How to Dunk in NBA 2K25

While there are plenty of different ways to play in NBA 2K25, perhaps none is more exciting for more players than hitting the snazziest slam dunk you've ever seen. Whether you're trying to nail one in MyCAREER or MyNBA, dunk controls will vary depending on which type you're trying to execute. Make sure you've got a full arsenal of weapons to work with in the paint by learning how to dunk in NBA 2K25.

NBA 2K25 Dunk Controls Explained

If you're not yet comfortable with the dunk controls, the best place to practice them will be the new Learn2K mode in NBA 2K25. You'll remove the risk of failed attempts impacting your play in other modes, and it speeds up your practice significantly as you adjust to the exact timing and positioning needed for different dunks.

One important thing is to make sure you've got the right shooting settings in NBA 2K25. Most controller settings won't impact this, but you need Pro Stick Function set to Default or Shots. If you've got it set exclusively to Dribble Moves, most of the advanced dunk moves will be nearly impossible to execute reliably in a game. If you're using the Shot Meter and plan on hitting some Skill Dunks, you'll probably also want Shot Meter Input Type set to All or Pro Stick Only instead of Shot Button Only.

While the move to deliver each dunk will vary, the way to execute a controllable rim hang uses the same NBA 2K25 controls for every type. In all cases, keep RT held to hang on the rim after a dunk. While hanging, you can use the Left Stick to control your player's swing motion, move the Right Stick up to pull up on the rim, or move the Right Stick left or right to lift your legs. You can't hold on forever, but keeping yourself up there for a few seconds just makes the move appear that much more powerful.

How to Normal Dunk in NBA 2K25

First up, there's the basic or normal dunk in NBA 2K25. To do this move, hold RT or R2 while driving towards the basket and then press X once you're in close range. If you've got the Pro Stick Function set to Dribble Moves only, this is pretty much the only dunk option you'll have in your arsenal. It's reliable and effective, but most players always wanna step it up a notch.

How to Two-Hand Dunk in NBA 2K25

Next, you'll be using the Pro Stick to be a little more forceful with the score. The two-hand dunk controls in NBA 2K25 first need you to hold RT or R2 while driving towards the basket. Once you're near, but not necessarily when you're exactly at the basket, hold the Right Stick up all the way through the dunk animation.

How to Dominant or Off-Hand Dunk in NBA 2K25

As you get more accustomed to hitting dunks in games, it's good to know the way to specify your move as a dominant or off-hand dunk. This is critical if you've got a defender nearby while driving towards the basket, as it can be more effective to dunk with the hand furthest from them. To do this, hold RT while driving towards the basket then hold the Right Stick to the left or the right. The direction you choose will determine which hand makes the dunk.

How to Flashy Dunk in NBA 2K25

Going for a flashy dunk is the best way to hit some crazy moves on the way up to the basket. You probably want to have one of the best builds in NBA 2K25 to make these, as certain rating thresholds need to be met to access some of the best dunk animations. Hold RT or R2 while driving towards the basket, and then hold the Right Stick down when you're getting into close range.

How to Skill Dunk in NBA 2K25

Lastly, there's the skill dunk where you aim for perfect timing to green the move whether you're using the shot meter or not. For a skill dunk, you want to quickly move the Right Stick up, release, and then hold the Right Stick down while approaching the basket. You then want to release the Right Stick back to neutral to time the dunk with the shot meter or with the animation. With more advanced controls and timing, make sure you head to Learn2K and try multiple skill dunks before you start using them during a game in NBA 2K25.