Carmelo Anthony fist pumping in NBA 2K26
Screenshot via NBA 2K

How to evolve a card in NBA 2K26 MyTeam and get your free evolution items

Power 'em up.

NBA 2K26 offers various ways to upgrade your MyTeam lineups, and evolutions allow you to improve a lower-rated card’s stats and base rating.

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Unlike other cards, evolution items have the unique feature to improve over time. Typically, all evolution cards can improve by two tiers. To do so, you’ll need to hit the upgrade conditions. This guide will help you master the basics and get your first evolutions rolling in MyTeam.

How to complete evolutions in NBA 2K26 MyTeam?

To begin the process, you’ll need to get evolution cards in NBA 2K26. I have explained the first steps in the following section.

  • Choose the card and check out the evolution requirements.
  • Evolution requirements vary between cards and their base rarities. Lower-rarity cards have simpler targets.
  • Put your card in the active lineup to complete the requirements.
Ben Wallace in NBA 2K26 MyTeam
Screenshot by Destructoid

Once done, go back to the card to complete the evolution, which will change the rarity of your item. If it has a second unlockable evolution, rinse and repeat the steps mentioned here.

How to get free evolution cards in NBA 2K26 MyTeam?

Once you begin your MyTeam journey, you’ll notice that no cards are eligible for evolutions in your collection. Yet, you’ll come across missions that reward you with a free Evolution Starter Option pack. To get this pack, you’ll need an event card.

To obtain this card, go to the Tutorial section from the MyTeam homepage. You’ll need to clear eight tutorial quests that lend you some decent starter cards. The 9th objective rewards you with the event card, which you can exchange for your starter evolution card. I went with Ben Wallace (as showcased in the screenshot above), but you can pick someone else based on the strengths and weaknesses of your squad.

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Image of Arka Sarkar
Arka Sarkar
Staff Writer