NBA 2K25's substantial January update paves the way for Season 4 (launching January 10th), delivering significant gameplay enhancements and visual refinements. This patch addresses numerous issues across various game modes, focusing on realism, stability, and overall player experience.

Key improvements include updated player likenesses (featuring Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, and many others), court corrections (including the Los Angeles Clippers court and Emirates NBA Cup court), and uniform adjustments. The update also tackles several gameplay mechanics, resulting in more realistic shot feedback, refined ball-rim interaction, and improved defensive interactions.

Gameplay Overhaul (Patch 4.0):

This update introduces a three-tiered "Light Pressure" system (Weak, Moderate, Strong) for more nuanced shot feedback. The physics engine has been tweaked to reduce excessively long rebounds. Defensive adjustments prevent unfair disruptions of skill dunks, and the Offensive 3 Seconds rule is now enforced in 1v1 modes. Performance and stability enhancements have also been applied to City, Pro-Am, and related modes.

Mode-Specific Improvements:

• MyCAREER: Progression issues have been addressed, ensuring proper badge unlocks and preventing skipped NBA Cup games.
• MyTEAM: Visual updates to player cards and menus, along with fixes for saving Favorite Plays and challenge progression blockers.
• MyNBA & The W: Stability improvements address issues such as NBA Cup simulation problems and league contraction.

Patch 4.0 Notes (Highlights):

GENERAL:

• Season 4 preparation complete.
• Fixed a rare hang in Play Now Online during lineup changes.
• Corrected player ranking sorting on the Play Now Online leaderboard.
• Corrected logo scaling on the Los Angeles Clippers court.
• Updated the Emirates NBA Cup court for accuracy.
• Updated sponsor patches for several teams (Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards).
• Numerous player and coach likeness updates (see full list below).

GAMEPLAY:

• Refined "Light Pressure" coverage into three levels.
• Prevented trailing defenders from unfairly interrupting skill dunks.
• Adjusted ball-rim restitution for more realistic rebounds.
• Implemented the Offensive 3 Seconds rule in 1v1 modes.

CITY/PRO-AM/REC/THEATER/PROVING GROUNDS:

• Significant performance, stability, and visual enhancements.
• Fixed REP multiplier application issues.
• Improved alternate uniform selection in Pro-Am.
• Resolved clothing change delays in Pro-Am shootarounds.

MyCAREER/QUESTS/PROGRESSION:

• Numerous fixes for improved quest experience and progression.
• Fixed Maximum Overdrive badge unlock issue.
• Resolved issues causing skipped NBA Cup games during simulation.

MyTEAM:

• Fixed Breakout game counting issues.
• Updated Breakout mini-game award icons.
• Fixed Favorite Plays saving issues.
• Resolved issues with instantly regenerated Exchanges.
• Improved Auction House menu visuals.
• Fixed progress blockers in Welcome to MyTEAM Challenges.
• Updated Player Card and menu visuals.

MyNBA/THE W:

• Various stability fixes and improvements.
• Resolved progress blockers in MyNBA using "Start Today" with scheduled NBA Cup games.
• Fixed a hang when contracting the league to 18 teams.

(Full list of likeness updates omitted for brevity. Refer to the original patch notes for the complete list.)