All new gameplay features in NBA 2K25
2K GamesThe NBA 2K25 Courtside Report shined a light on all the new gameplay features coming to the latest installment in the franchise.
For its newest iteration, 2K have made several changes to core mechanics such as dribbling, shooting, and defensive movement. All of these tweaks, combined with new features, aim to breathe new life into the NBA 2K experience.
On that note, here are the new gameplay features to look forward to in NBA 2K25.
Every gameplay change in NBA 2K25
- New ProPlay animations
- Dribble Engine
- Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting
- Shot Canceling
- Defensive Movement
New ProPlay animations
2K GamesNBA 2K24 saw the debut of ProPlay, a new animation system that saw a move away from motion-captured animations to more realistic movements directly translated from real-life NBA footage. In NBA 2K25, the devs are building on ProPlay further by introducing 9,000 new animations, including 1,500 dribbling animations, 1,100 signature shot animations, and over 1,300 off-the-ball animations.
These new animations aim to provide a more authentic experience, as players will move just like they do in real life. Whether it’s their free throw form or dribble moves, all players should feel more unique on the court.
Dribble Engine
NBA 2K25 will feature a brand-new Dribble Engine built from the ground up. The devs have even labeled the new inclusion as the “most amazing upgrade” to the gameplay engine in 15 years.
The new system leverages the power of ProPlay to produce animations that look more like how players dribble in real life. In previous titles, dribble movements were dictated by manually programmed, pre-scripted animation transitions. However, with the expansion of ProPlay in NBA 2K25, dribbling with the ball will feel more authentic than ever.
The Dribble Engine generates dynamic motion from real-world NBA footage to mirror how players move in real life. Whether its slowly progressing up the court or launching into gaps, dribbling feels more lifelike and consistent.
Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting
Pro Stick Rhythm Shooting is a new shooting method requiring players to match their inputs with the animation. Instead of pressing and releasing the shot stick, you’ll need to first pull the stick down to start the shot. After this, you’ll have to closely watch the animation and push the stick up once the player reaches their set point.
The up-down motion of the shot stick has to line up with the timing of the shot’s release. This new shooting method lets you mimic your favorite star’s signature shooting motion more intuitively. It also goes hand-in-hand with the new Signature Go-To Shots for players like Jayson Tatum, SGA, Steph Curry, and more.
From the Dribble Breakdown to triggering the Signature Shot, these sequences should feel more immersive than before.
Shot Canceling
The new Shot Canceling feature lets you break out of any advanced shot at any time to transition into other moves and leave opposition players dazed. You could start with a stepback jump shot, cancel it mid-way, and transition into a drive paired with a juke along the way.
Shot Canceling is a great offensive tool that players can take advantage of to create eye-catching plays.
Defensive Movement
2K GamesNBA 2K25 comes with a new defensive cutoff system. Just like offensive players, defenders can now dynamically change direction using the right stick.
Controlling players on defense using the right stick will let you slide them into positions more effectively. You can anticipate their drive and cut them off or read their handles to cause a fumble. Right stick movement can yield positive results on defense if you can read the offensive player’s mind successfully.
These new gameplay features should help raise the anticipation around NBA 2K25. If you’re on the hype train already, be sure to check out our pre-order guide and how to play the game early.