The NBA 2K25 Gameplay Reveal has arrived, showing off a new Dribble Engine, Offensive and Defensive improvements, enhanced AI logic, and a new tutorial mode. Powered by ProPLAY technology, NBA 2K25 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S (and now, PC) offers 9,000 new animations using real player data. Without further ado, let's take a look at the latest Courtside Report to see everything new in the upcoming NBA 2K title.
NBA 2K25 Gameplay Reveal – Everything You Need To Know
The biggest new change to NBA 2K25's Gameplay is the brand new Dribble Engine powered by ProPLAY. It creates “dynamic motion” using real-world NBA Footage to deliver a more authentic experience. The developers added 1,500 new dribbling animations, creating more diversity in player motion and keeping the gameplay fresh.
Speaking of ProPLAY, it returns to NBA 2K25, offering a ton of new animations across different areas of the game. NBA 2K25 features 1,100 signature shot animations from almost every rostered player from the 2023-2024 season. Additionally, NBA 2K25 offers more than 1,300 new off-the-ball animations, along with 150 new signature motion styles.
It's important to mention that ProPLAY, The City, The W, and MyNBA are all only available on the new-gen versions of the game. This includes PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Furthermore, Cross-Play returns once again, though is only available to PS5 and Xbox Series X players.
NBA 2K25 Gameplay Innovations
In terms of actual gameplay, NBA 2K25 offers several offensive innovations. A lot of the new ProPLAY animations are shot-based, and NBA 2K25 offers different ways to shoot, score, and dominate on offense.
Firstly, Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting is the newest way to shoot in NBA 2K. Instead of just holding down a button and releasing in the green, this new shooting system revolves around your rhythm. Timing still plays a role in your shots, but now you'll be looking for different cues as to when you should shoot. To do a rhythm shot, you hold the right stick down, and pull it up when your player reaches their set point.
Another shooting mechanic is the new Signature go to Shots. In this system, players hold the right stick up to do a sizeup sequence that connects to their jump shot. Almost every player in the NBA has their own unique signature shots, and the developers made sure to capture that with ProPLAY tech.
NBA 2K25 also features a new shot cancelling feature which lets you break out of any advanced shot at any time. Therefore, if you're about to make set up for a shot but something doesn't feel right, you can flick the right stick to make a new move and completely change your offensive strategy.
Lastly, NBA 2K25 features new Shot Timing profiles to help you acclimate to the gameplay style of your choice. If you're new to NBA 2K, you can set the shot timing profiles to low to help you learn how the game works. When you feel more confident in your shooting, increase the shot timing profiles and find what works best for you.
Defensive Innovations
But while offense wins games, defense wins championships, and NBA 2K25's gameplay features several new defensive improvements and systems.
Firstly, NBA 2K25's gameplay features a new defensive cut-off system that lets you change directions using the right stick. This let you slide laterally into position to cut off the offense's attack. This creates opportunities to disrupt their momentum, block their shot, or even steal the ball.
Furthermore, the Contest system received some changes in the form of a new dynamic weighting system. This “evaluates the impact” of defensive players at the beginning of a shot vs. the release. The game then calculates the proper coverage impact depending on various factors.
Improvements to AI
And while NBA 2K25's gameplay empowers the player with new moves, it also updated the AI as well. On all platforms, NBA 2K25 made updates to the AI in terms of Court Spacing, Offense, Defense, Coaching, and AI difficulty. Depending on the difficulty you play, you may see the AI deploy some of the new moves offered in NBA 2K25. If you're new to the series, it might be wise to practice and learn the new moves yourself. Thankfully, NBA 2K25 offers an extensive tutorial mode.
Brand New Mode – Learn 2K
Lastly, Learn 2K is a brand new mode that offers various tutorials in multiple ways to help you learn while staying entertained. 2K Learn features a ton of ways to learn the game you love across a variety of sub-modes:
- Beginner Tutorials – Learn the fundamental games
- Advanced Tutorials – Helps you learn full moveset in NBA 2K25
- Film Room – Watch videos and learn how to perform better
- Mini-Games
- Freestyle
- Practice Play
- Scrimmage
The NBA 2K series has seen plenty of changes and improvements in this year's installment alone. If you're a newcomer to the series or haven't played in awhile, we recommend trying out Learn 2K to catch up with everything new.
Overall, that includes everything new from the NBA 2K25 Gameplay Courtside Report. Between the new Dribble Engine and various gameplay innovations, there's a lot to be excited for. With the game releasing in just over one month
In other news, check out the NBA 2K25 cover athletes, which include Jayson Tatum, A'ja Wilson, and Vince Carter. Furthermore, if you still play NBA 2K24, try redeeming the latest locker codes for some free content. We look forward to learning more about NBA 2K25 prior to its launch in September.
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