NBA 2K25: Everything You Need to Know!

NBA 2K25 is out and as gathered mixed reactions from the NBA 2K community.

The title introduced some interesting new features, implemented new game modes, and The City was rebuilt. Despite the many flaws the game as it also delivered the most realistic gameplay in franchise history.

This article has everything players need to know about NBA 2K25, including the cover star, editions, gameplay changes, ratings, and more.

NBA 2K25 Release Date

The new title in the NBA 2K franchise was released on 6 September.

Every NBA 2K title since NBA 2K18 had been released in the first ten days of September, so it made sense to see NBA 2K25 follow that tradition

NBA 2K25 Cover Star

Jayson Tatum is the face of NBA 2K25, as the Boston Celtis superstar is the cover star of the NBA 2K25 Standart Edition.

A'ja Wilson graces the cover of the NBA 2K25 WNBA Edition, which, just like last year's one, is only available in North America at GameStop.

Both players are featured on the cover of the NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition, making history as the first dual-league NBA 2K cover, hopefully, the first of many.

But that isn't all, as Future Hall of Famer, and NBA legend, Vince Carter, is the cover of the NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition. This was a special moment for Carter, who said the following:

"Being named a cover athlete would have always been a special moment for me, but it is a particular honor to be on the cover of the NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition"

NBA 2K25 Editions

NBA 2K25 has four editions, Standard Edition, WNBA Edition, All-Star Edition, and Hall of Fame Edition.

The NBA 2K25 Standard Edition costs £69.99 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, £59.99 for PC, and £49.99 for the Nintendo Switch.

The NBA 2K25 WNBA Edition costs $69.99, but is only available in North America and can only be purchased at GameStop. It's available for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S platforms.

When it comes to the NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition, it costs £89.99 and is available for the PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. This edition includes a plethora of perks and is the second most expensive NBA 2K25 edition.

Last but not least, the NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition is available for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC, for the modest price of £129.99. It's worth noting that, this edition includes all the perks of the All-Star Edition, plus some exclusive rewards, such as a 12-Month NBA League Pass Subscription

NBA 2K25 Gameplay Improvements

The NBA 2K25 gameplay deep dive announced many new features as well as significant improvements to old ones. Authenticity, customization, and accessibility are the three pillars of NBA 2K25, and all the new and revamped features had that in mind.

ProPlay was significantly improved, with more than 9000 new animations being introduced, making the game more authentic than ever.

A new dribbling engine was also introduced, with 2K leaving the one they had been using for the past 15 years, which is also part of 2K's goal of making NBA 2K25 as authentic as possible.

Major shooting changes were added to the game, with new features such as shot canceled, shot timing, custom visual cues, Pro Stick Rhythm shooting, and signature shoots. These features cover all of the three pillars of the game, making shooting in NBA 2K25 more authentic, accessible, and customizable.

Defense also underwent some changes, to give on-ball defenders more options, while also revamping the contest system to make it more realistic. The AI was also improved, which will affect all layers of gameplay, such as offense, defense, court spacing, coaching, and AI difficulty.

When it comes to accessibility, 2K went above and beyond, creating the Learn 2K game mode, which includes beginners and advanced tutorials. This aims to make it easier for players who are new to the franchise, or basketball in general, to learn the game.

NBA 2K25 MyCAREER & MyPLAYER New Features

NBA 2K25 introduced new features to MyCAREER & MyPLAYER, making the mode more immersive and enjoyable.

The MyPLAYER builder was revamped and it now allows players to preview all of the aspects of their build, including badges, jump shot animations, dunk packages, signature animations, Takeovers, and more.

The badge system also suffered some huge alterations in NBA 2K25, with the game now only having 40 badges, the badge regression system being removed, and the introduction of badge elevators, which allow players to increase specific attribute ratings, and also boost their badges.

Badges are much more impactful in NBA 2K25, despite there being way fewer than last year, and players can feel their effect much more during games, making the gameplay more immersive. There is also a new badge level, called Legend, which is higher than Hall of Fame badges and provides incredible attribute boosts.

When it comes to MyCAREER, the mode introduced the Heart of a Dynasty feature, which is similar to the G.O.A.T rankings of NBA 2K24. Players battle to win championships and climb the Dynasty rankings.

Players also have the chance to play the four most important games in their journey to the NBA, which include college and FIBA games. It's a flashback story that gives players more information about their journey to the NBA.

MyTEAM Changes

Some exciting features were added to MyTEAM in NBA 2K25.

Three new game modes, Triple Threat Park, Breakout, and Showdown, were added to the mode, providing more ways for online and offline players to enjoy it.

The Auction House returned to the mode, which left NBA 2K fans ecstatic. Furthermore, the MyTEAM UI was revamped, with the menus being streamlined to make it easier for players to navigate them.

The City Received Huge Changes

NBA 2K25 introduced massive changes to The City, revamping existing modes, introducing a new one, and condensing The City map.

This makes it easier for players to navigate The City, and access its game modes. At the same time, it gives players more things to do in The City, which makes the mode more enjoyable to play.

The MyCOURT and the iconic NBA 2K15 MyPARKAs returned, giving players even more ways to enjoy the mode. Affiliations are also back, with each one introducing a unique, and aesthetically pleasing, new park.

These changes make The City a more entertaining and enjoyable game mode and are a step in the right direction.

NBA 2K25 Top Ten Player Ratings

There were some surprises in the highly awaited NBA 2K25 top ten ratings list. Nikola Jokić occupies the throne, with a 97 OVR, the same rating as Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, which generated a lot of discussion.

The top ten includes some surprises, with players fans weren't expecting to see ranked so high, and others users think don't deserve to be on the list at all.

As usual, the NBA 2K community went back and forth discussing the top ten player ratings.

NBA 2K25 Game Modes

NBA 2K25 includes six game modes, which are:

MyTEAM, MyCAREER, and The City, a sub-mode of MyCAREER, are the most popular game modes of the NBA 2K franchise, and they return in NBA 2K25. Despite not being as popular, MyNBA, and The W, are also back, as both modes are now a staple of the NBA 2K franchise.

All of the modes introduced new features and slight improvements, with MyTEAM receiving the most significant changes, while MyNBA has brought back the beloved MyGM mode to the current generation.

The W has also added some new features, but they didn't have that much of an impact on the mode, especially when it comes to the immersion and entertainment aspects.

The City underwent design changes, introduced a new game mode, and most of the existing game modes were revamped. NBA 2K goal was to deliver a better gaming experience to players.

With the addition of proving grounds, a competitive mode where players can showcase their skills in various game types, and climb the leaderboards to earn great rewards, The City continues to be the best mode to compete online.

2K added some solid features to the MyTEAM mode, but the MyCAREER changes weren't great. This is disappointing, as fans wanted to see significant improvements to both modes.

Players have voiced their discontentment about both modes being pay-to-win, especially in NBA 2K24. Unfortunately, microtransactions continue to play a big role in both modes.

The Mamba Moments mode didn't return, nor is there a new mode replacing it. Despite the chance to do something similar with a game mode about Shaquille O'Neal, Larry Bird, or Magic Johnson, 2K opted to pass on that.

This is everything players need to know about NBA 2K25, the latest entry in the NBA 2K franchise.