Feature deep dive

How to get started in NBA 2K25

There are more ways than ever to play NBA 2K, from building your own legendary team and leading them to glory, to challenging friends in online pick-up games. Our quarter-by-quarter guide is here to help get you off the bench and into the action.

First quarter

Get to grips with the fundamentals

Learn 2K

If you’re completely new to NBA 2K or have just been a spectator, you may need to learn basic moves and controls. If so, head to Learn 2K. This beginner-friendly mode is where you can learn basic movement and different shot types, as well as play mini-games and practise a variety of scenarios.

You’ll also get to grips with various new gameplay mechanics – which may even give you an edge over seasoned NBA 2K players.

Learn 2K - Stepback

Learn 2K - Shootaround

Learn 2K - Post shimmy fade

Learn 2K - Knockout shooting

Learn 2K - Breakdown

Play now

With a host of new skills to flaunt, you’ll want to start putting your plays to the test, throw down thunderous dunks and dominate rival teams in Play Now.

In Quick Play, simply choose a team to play as and boom, you’re ballin’. NBA Today is where you’ll find up-to-date gameplans and line-ups for squads (including players out with injury), and Eras Quick Play provides a fun throwback experience where you can choose to play with iconic teams from glory days.

You can also start local and online multiplayer matches from here, or if you're looking for some fast-paced action, hit the streets for a game of Blacktop. Set your match parameters and make it rain.

Second quarter

Become the biggest name in NBA and WNBA history

MyCAREER

Nothing beats gaining experience like starting at the bottom, and in the MyCAREER mode you’ll do just that. Create a player – in your own likeness if you prefer – and express yourself with a huge variety of gear and customisations.

The attributes you select and assign to your player come together in what’s referred to as a Build, and the MyPLAYER Builder gives you the power to create whatever type of player you want. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry – you can choose from various presets.

MyPLAYER Build options

If you know exactly where your strengths lie on the court, this is the Build for you. Choose your position, vital statistics and fine tune your Attribute Potential to your heart’s content.

Decide your player name, jersey number and handedness, select your preferred position and Best Skill (such as Playmaking, Inside Scoring, Outside Scoring, Defence, Balance etc.) and you’ll be presented with a range of well balanced, pre-built templates that best match your playstyle.

Choose from 40 different Builds to emulate current and past NBA stars, including Steph Curry, Lebron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo and more. These Builds come with signature animations and pre-assigned attributes, and make a great option if you’re unsure where to start with creating a MyPlayer from scratch.

Available from Season 2 of NBA 2K25, Community Builds spotlight MyPLAYER creations made by some of the best players in the game. Using these templates may give you a glimpse of what it takes to compete at the highest levels of online play.

Once your MyPLAYER has been created, catch up on your backstory through a series of flashback games and set out on a unique story as you start your rookie season in the NBA.

In NBA 2K25, the MyCAREER storyline takes you on a journey to surpass the achievements of NBA royalty. From Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, the dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, to the high-powered Golden State Warriors featuring Steph Curry and Kevin Durant, take to the court and create the greatest dynasty in history.

Work your way through a variety of Quests to earn a regular spot on your team’s roster, secure endorsement opportunities, build your fan base by participating in podcasts and shape your own career narrative by participating in press conferences.

*Explore the Neighbourhood on PS4

Explore The City

Away from the roar of the crowds, explore The City* - an immersive, basketball-centric open-world environment. Seek out this year's centralised hub, Boulevard of Stars, for easy access to different game modes, shops featuring items from iconic brands to kit out your MyPLAYER, and your base of operations, MyCOURT.

MyCOURT is the best place to hone your skills between your adventures in The City. You can work on your shooting and dribbling in a freestyle environment - either on your own or with a ball machine - or invite friends and MyCAREER teammates to join you for various games, like 1v1, 3v3, HORSE, and more.

In addition, MyCOURT now has new Difficulty Settings so that you can practise within the specifications as your favourite game modes to fine-tune your game before you are ready to compete.

*Explore the Neighbourhood on PS4

The W

With distinctive gameplay and exciting career progression, The W offers a MyCAREER-style experience based in the WNBA.

In the Pursuit of Greatness mode, the scene is set for you to earn GOAT status. Rewrite the history books as you tip off against legends, set new records and make your way through six tiers of challenges. Track your progress with new visualisations as you chase the next player on the GOAT list.

New to The W in NBA 2K25, shape your own career by sharing your aspirations and celebrating successes in press conferences, and earn tiered cosmetic rewards based on your contribution to Community Goals.

If you’re up for the challenge, head online to a stunning new outdoor court in a forest grove, where you can play 3v3 multiplayer games amidst a gorgeous backdrop of redwood trees.

Third quarter

Build your dream squad

MyTEAM

By now, you’ll have learned what it takes for an individual to create their own dynasty. Now, take it to the next level in the fan-favourite card-collecting mode, MyTEAM.

Create your dream line-up of players from all eras and take the league by storm by earning upgrades for your team and facilities. Play in a wide variety of game modes such as Breakout, Showdown or King of the Court, or create your own matches with unique win conditions and game formats.

Earn rewards across all MyTEAM modes by spending MTP in the returning Auction House to buy and sell your favourite player cards. Card packs that contain a random assortment of cards can also be purchased in the Player Market.

MyTEAM and MyCAREER are updated every season with new items, cards and rewards. Keep playing regularly to make sure you don’t miss out.

Final quarter

Make the move to management

MyGM

If you find yourself watching games and questioning the decisions made by the GM of your favourite team, MyGM is the place to put your money where your mouth is.

Decide on your GM origin story, whether that’s as an ex-scout or a retired professional player, make the hard calls and define the success of your team with your own management style.

New to NBA 2K25 on PS5, MyGM Building takes your responsibilities to the next level by giving a new space to explore and catch up with key players around the organisation, including consulting the Head Coach about strategy or checking in with the Chief Financial Officer about the financial health of the team.

Overtime

Relive defining moments from golden eras

Eras

Throughout the history of the NBA, there have been moments of true greatness that will never be forgotten. The Eras mode in MyNBA lets you start your league during these iconic periods with the players, coaches and teams just as they were at the time. You can lead your team to victory – or try and rewrite history – across the returning Eras of Magic vs. Bird, Lebron James, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, as well as the Steph Curry Era, new to NBA 2K25.

Platform:
PS4, PS5
Release:
4/9/2024
Publisher:
2K
Genres:
Sport
Voice:
English
Screen Languages:
Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, French (France), German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish
To play this game on PS5, your system may need to be updated to the latest system software. Although this game is playable on PS5, some features available on PS4 may be absent. See PlayStation.com/bc for more details.

Purchase or use of this item is subject to SEN Terms of Service and User Agreement.

The above information is subject to change without prior notice.

This game/content may not be available in some countries and regions and in some languages.

The above information is subject to change without prior notice.

This game/content may not be available in some countries and regions and in some languages.

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