The NBA 2K21 demo has arrived, which gives players a great chance to get used to some of the gameplay features and changes in the game.
Here's everything you should know about the demo, from what to expect and the best way to download it!
Latest News - Shooting Hotfix is Live
While the NBA 2K21 demo features the normal difficult shot meter that NBA 2K21 launched with, there has since been a shooting hotfix for NBA 2K21 that makes shooting easier for players in most game modes and difficulties.
DAME LEVEL: The new shot meter is much easier to green with
The shooting will only retain its difficulty in The Neighborhood, and in above All-Pro difficulties.
Demo out now!
It's official, the NBA 2K21 demo is LIVE!
READ MORE: NBA 2K21 PRE-ORDER: Time is running out to get bonuses
The demo is available on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, and is going down well with fans so far!
How big is the demo?
Game sizes are on the up, so making sure you have enough room is vital to getting in on the action as quickly as possible.
IT'S LIVE! But it may take a while to download
The NBA 2K21 demo comes in at a massive 31.5GB so it will take some time to download...
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How to speed up download
Patience is a virtue, but if you're like us, you won't want to wait a minute longer to get your hands on the game!
With that in mind, you may want to switch to a wired connection for the download, which will give a more stable speed.
You should also hold off the temptation to stream a movie at the same time, which usually takes up a lot of bandwidth.
Available teams
There are four teams in the demo this year.
You can use the All-Time Lakers, featuring cover star Kobe Bryant, and their great rivals in the All-Time Celtics.
There is also the current Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers.
Our NBA 2K21 Review is in!
Knowledge is power!
Check our in-depth review of NBA 2K21, and discover how MyCAREER, MyTEAM and more expand the series and make it one of the best entries yet!
READ MORE: NBA 2K21 Review - New Features push the franchise to the next level
Keep reading for everything you need to know on the awesome demo!
NBA 2K21 gameplay changes
There have been several new tweaks to NBA 2K21 gameplay. The biggest one is a re-imagining of the Pro Stick.
COME AT ME: Chaining dribbles together will be key this year
2K has made pretty significant changes to how the Pro Stick will work. In a nutshell:
- Hold RS down = jump shot
- Hold RS left or right = escape dribble moves
- Hold RS up = signature size-ups
- Tap the RS = quick 1-to-1 dribble moves
- Tap the RS with Sprint held = quick momentum dribble moves
READ MORE: NBA 2K21 Badges: Changes are coming + one badge is gone!
This should greatly expand your dribble move arsenal and create a more intuitive control scheme. Moves are more chainable than ever too.
Shooting
A concept similar to 2K17's Shot Stick Aiming is making an appearance this year but has already undergone a shooting hotfix due to its difficulty for the casual audience.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: With the changes this year you'll need to put some time in on the court
In NBA 2K21, when you shoot with the new Pro Stick, the shot meter changes from a timing bar to a targeting system.
This means instead of trying to stop the shot meter when you reach the perfect release window, you adjust the Pro Stick in real time to hit the ideal center aim point.
READ MORE: NBA 2K21 Ratings Predictions: Milwaukee Bucks - Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton & more
On top of this, the new shot meter has presented too much difficulty for newer or casual players, so it has been reverted in most game modes and difficulties.