Summary
- NBA 2K25 promises realistic graphics and animations with ProPlay technology, finally available on PC builds.
- Standard Edition offers 15,000 VC points, exclusive Trendsetter animations, and a Jayson Tatum 89-rated card.
- All-Star Edition provides a huge jumpstart for MyTeam players with 100,000 VC points and other competitive boosts.
As one of the most popular sports titles, there is always anticipation as 2K's basketball game approaches its annual release. Recent NBA 2K25 trailers have focused on graphics and animations, made more realistic by ProPlay technology. Worth noting, PC gaming builds will finally benefit from the same cutting-edge graphics as the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles.
The NBA 2K25 release date is September 6th, but gamers may wonder about an early access period. There are four editions, each with a wide range of bonuses and benefits. As usual, 2K showcases several different NBA and WNBA stars on the covers for each edition. Depending on what modes players prefer, certain configurations make more sense than others. The Best War Games has summarized the options below, highlighting how they compare in terms of value.
NBA 2K25 Standard Edition
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 75 /100 Critics Rec: 53%
- Released
- September 6, 2024
- ESRB
- E For Everyone For In-Game Purchases & Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Visual Concepts
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Engine
- Eco-Motion engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- NBA 2K
WHERE TO PLAY
With improved graphics and gameplay, NBA 2K25 promises to be the most authentic representation of pro basketball yet. The NBA 2K25 Standard Edition provides plenty of goodies, including 15,000 VC points to improve players and teams. Buyers who are first to hit the courts can also expect exclusive TrendSetter animations and cosmetics. Even without paying extra, the Standard Edition includes promo card packs to boost MyTeam players and a Jayson Tatum 89-rated card. Since more expensive NBA 2K25 editions don't provide any early access, the Standard Edition makes sense for most gamers.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Sports
- Available on nearly every platform
- Choice of physical disc or digital versions on consoles
- Decent number of bonuses
- Early access with some versions
- Emphasis on Virtual Currency and MyTeam
- Lack of new features makes upgrading less appealing
Gamers may be anxious to try out some of the advancements promised in NBA 2K25, which include more realistic animations. Others may be upset with NBA 2K25, considering the lack of other groundbreaking features and continued dependence on paying additional money to remain competitive. The Standard Edition is the safest way to give the game a chance, especially with physical disc versions available on multiple platforms.
Fresh off his first NBA Championship, Jayson Tatum was selected as one of the NBA 2K25 cover athletes in July. Accordingly, buyers will receive an 89-rated Tatum card to add to MyTeam squads, even in the Standard Edition. MyTeam mode is often the focus of pre-order bonuses, and this version comes with a healthy amount of Virtual Currency (VC) points.
Here's the full list of bonuses:
- 15,000 VC (additional 5,000 when pre-ordering)
- 89 Overall Jayson Tatum Player Card
- 3x MyTEAM Promo Packs
- Trendsetter Green Animation
- Exclusive Trendsetter Cosmetic Set
- 2 Hour XP Coin (For MyCareer and MyTeam)
The MyTeam mode can be frustrating for newcomers, as multiplayer opponents instantly seem to have teams full of 90+ rated players. With the Standard Edition, gamers can avoid being run off the court, thanks to an XP boost that also works in MyCareer. Trendsetter bonuses are sometimes vaguer, but they should offer exclusive animations to add distinctiveness to created players. Buyers can also expect exclusive Trendsetter cosmetic items to let the world know they are one of the first to play NBA 2K25. Gamers will need to secure a copy of the game by October 17th to access all the Trendsetter items.
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Unlike other sports games like Madden 25, which demand more money for early access, the NBA 2K25 Standard Edition provides the same perk. The game is set for release on September 6th, and 2K Sports promises that owners of PlayStation, Xbox, and PC digital versions can play it two days early. Unfortunately, buyers of physical discs and Nintendo Switch gamers need to wait until the official release date.
For a regularly priced game, the generous bonuses and early access make the Standard Edition of NBA 2K25 a solid value.
