NBA 2K25: Players Express Frustration Over New Shot Meter

Many NBA 2K25 players are voicing their frustrations over changes to the shot meter in the latest installment of the basketball simulation series. Despite introducing three new ways for players to interact with the shot meter, it seems most fans prefer the system from NBA 2K24—and they aren’t shy about expressing their displeasure.

NBA 2K25, which launched on September 6 across major consoles and PC, continues the franchise's long-standing annual release tradition, dating back to 1999. However, fans have been critical of the game even before its release, with many feeling the new edition offers little beyond a $70 roster update. Complaints about the lack of innovative features have been widespread, but now, in the days following the game’s launch, it’s a new feature that’s stirring the most discontent.

The new shot meter system has particularly come under fire. While the game offers different meter options, many players miss the Comet meter from NBA 2K24, praising its clear visibility and ease of shot timing. On the flip side, the newly introduced arrow meter has split opinion, with some players finding it helpful, while others argue that it vanishes too quickly, preventing them from properly timing their shots.

Fan Backlash Over NBA 2K25’s Changes

The shot meter isn’t the only feature drawing criticism. Fans have also expressed concerns about the inclusion of Denuvo DRM in NBA 2K25. This digital rights management software is designed to prevent game tampering but has sparked fears among players that it could negatively affect game performance, such as slowing down gameplay or causing frame rate drops. Although Denuvo was quietly included in NBA 2K24, this year’s pre-release announcement of the software has left some fans feeling let down.

Another controversial decision in NBA 2K25 is the return of the Auction House. This feature, which was removed in NBA 2K24, has been brought back due to popular demand. The Auction House allows players to set the value of cards in the MyTeam mode, but its return has divided players, with some welcoming it and others concerned about the impact on the game’s balance.

As fans continue to dissect the game’s changes, it’s clear that NBA 2K25 has sparked a mix of emotions, with the shot meter and other features being key points of debate.