NBA 2k25 Tips and Tricks

Find Builds with Great Tier 2 Badges

First, look out for builds with perfect Tier 2 badges. These will be important to upgrade via the Max Plus 1 Badge Perk, which will let you push a badge level higher than the max. Good examples include Paint Patroller, Shifty Shooter at 6’10 and above, or Posterizer at 6’11 and above. You will want to maximize these perks for some serious upgrades.

Use the Max Plus 1 Badge Perk

The Max Plus 1 Badge Perk is your new best friend! This allows you to push a badge level above its maximum potential. You will get one for Tier 1 and one for Tier 2, so consider maxing your build accordingly. Remember, this is within the maximum potential of your build; it gives you a great advantage.

Driving Dunk Attribute: Get 6’8″ or 6’9″

Want a dunking machine? Keep an eye out for your height! The driving dunk attribute is the cheapest on 6’8″ and 6’9″ builds. You can max out your dunking attributes at those heights without having it make your overall rating that hard. Compare that with smaller builds, where dunking attributes increase more in price.

Cap Breakers Are Game-Changers

Cap Breakers Another thing that helps you build more efficiently is cap breakers. Typically, say you go to a 99 three-ball rating. That would cost you three or four overall points more than a 98-three-ball rating. Now, if you put on a cap breaker or two, you can save valuable points and enable your build to become more effective without overspending.

Pest Control is Cheapest on 6’9″ Builds.

Well, post control does cost more if you’re taller, but the cheapest it’s going to be is at 6’9″. If you’re going to make a build to dominate the post, 6’9″ is where you want to be. It’s time to start playing like Shaq down low!

Smaller Builds Offer More Attributes

Think about going tiny. Smaller builds usually have a lot more attributes to work with in creating a well-rounded player. For example, a 5’9″ build with 99 three-points and 99 ball handles still leaves a lot of overall points for other attributes.

Use Agility to Your Advantage

Agility helps in both offensive and defensive builds. Whether you’re a sharpshooter or a lockdown defender, even a centre with good agility will keep you from feeling sluggish while on the court. It will be essential for badges such as On-Ball Menace or Shifty Shooter.

Know Your Badge Requirements

Understand the badge requirements for your build. Each badge level has different thresholds for different builds. For example, a 6’7″ build at minimum wingspan can unlock Gold Limitless Range, while 6’6″ builds can unlock Hall of Fame Limitless Range. Make sure you check these requirements when planning your build!

Plan for Rebirth Builds

Rebirth builds are new in NBA 2K25, and the starting max overall will be a rebirth based on the highest overall you reached beforehand. This means you attain a 99 with a player; every rebirth build starts at an overall maximum of 99. Now, that’s a game-changer; that saves you from a lot of grind time! 10. Mind the Wingspan Nerf

Wingspans have been nerfed in NBA 2K25! Maximum wingspans are now 1 to 2 inches shorter. For example, a 6’9″ build could have a max wingspan of 7’7″, but in 2K25 caps out at 7’5″. Keep in mind that you will need to adjust accordingly when you make a defensive build.

Use Free Tools for Badge Tiers and Heights

The NBA 2K website has a nifty free tool that lists all badge tiers by height. This is a helpful tool to preplan your build so you can get the best bang for your buck with badge perks.

Know the maximum potential Limitations.

Remember, the Max Plus 1 Badge Perk does not allow you to exceed your build’s maximum potential. Your build’s maximum potential is determined by the attributes you chose at the beginning, with wingspan, weight, and height factored into consideration. It would help if you created your build in a way that you are at your maximum potential.

Smaller Builds Have Lower Dunk Costs

Note that for those who want the most elite dunk packages, the shortest build that can reach a 99-driving dunk is 6’4″. Those below this height cannot access these elite dunk packages, so choose wisely!

Physical Attributes Matter More Than Ever

That, combined with strength and agility- which now play a big part in body-up interactions and off-ball movement- make sure you put enough points into these attributes to ensure you are not getting bullied around the court.

Use cap breakers judiciously to gain an advantage and take your build to its limit. It saves valuable points in attributes and gives one the edge in making players as effective as possible.