Publisher 2K and developer Visual Concepts have revealed new details about the gameplay improvements that are coming to upcoming basketball game NBA 2K26. In a lengthy post titled Gameplay Courtside Report, the developers have offered up information about how ProPLAY will be improving the gameplay for the title. Along with the post, a summarised version has also been made available through a trailer that you can check out below.
The ProPLAY Motion Engine has been described as powering “dynamic motion” in NBA 2K26. New animations were generated from real-world NBA matches, which were then added to the game through ProPLAY. These new animations will affect all on-court action, regardless if a player is on offense, defense, or off-ball. To achieve this, the studio has also made use of machine-learning technology to create lifelike animations for the game.
How taking a shot works is also getting changed up with the new Rhythm Shooting mechanic. The system still makes use of a down-up flick of the analogue stick that has been assigned to be the shot stick. However, a player’s own timing and tempo while taking shots will now also have visible effects on the in-game athlete’s upper body, changing up how the shot looks based on the player’s own timing with the shot stick. Players can also use the new mechanics for their own purposes, like pulling off quick releases by flicking up early, or having a lazier release when flicking up late.
To further emphasise a player’s own skills and timing, a few gameplay mechanics are being adjusted. This includes making Green or Miss Shot timing universal to provide an even playing field, as well as Layup Timing being permanently enabled. Speaking of layups, players will also now be able to mix and match layup styles based on signature packages, with options including Normal and Reverse Layups, Floaters, Quick Scoops, Euro Steps, Hop Steps, and Spins.
On the defensive side of things, Interior Defense has seen a revamp to make strong body bumps easier to achieve. Rebound timing feedback is also seeing improvements, with players getting a better idea of when they can jump up to steal the ball from a rebound. New Quick Protect movements can be accessed by the defending player holding down the left trigger on their controller. Quick Protect allows players more chances to counter an opposing player’s attempts at scoring.
AI is also seeing improvements, with NBA 2K26 now featuring an enhanced AI that can better adapt to players’ actions. Offensive AI, for example, can now actively look for scoring opportunities by making use of drive-and-kick plays. This is thanks to the AI having a better understanding of defender rotations. On the defensive side of things, the AI will be able to more seamlessly adjust its position to try and block a player’s advances.
2K has confirmed that it will be revealing even more details about NBA 2K26 down the line, with the next Courtside Report post focusing on how the game will feature improvements to its presentation over its predecessors.
NBA 2K26 is coming to PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on September 5
