NBA 2K24 Gameplay – ProPLAY, new changes, and more

The NBA 2K24 Gameplay reveal is live, marking the first of many expected to arrive over the next three plus weeks. As many fans know, gameplay is everything in video games and consists of the very essence each caters. And in sports video games, this is especially the case, where the smallest of blemishes can stick out like a sore thumb and cause an unpleasant experience.

With the September NBA 2K24 release date ever drawing closer, it comes to no surprise that fans are growing eager to see what changes the newest edition of the series will be home to. And on the top of the list for many, alongside the player ratings, is that of the gameplay details. All fans know that every new game release from NBA 2K, will come with new changes. But what can we expect to see this year?

NBA 2K24 Gameplay reveal

The official gameplay reveal took place on Tuesday, August 15. Introducing ProPLAY for the very first time, NBA 2K24 looks set to hit new heights across its MyNBA, MyTEAM and MyCAREER game modes and its various platforms including PC, Xbox Series X, and PS5, and last-gen Xbox One and PS4.

You can see the new trailer below which includes real NBA footage to create unrivaled authenticity, and displays some of the new technologies available in the game this year.

NBA 2K24 ProPLAY details

For those of you perplexed by all the hype around ProPLAY, or maybe are just curious what the new feature is, we breakdown just exactly what fans can expect from this new exclusive next-generation change. In short, ProPLAY is a new cutting-edge technology that NBA 2K24 implemented into its gameplay this year to directly transfer movements from real NBA games into the gameplay.

By using actual in-game footage from a vast variety of players, the movements and mechanics for each player are far more authentic and accurately depicted seeing, whether you’re hitting a step-back jumper with Kevin Durant or a pull up three-point shot with Nikola Jokić. In addition, the fluidity of performing certain moves for a variety of players, along with the ability to create space in intense moments, hasn’t been great in previous editions. And NBA 2K24 took the time to address that this year with the arrival of ProPLAY.

NBA 2K24 Gameplay changes

NBA 2K always finds a variety of new changes they need to implement for their next edition of their hit series. And over the last couple of titles, has produced some instrumental changes that have made its gameplay better than ever before.

Well in NBA 2K24, this certainly feels like the case once more, with new details on animations, offense, dribbling, takeovers, and more all arriving earlier this week with the NBA 2K24 Gameplay reveal trailer. Should you be wondering what will be different with the new gameplay in NBA 2K24 this year, we cover all the key details you need to be aware of down below.

New Animations

A big part of ProPLAY’s role is reflected in the new animations fans will get to use and put to the test in NBA 2K24. Next generation players on Xbox Series X | S and PlayStation 5 will have a variety of new jumpshots, dunks, dribble moves, signature movement, and passes animations. NBA 2K24’s goal with their new animations gears towards adding more authenticity into their gameplay, but also a greater sense of legitimacy.

Intuitive Offense

Shooting and dribbling will be more accessible and intuitive than ever before, enabling players of all skill levels to flourish on the court. The moves have now been customized and improved to serve any difficulty, and the ability to initiate electrifying dribbling sequences will help players create more space for high percentage shots.

A variety of new areas NBA 2K24 addressed are the Shot Timing, the Layup Timing, Dunking, and Paint Play. From a new Shot Timing Visual Cue setting which allows you to set your desired release point based on certain animation cues, to a much more forgiving layup timing on easy finishes, from hanging on the rim after dunks, NBA 2K24 did a lot to make the gameplay experience as smooth and easy to get a feel for as possible, and their new intuitive offensive changes play a big role with that.

Dribble Breakdowns

Though it might seem hyper-focused, the dribble breakdowns change in NBA 2K24 is pretty big for its gameplay. In short, each player will have two versions: Regular dribble breakdowns, which you can perform by flicking up on the right analog stick, and Aggressive breakdowns, which you can execute by flicking up on the right analog stick with Sprint held.

Implementing this change will initiate a sequence of signature size-up moves that fans can then use to create separation with on their own, or break out of at any time for an explosive drive or dribble move. Special signature combos and escapes add a new dimension for dribbling in NBA 2K24, and will grant you the ability to drop your defender or leave him in your dust.

Takeovers

Takeovers return for New Generation consoles in NBA 2K24 but with a twist. Upon filling up the Takeover meter, you will now be able to choose to activate either your Finishing, Shooting, Playmaking, Physical, or Defense and Rebounding abilities. In addition, if you opt to delay your Takeover activation and fill up its second meter, you will be able to can activate a Double Takeover, allowing you to select two different categories of ratings to boost.

Last but not least, when you finally unlock the Mamba Mentality perk, which was also available in NBA 2K23, activating the Double Takeover will actually boost all of your attribute categories, virtually making you a menace to contend with on the court.

Skill-Based Defense

Counter moves are big in NBA 2K24. Perimeter and paint defense are both more effective and reward players for anticipating and making good reads, which was a reoccurring issue in NBA 2K23. This year, fans will be home to better responsiveness and less sliding. This in turn will help players get where they need to be, and with an improved body up system, opposing ball handlers will have a tough time getting past you upon executing great defense.

In addition, directional steals will be coming back, granting fans more ways to pester ball handlers and pick their pockets. That said, it’s crucial that you reach with the correct hand closest to the ball, and above all else, avoid reaching across your player’s body to avoid foul calls.

Adrenaline Boosts

The Adrenaline Boosts feature was redesigned in NBA 2K24 to make both offense and defense more engaging. Elite ball handlers will find more freedom to create while effective defenders can impact shooting abilities by locking ball handlers down. Furthermore, boosts are no longer lost when pulling off dribble combos or moving short distances on offense, providing elite ball handlers with much more freedom to create off the dribble.

In addition, the cost of losing adrenaline will be different this year. Instead of slowing the ball handler’s movement with gradual fatigue, losing adrenaline will now significantly impact shooting attributes. So even if you manage to break free after having a tough defensive sequence with a defender who bumped you a couple of times, you will still have a really tough time scoring regardless. These changes add a realistic balance with the adrenaline boost bar, giving it a new meaning that plays into the ebbs and flows of the game.

Coach With Ease

2K Smart Play is back in New Generation to help players streamline their offense, defense, and coaching to make it easy to call plays. Fans will be able to choose up to 16 preferred actions ranging from full plays to isolations and give-and-gos.

One of the coolest parts about this new feature is that right after any made or missed shot, New Generation players will have an overlay that pops up and notifies them of the type of play that will be called. To run that play, all they will need to do is simply tap L1 or the LB before crossing half-court. Upon doing so, that action will then automatically be called for the player with the most relevant play type.

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