NBA 2K25 WNBA Edition
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 75 /100 Critics Rec: 53%
- Released
- September 6, 2024
- ESRB
- E For Everyone For In-Game Purchases & Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Visual Concepts
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Engine
- Eco-Motion engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- NBA 2K
WHERE TO PLAY
The WNBA's rising popularity has led to it becoming a major part of NBA 2K25. This WNBA Edition is exclusive to GameStop and available in physical disc form for the Xbox Series X/S and PS5. On the cover is repeat WNBA champion A’ja Wilson, one of the most dominant players in the history of the league. With the WNBA Edition, gamers receive the same bonuses as the Standard Edition, including 15,000 VC points, Trendsetter items, XP boosts, and MyTeam Promo packs.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Sports
- Unique cover only sold at one retailer
- Same bonuses as Standard Edition
- Physical edition is more collectible
- No digital download option
- Lacks WNBA-themed bonuses
If rarity is a factor in the buying decision, the NBA 2K25 WNBA Edition is the most appealing. This version is a GameStop exclusive for physical Xbox Series X|S and PS5 releases. Despite some requests to make Caitlan Clark a major part of NBA 2K25, WNBA fans can hardly complain about A'ja Wilson serving as the featured athlete. After a dominant college career, Wilson won multiple league titles and MVP awards with the Las Vegas Aces. Clark fans shouldn't panic, as she will have plenty of opportunities to grace the cover of 2K's game in the future.
What's slightly disappointing about GameStop's version is that there are no WNBA-specific bonus items. Players receive the same loot as the Standard Edition, including 15,000 VC points, Trendsetter cosmetics, and MyTeam packs, potentially including WNBA items. With the cover as the main attraction, the WNBA Edition isn't available as a digital download ahead of the NBA 2K25 release date.
2K first included WNBA players in 2020, and NBA 2K24 took this integration further. Players could choose The W mode and create a player that rises from college fame to the WNBA ranks. So far, we haven't received many details about this mode in NBA 2K25, but it would be surprising if a similar gameplay experience weren't offered.
Despite lacking any WNBA-themed bonuses, the NBA 2K25 WNBA Edition at GameStop is a no-brainer for fans of the increasingly popular league.
NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 75 /100 Critics Rec: 53%
- Released
- September 6, 2024
- ESRB
- E For Everyone For In-Game Purchases & Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Visual Concepts
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Engine
- Eco-Motion engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- NBA 2K
WHERE TO PLAY
The NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition is packed with bonus items that give gamers an advantage over the competition. Some of the incentives include a massive 100,000 VC points to upgrade MyTeam squads, and Gatorade boosts to increase players' stamina levels. Buyers also receive exclusive Jayson Tatum items and highly rated MyTeam player cards. The NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition is a digital download only for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC gamers.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Sports
- Gives a huge jumpstart to MyTeam players
- Boosts to make starter teams more competitive
- Available to PC and console players
- Digital downloads only
- Not as appealing to MyNBA fans
If buyers can't decide on the Standard or WNBA edition, the NBA 2K25 All-Star Edition features both Jayson Tatum and A'ja Wilson on its cover. It's also fully loaded with any bonus a MyTeam or MyCareer player could need to get a head start before the NBA 2K25 release date. The All-Star Edition is available as a digital purchase only for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC gamers.
Although controversial, many of the most successful NBA 2K competitors heavily rely on VC points for upgrades or opening MyTeam packs. Players can earn this currency by grinding through single and multiplayer missions, but accumulating substantial funds is time-consuming. Alternatively, players can use real money to acquire more VC. Consequently, gamers will find that the 100,000 points bundled with the All-Star Edition can save them aggravation. Along with a pile of VC points, buyers also get:
- 10 MyTeam Player Cards (3 Rated 89 OVR or higher)
- 3 Diamond Shoe Cards
- 3 Takeover Boosts
- 1 Amethyst Coach Card
- 150x Skill Boosts
- 75x Gatorade Boosts (25 Games)
- Jayson Tatum Cover Jersey
- Jayson Tatum Electric Skateboard Skin
- 2K25 Cover Stars Design T-shirt
NBA 2K25 continues to honor Jayson Tatum with some items exclusive to this version. Gamers can equip their MyTeam players with custom jerseys, clothing, and skins based on the Celtics star. MyTeam participants are hardly ignored, with enough highly rated player cards to build an impressive team immediately. Skill boosts and shoe cards are also instrumental in turning a mediocre team into a top contender.
