct 16 | Penny Hardaway, Gilbert Arenas, Klay Thompson, Carmelo Anthony, Andrei Kirilenko, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard |
| Season 2 Rewards (3) | Level 26 · Level 33 · Level 37 | Magic Johnson, Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant |
| REP (5) | REP Elite V · REP Elite VIII · REP Legend I | Ray Allen, Hakeem Olajuwon, Derrick Rose, Michael Jordan, LeBron James |
| Lifetime Challenges (2) | 300 Lifetime Challenges · 350 Lifetime Challenges | Anthony Edwards, Wilt Chamberlain |
Step 1: Grab a day-one GOAT Build (no grind)
Eight GOAT Builds are waiting in the builder path the moment Season 2 drops.
- Boot up NBA 2K27 on October 16, 2026.
- Open the MyPLAYER Builder and pick the new GOAT Builds path.
- Choose one of the eight and create the build.
Step 2: Level the Season 2 rewards track
Magic, Dirk and Young Kobe are main-track rewards at Levels 26, 33 and 37.
- Earn Season XP in The City, MyCAREER and MyTEAM.
- Claim each GOAT Build when you hit its level:
- Magic Johnson Season Lv 26
- Dirk Nowitzki Season Lv 33
- Young Kobe Season Lv 37
Along the way you also pick up Badge Slots, Bonus Badge Tokens and a +1 Cap Breaker at Level 40.
Do you need the Pro Pass?
No. According to the Courtside Report, the Pro Pass is "40 additional levels of NBA 2K27 rewards", and none of its Automatic or Premium rewards is a GOAT Build. It does add "bonus VC, XP, and Skill Boosts", so it can help you level faster, but it's a paid add-on. (2K doesn't actually call the main track "free", though.)
Step 3: Rep up
Five GOAT Builds sit on the REP ladder, from Elite V to Legend I.
- Check where your REP sits right now.
- Climb to the tier you need. In Season 2, Crew Divisions games give you a 25% REP boost.
- Each GOAT Build unlocks as soon as you reach its tier:
- Ray Allen REP Elite V
- Hakeem Olajuwon REP Elite V
- Derrick Rose REP Elite VIII
- Michael Jordan REP Elite VIII
- LeBron James REP Legend I
REP and your Season level are two different things. 2K hasn't said how many games each tier takes.
Step 4: Finish Lifetime Challenges
This is the real grind: 300 for Anthony Edwards, 350 for Wilt Chamberlain.
- Open your Lifetime Challenges and see how many you've already cleared.
- Keep knocking them out until you hit the number.
- Anthony Edwards 300 Lifetime Challenges
- Wilt Chamberlain 350 Lifetime Challenges
Do you need VC to unlock GOAT Builds?
No. Every unlock path is gameplay.
- The four paths are the builder path, Season levels, REP and Lifetime Challenges.
- The three Season GOAT Builds are in the main Season 2 rewards, not the Pro Pass.
- 2K hasn't said whether creating a GOAT Build costs VC, or what skipping Season levels costs. Any VC numbers you see online are rumors.
GOAT Build unlock checklist
Check off each one as you unlock it. Progress saves in this browser, no account needed.
0 of 18 unlocked
Available immediately
Season 2 Rewards
REP
Lifetime Challenges
FAQ
Which GOAT Builds are free right away?
Penny Hardaway, Gilbert Arenas, Klay Thompson, Carmelo Anthony, Andrei Kirilenko, Kawhi Leonard, Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard. All eight are in the GOAT Builds builder path the moment Season 2 drops.
What Season level unlocks Kobe in 2K27?
Level 37. Young Kobe is a Season 2 reward, after Magic Johnson at Level 26 and Dirk Nowitzki at Level 33.
What REP do you need for Michael Jordan's GOAT Build?
You need REP Elite VIII. Derrick Rose unlocks at the same tier.
What is the hardest GOAT Build to unlock?
Wilt Chamberlain (350 Lifetime Challenges) and LeBron James (REP Legend I) have the highest bars.
Do I have to complete 300 Lifetime Challenges to get any GOAT Build?
No. Only Anthony Edwards (300) and Wilt Chamberlain (350) need Lifetime Challenges. Eight GOAT Builds are free on day one, and the rest need Season levels or REP.
Can I buy GOAT Builds with VC?
2K hasn't listed a VC price. You unlock them by playing: the builder path, Season levels, REP and Lifetime Challenges. 2K also hasn't said what skipping Season levels costs, so treat any VC prices you see online as rumors.
Do I need the Pro Pass for Magic, Dirk or Young Kobe?
No. According to the Courtside Report, all three are in the main Season 2 rewards (Levels 26, 33, 37). The Pro Pass is "40 additional levels" on top, and none of its rewards is a GOAT Build. 2K doesn't actually call the main track "free", though.
Where our info comes from
Last updated . Most of what you read here comes straight from 2K: the 2K Newsroom Season 2 announcement and the Season 2 Courtside Report. Data tables use three tags: