NBA 2K25 launches September 4 and packs in enhancements and features aimed at both seasoned hoop gamers and rookies alike. To prepare for tip-off I got some hands-on time with the new Learn 2K mode, which is perfect for newcomers like myself. The beginner-friendly mode teaches mechanics like Rhythm Shooting and Signature Go-To Shots, and the practice boosted my confidence to hold my own on the court. 

Master the fundamentals

As the NBA great Larry Bird once said, “First, master the fundamentals.” With the hands-on event being hosted at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame I decided to do as the greats do, kicking off the experience with a deep dive into basics in the new Learn 2K mode.

Though tutorial modes are present in some past NBA 2K games, Learn 2K is a comprehensive tutorial into nearly every facet of the game from shooting to off-the-ball movement and defense. This year’s tutorial mode breaks each category of gameplay down into three difficulty levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, giving the player full control over how deep they want their arsenal of moves to be. While getting my practice reps in, I learned how precise directional analog stick movement must be to execute these effortless-looking moves on the court.

Back to the playground

In addition to the Freestyle, Scrimmage, and Practice Plays modes typically grouped into tutorials, NBA 2K25 adds a fresh way to test your fundamentals with the new Mini-Games mode. Practicing your skills competitively while under less pressure makes Mini-Games a novel addition.

The Shooting Frenzy mini-game gives you an open court to freely practice your jump shot to rack up points. The Knockout mini-game took me back to my playground hooping days, adding a bit more pressure to make three-pointers on the first try. Fail, and you’re “knocked out” by the player behind you if they make their shot first.

One of the most challenging but rewarding mini-games was Dribble Speedrun, where you play as De’Aaron Fox with the goal of sprinting while performing dribble moves on command. The mini-game’s difficulty made for a tense but amusing time, and finally nailing Fox’s tight handles on cue is truly satisfying.

Rhythm of the game

I finished the hands-on experience with QuickPlay. I set up a battle of the California coast with the Golden State Warriors vs. the LA Lakers. The opening animations and gameplay depict the player’s faces and movements faithfully, with Pro Play using real-life game footage to translate into the game. In-game, some of the new mechanics I learned made my game feel formidable.

The new Rhythm Shooting mechanic is stimulating. Hopping into an actual game made me realize the need to learn the rhythm of each player’s shot to be successful. Once getting used to the quick release of Steph Curry, the tempo-based mechanic became intuitive and made me comfortable firing off shots from any range.

Signature Go-To Shots are another new mechanic that gives beginners a fluid way to put dribbling combos and shots together. By holding the right analog stick up, each player performs their unique dribble move that transitions into a jump shot. As a 2K rookie this feature let me easily mix up my offensive tactics, making me harder to guard. Before long I was seamlessly blending up opponents to put points on the board. 

NBA 2K25 goes deep for basketball strategists but gives entry points for newcomers to work on their game. After nearly six hours of playtime, the new Learn 2K mode and gameplay mechanics made greatness feel graspable. Mastering the fundamentals is key, and you’ll have your chance when NBA 2K25 launches September 4 on PS5 and PS4.