A Hoopful of NBA Ball Stars Tips

Recently released for mobile platforms, NBA Ball Stars is a match-3 game from Netmarble. Not only was it created in collaboration with the NBA (National Basketball Association) itself, but it features actual players - including 2019-20 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Ja Morant.

But you already know all of that, because you’re here to read some tips - so here they are!

When playing NBA Ball Stars, the goal is to build up percentage points in order to score a point, or reduce an opponent's shot percentage when you're on the defence. You do this by matching two or more gems. If you pop corresponding colour gems with a specific athlete, you can increase the shot percentage faster when you are on offense (or reduce the opponent's shot percentage faster when you are on defense)... and charge the player skills.

Players should also keep in mind 'Stat Advantages / Disadvantages', and 'Class Advantages / Disadvantages' when bursting gems. Even if you burst corresponding gems with specific athletes, you could still see bonuses or penalties depending on how strong you are against your opponent, and if your class can outperform your opponent's class. Class types include Mighty (Red) Athletes > Precise (Green) Athletes > Decisive (Yellow) Athletes > Rugged (Purple) Athletes > Agile (Blue) Athletes.

Be sure to experiment with your line-up across different in-game formations. Not only will athletes with lower OVR (Overall Rating) potentially receive a strong boost if they are in the right position and formation, but the higher your OVR compared to your opponent, the greater the advantage you have in Season, Versus, and Showcase games!

Make time to complete daily missions, as this gives important rewards like Cash, Equipment Tokens, and Duffel Bags – all of which you can use to upgrade your athlete roster. As you level up your GM level, be sure to increase your favourite athlete’s levels, as their maximum level is tied to the player’s GM level.

Players can compete in three gameplay modes - Season games, Versus games, and Showdown games. Both Versus and Showdown games require tickets which will recharge over time, while Season games have no requirement to play, except for bringing your best team possible. By completing all 82 games, players will receive a variety of rewards and can compete in the playoffs. Those who win the playoffs in the first season will receive a free 3-Star Kyrie Irving!

Those are our tips, we hope they help! So get out there and dunk some gems in NBA Ball Stars, out now for iOS and Android.