NBA 2K21
With exciting improvements upon its best-in-class gameplay, competitive and community online features, and deep, varied game modes, NBA 2K21 offers one-of-a-kind immersion into all facets of NBA basketball and culture - where Everything is Game. In NBA 2K21, new, old, and returning ballers alike will find exciting game modes that offer a variety of basketball experiences.
What it feels like
Despite competitive depth, the tone remains relatively carefree and celebratory of basketball culture and showmanship.
What it's about
NBA basketball is the entire subject and setting of the game. Set in the recognizable present-day NBA with real teams, players, and modern culture.
How it plays
Aiming and shooting basketball mechanics are the core interactive skill, analogous to gunplay in the sports simulation context. Deep customization of player attributes, badges, and loadouts allows theorycrafted character builds for competitive play. Grinding experience and virtual currency to unlock players, improve attributes, and advance through modes is a significant loop.
How it looks and sounds
The camera follows the player character from a behind-the-shoulder view during gameplay. Detailed player models, realistic court environments, and high-fidelity graphics aim for visual authenticity.
How it's structured
Basketball is an inherently team-based sport, and online and local multiplayer emphasize coordinated team play. Online competitive multiplayer is a core pillar, with matchmaking and PvP game modes central to the experience until servers shutdown in 2022. Persistent season, card collection, and account-level unlocks accumulate across modes, feeding into the next cycle.
Kindred games
Shares Sports, Third-Person, Competitive PvP, Team-Based.
Both lean into Sports, Third-Person, Competitive PvP, Team-Based.
Shares Sports, Third-Person, Team-Based, Photorealistic.
Both lean into Sports, Third-Person, Team-Based, Photorealistic.
Shares Sports, Third-Person, Competitive PvP, Team-Based.
Both lean into Sports, Third-Person, Competitive PvP, Team-Based.
Closest hidden gems
A lesser-known kindred — Gunplay, Competitive PvP, Team-Based, Third-Person. 96% positive across 4,671 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Gunplay, Competitive PvP, Team-Based, Third-Person.
A lesser-known kindred — Sports, Competitive PvP, Meta-Progression, Contemporary. 86% positive across 4,517 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Sports, Single-Player, Competitive PvP, Meta-Progression.
A lesser-known kindred — Sports, Competitive PvP, Contemporary, Leveling & Grind. 93% positive across 4,231 Steam reviews.
Both lean into Sports, Single-Player, Competitive PvP, Contemporary.