If gamers are mainly interested in the MyNBA franchise mode, anything besides the NBA 2K25 Standard Edition may seem wasteful. Otherwise, multiplayer fans or players who enjoy building teams and customizing players may find the All-Star Edition worth its premium price.
NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 75 /100 Critics Rec: 53%
- Released
- September 6, 2024
- ESRB
- E For Everyone For In-Game Purchases & Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- Visual Concepts
- Publisher(s)
- 2K Games
- Engine
- Eco-Motion engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Franchise
- NBA 2K
WHERE TO PLAY
Dedicated NBA fans will find that the NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition provides endless entertainment before, during, and after the season. With the legendary Vince Carter on its cover, one of the unique bonuses included with this version is a 12-month NBA League Pass Subscription. Gamers can watch real out-of-market NBA teams compete on mobile devices and TVs. A Season 1 Pro Pass also comes with the Hall of Fame Edition, dishing out rewards as players compete in various NBA 2K25 modes.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Sports
- Includes NBA League Pass subscription
- Offers an impressive value with other bonuses
- Exclusive Vince Carter item
- Only available until September 6th
The price of the NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition will give buyers sticker shock, but its benefits extend outside the gaming world. Once again, this version is only sold as a digital download for PlayStation, Xbox Series X|S, and PC gamers. Also, it's a time-sensitive configuration and is available until September 8th.
One of the more interesting components of the Hall of Fame release is the 12-month NBA League Pass subscription. For MyGM diehards who enjoy simulating NBA seasons, this service allows them to watch real-life action unfold on smart TVs and mobile phones. Considering that watching out-of-market NBA games with this service costs at least $14.99 a month, it's a tempting offer.
Most other bonuses in the NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame edition are identical to those included in other versions:
- 100,000 VC points
- 75x Gatorade Boosts (25 Games)
- Jayson Tatum Cover Jersey
- Vince Carter Cover Jersey
- Jayson Tatum Electric Skateboard Skin
- 2K25 Cover Stars Design T-Shirt
- 10 MyTeam Player Cards (3 Rated 89 OVR or higher)
- 3 Diamond Shoe Cards
- 3 Takeover Boosts
- 1 Amethyst Coach Card
With Vince Carter as its headline player, gamers will find an exclusive jersey item to equip their MyPlayer creations with. Gamers who purchase the Hall of Fame edition will also receive additional VC points and content as part of the Trendsetter rewards.
Still Can't Decide What NBA 2K25 Edition to Buy?
With four versions, even NBA 2K veterans may struggle to decide which edition to purchase. Regardless of their selection, buyers can play the game on September 6th, two days before the official NBA 2K25 release date. That somewhat reduces the appeal of the All-Star and Hall of Fame editions, but MyTeam and MyPlayer mode participants will welcome the many bonus items.
Once again, progress in NBA 2K25 will partly depend on the amount of Virtual Currency points players accumulate. The more expensive versions provide a healthy stash of VC to ease the relentless grind the most competitive modes require. If a player is more interested in a traditional franchise experience, then the Standard Edition is the most practical choice.
One reason the basketball franchise remains so popular is its wide availability on older and newer consoles. While some of the latest ProPlay animations can only be found on the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, PC gamers can now benefit from next-gen features. We still don't know everything about NBA 2K25, so The Best War Games will keep readers updated on the latest developments.
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FAQ
Q: Will there be crossplay in NBA 2K25?
PS5 and Xbox Series X/S players can battle head-to-head in multiplayer modes. Unfortunately, even though the PC version will share the same features for the first time, crossplay is not among them.
Q: How can I get VC points fast?
While it can take time to accumulate Virtual Currency in NBA 2K25, there are several ways to earn points. Gamers can complete missions that change during a season. Even playing games in MyCareer mode can yield a decent amount of VC, depending on difficulty settings. Of course, the quickest way to acquire this currency is by purchasing it in the game or various other marketplaces.