NBA 2K25 launched on September 4 and is packed with improvements and features aimed at both seasoned basketball players and newcomers. To prepare for the game, I spent some time practicing with the new Learn 2K mode, which is perfect for newbies like me. This beginner mode teaches mechanics like Rhythm Shooting and Signature Go-To Shots, and the practice helped me gain the confidence to stay on the court.
Master the basics
As NBA legend Larry Bird once said, “First, master the fundamentals.” With the hands-on event being held at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, I decided to do as other legends have done and start the experience by diving into the basics in the new Learn 2K mode.
While tutorial modes have been present in some NBA 2K games in the past, Learn 2K is a comprehensive guide to nearly every aspect of the game, from shooting to movement and defense off the ball. This year’s tutorial mode breaks down each type of game into three difficulty levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced, giving players complete control over how deep they want their move arsenal to be. While practicing, I learned exactly how to move the analog stick in the right direction to execute these seemingly easy moves on the court.
Back to the playground
In addition to the Freestyle, Scrimmage, and Practice Plays modes that are usually grouped together as tutorials, NBA 2K25 adds a new way to test your fundamentals with the new Mini-Games mode. Practicing your skills in a competitive way while being less stressful makes Mini-Games a refreshing addition.
The Shooting Frenzy mini-game gives you an open field where you can practice your jump shots to earn points. The Knockout mini-game takes me back to my playground basketball days, adding a little pressure to hit a three-point shot on the first try. Fail, and you’ll be “knocked out” by the player behind you if they make the shot first.
One of the more challenging but rewarding mini-games is Dribble Speedrun, where you play as De’Aaron Fox and aim to sprint while performing dribbles on command. The difficulty of this mini-game makes for a tense but fun time, and finally executing Fox’s chop shots on command is really satisfying.
Rhythm of the game
I completed a hands-on experience with QuickPlay. I set up a battle on the California coast with the Golden State Warriors vs. the LA Lakers. The opening animations and gameplay faithfully depicted the players’ faces and movements, with Pro Play using actual game footage to translate into gameplay. In-game, some of the new mechanics I learned made my game formidable.
The new Rhythm Shooting mechanic is very exciting. Playing an actual game made me realize the need to learn each player’s shooting rhythm in order to be successful. Once I got used to Steph Curry’s fast-paced shooting, the rhythm-based mechanic became intuitive and made me comfortable hitting shots from all ranges.
Signature Go-To Shots is another new mechanic that gives beginners a fluid way to string together dribble and shot combos. By holding the right analog stick up, each player performs their own unique dribble move that turns into a jump shot. As a 2K newbie, this feature allowed me to easily mix up my offensive tactics, making me harder to mark. Soon, I was easily combining opponents to put points on the board.
NBA 2K25 delves into basketball strategy but provides an entry point for beginners to improve their game. After nearly six hours of play, the new Learn 2K mode and gameplay mechanics have you well on your way to greatness. Mastering the fundamentals is key, and you’ll have your chance when NBA 2K25 launches on PS5 and PS4 on September 4.
