If you’ve been grinding in NBA The Run’s fast-paced 3v3 arcade mode, you’ve probably noticed that not every character is waiting for you at the jump. While the game drops you into the action with over 30 playable characters from the start, there’s a deeper roster of ten locked ballers — and unlocking them changes how you approach the court entirely.
These hidden characters aren’t just cosmetic swaps. Each one brings unique stats that can shift your trio’s chemistry, from speed demons to paint monsters. And according to the game’s official reward system, unlocking them also unlocks other perks along the way.
Here’s the full breakdown of how to unlock every character in NBA The Run, what ranks matter, and how to farm Cred without pulling your hair out.
Five Characters Unlocked by Ranking Up
The first batch of unlockable characters are non-NBA originals — street ball legends and fictional standouts. You can’t buy them; you have to earn them by playing. Here’s the rank threshold for each:
- Shen Tong – Rank 5
- Destiny Jackson – Rank 15
- El Gigante – Rank 25
- Spin Cycle – Rank 35
- Bobbito Garcia – Rank 45
To check your progress, head to the Profile section. The game automatically lands on the Rank Unlocks page, where you can see your current rank and what’s coming next. There are 50 ranks total, each offering rewards — but these five characters are the main draws for street ball fans.
How Ranking Up Works
You rank up by earning XP through gameplay. Longer tournament runs reward more XP, so staying alive in bracket-style modes is key. The more you play — and win — the faster you climb. Each new rank also grants Cred, the in-game currency used in the Shop.
Five Rookie NBA Stars Available in the Shop
Beyond the street ballers, there are five throwback NBA rookie variants you can unlock with Cred. Each costs 5,000 Cred:
- LeBron James ’03 – 5,000 Cred
- Stephen Curry ’09 – 5,000 Cred (or included in Deluxe Edition)
- Kevin Durant ’07 – 5,000 Cred (or included in Deluxe Edition)
- Luka Dončić ’18 – 5,000 Cred (or included in Deluxe Edition)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ’18 – 5,000 Cred
If you purchased the Deluxe Edition, you get Curry, Durant, and Dončić’s rookie variants automatically — plus 1,000 Cred as a starting bonus. That means you only need to grind for LeBron and SGA, which shaves 10,000 Cred off your total. To buy all five without the Deluxe Edition, you’ll need to earn 25,000 Cred.
Earning Cred Efficiently
Cred comes from playing matches and ranking up. You can also use it for taunts, cosmetics, and badges — but if your goal is a full roster, prioritize saving. Dedicated players report that focusing on tournament runs gives the fastest Cred per hour, though the devs haven’t confirmed exact rates.
Fans online have noted that the rookie variants feel noticeably different from their modern counterparts — LeBron ’03 is faster but less polished, Curry ’09 has a quicker release but shorter range. That variety makes the grind worth it for players who want to experiment with different play styles.
The team has not confirmed whether future updates will add more unlockable characters, but based on the current 50-rank system, it’s possible. For now, this is the complete roster of hidden characters.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect fit for your trio or just want to collect them all, the path is clear: play hard, rank up, and save your Cred. See you on the court.
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