What’s in the NBA 2K21 demo?

If you’re curious about what separates NBA 2K21’s gameplay from former installments or are on the borderline of pre-ordering the title, the first step you should take is downloading the NBA 2K21 demo. Out now for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC, the demo is more of a standard Play Now taste test rather than the MyCareer Prelude variety we’ve seen over the last few years. No matter, there’s a good bit to see in the meantime before the game’s release.

There are three aspects of the game that players can try out in this 30GB demo. The first being a four-team Quick Game offering that features the modern-day Bucks and Clippers, along with the all-time Lakers and Celtics. This teaser includes five-minute quarters, but you are only allowed to play five games in total until the mode locks you out.

Although you won’t be able to begin MyCareer, you can create your MyPlayer with the ability to adjust their positional build, apply badges to their skillset, and choose your desired takeover. Surprisingly, the demo will let you create multiple builds that can be transferred over to the full game. After you’ve made your character, you can then test them out in the Bucks versus Clippers match-up.

Per usual every year, beginners can additionally jump into the demo’s 2KU, a tutorial that puts an emphasis on teaching you about all of the new dribbling and shooting animations. It also includes a freestyle option, that lets you move and shoot without instruction.

The demo comes at a great time, with the full game releasing on current-generation consoles and PC on September 3. It should be noted there are multiple editions releasing on this day, with one including a (sort-of) free next-gen version of NBA 2K21.