NBA 2K25 has made some significant improvements to its engine and gameplay that will help make it a more immersive experience for basketball fans. Part of the new changes is thanks to 2K’s continued expansion of their ProPLAY-fueled gameplay. This has helped make improvements to the way the game looks and feels. It won’t be a surprise if these new features make this one of the best NBA 2K games.

In addition to ProPLAY content, NBA 2K25 is also getting an overhaul to several major gameplay mechanics that will improve players’ offensive and defensive strategies. Other gameplay improvements will also make the game easier to play, and are features that some players have been asking for. Overall, these changes are an exciting look at what NBA 2K25 has in store, and how it will set itself apart from previous 2K titles.

NBA 2K25 Continues To Expand On ProPLAY Animations

ProPLAY Records Real Players And Translates Their Movements To Gameplay

Starting with NBA 2K24, the series began using 2K’s ProPLAY system to create its gameplay. This technology allows 2K to record actual NBA footage and translate players’ movements into the game. This creates a much more authentic feel, and can help capture each player’s individuality.

Now, NBA 2K25 is expanding on the work that was already done by the previous game by adding over 9000 new ProPLAY animations. This includes 1,500 dribbling animations, 1,300 off-ball animations, and 1,100 signature shots for players. This drastic increase in the number of ProPLAY animations will help the game feel that much more like players are actually experiencing an NBA game populated by their favorite players, instead of a group of what feels like the same guy wearing different jerseys.

The signature shots are probably the highlight here. Nearly every NBA player who played in the 2023-2024 season will have their own signature shot that players can use in the game. They can access the shot through a new dribble-into-shot combo. Thanks to ProPLAY, each of these signature shots will feel unique to each player, and will reflect that player’s current shooting style – and this isn’t the only major improvement to dribbling coming in 2K25.

NBA 2K25 Introduces The First New Dribble Engine In 15 Years

The New Engine Allows For More Movement Options

The NBA 2K series has been using the same dribbling engine since NBA 2K10. Now, for the first time in 15 years, this is getting an entire overhaul, thanks to ProPLAY. This allows for much more realistic and precise movements that wasn’t possible in any of the previous NBA 2K titles.

Apart from general movement, the new dribble engine allows for some interesting offensive and defensive maneuvers. Players with the ball can now unleash explosive drives inspired by real NBA players’ movements to help get past defenders. Defending players who are able to anticipate this also have new tools for guarding the ball-carrier. Players can use the right stick to quickly change directions and shut down an offensive drive, so long as they are quick enough to match their opponent.

Reworked Shooting Makes NBA 2K25’s Offense More Dynamic

The Game Offers A Wide Variety Of Customized Shooting Options

Aside from dribbling and movement, offense also has some new shot mechanics that will make it easier to hit shots. As a counterpart to the new signature shots, NBA 2K25 is also introducing shot cancelling. This is a way for players to cancel one of their dribble-into-shot combos if they decide shooting isn’t the best option for them. When a player goes up for a shot, they simply need to flick the right stick to transition into movement that will help them switch up their strategy. This allows a seamless transition into another move if the shot opportunity looks bad.

Another major change to offense is NBA 2K25’s new shot timing profiles. In response to some players expressing frustration with the increased difficulty of shooting in NBA 2K24, NBA 2K25 is allowing players to decide what style of shooting works best for them. Players can choose a Shot Timing Profile from the settings menu which will determine the style of shooting that they want to use.

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The first profile is called Real Player Percentage which bases the likelihood that a shot will go on in the player’s stats, instead of on the player’s timing of the shot. This is the most basic style of shooting and doesn’t require precise timing on the player’s part. However, this setting does take some control out of the hands of the player, so more experienced players may want to try one of the more advanced profiles.

On the Low setting for Shot Timing Profiles, players’ timing will have a small impact on the result of the shot but still won’t be as much of a determining factor as stats. Normal is a good mid-ground for players who are more confident in their timing, but still want a bit of leeway. Finally, a High rating on the Shot Timing Profile will mean that players can guarantee their shot will go in, but only if they hit a very small window of opportunity.

This makes shooting much more accessible for less experienced players, while giving veteran players an opportunity to make their skill have a major impact on their game. The middle stages on the Shot Timing Profiles are also a good way for players who want to transition from using the more basic shooting styles to the more advanced ones as they get more of a hang of things. This ability to customize one’s experience is a major step up for how shooting works in NBA 2K25.

NBA 2K25 has also added an entirely new way to shoot the ball that is different from just using a button to shoot. Players can now opt to use Pro-Stick Rhythm shooting. Players who choose this option will pull back the right stick to set up a shot, then mimic the rhythm of the player’s shot on the way up. The closer players are to matching the timing, the more likely their shot is to go on. This provides yet another way for skilled players to test themselves for a chance at an increased scoring percentage.

Changes To AI And Court Sizes Make It Easier To Move

The Court To Player Size Ratio Has Been Increased

There have also been some quality of life improvements made to NBA 2K25 to address some issues with previous games. The first change made was an improved system for AI players’ spacing. There are now a variety of different places AI players know to go based on where the player is, making it less likely that AI will get in the way of a play.

Another way that NBA 2K25 improves the player’s ability to maneuver on the court is by changing the size ratio between players and the court. This adds more open space on the court for players to move around. This is something NBA 2K players have been requesting for some time, so it’s nice to see it being addressed.

Overall, these new changes to NBA 2K25 seem like exciting improvements to the game. There are nice changes for both experienced players and those who may be picking up the game for the first time. Players will have to wait for the game to be released on September 6, 2024, to see how these changes affect their game.

NBA 2K25

Released

September 6, 2024

Developer(s)

Visual Concepts

Publisher(s)

2K Games