Games like NBA 2K21
If NBA 2K21 is your kind of game, the closest matches are NBA 2K22, NBA 2K20 and NBA 2K23 — picked from the ranked list below. Reviewers single out its competitive, immersive and nostalgic. Each pick is ranked by what players of this game also play, shared genres and tags, and review-mined similarity — not a generic popularity list.
Get personalized picks →NBA 2K21 is a basketball simulation released in 2020 by Visual Concepts and published by 2K. The game falls into the Sports and Simulation genres, offering players modes like MyTeam card collection and extensive slider adjustments for customizing gameplay. Players describe the experience as competitive, immersive, and nostalgic, with reviewers highlighting that it feels most immersive in its era. The title supports modding, allowing further customization beyond default settings. According to Steam reviews, the simulation provides a realistic basketball experience with character customization and team-based action. The game achieved a 54% positive rating from 7,840 Steam reviews. It runs verified on Steam Deck. However, all multiplayer servers were shut down on December 31, 2022, meaning online features no longer function.
About NBA 2K21: NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K21 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2022. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
Players who liked NBA 2K21 also play
Steam players who put hours into NBA 2K21 also tend to own these titles — a signal called collaborative filtering. imho.run cross-references millions of library ownership patterns to surface games whose real audiences overlap, regardless of whether their genre tags match.
NBA 2K22
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Top pick for NBA 2K21 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K22 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2023. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
NBA 2K20
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Second-strongest match for NBA 2K21 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K20 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2021. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
NBA 2K23
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Third-strongest match for NBA 2K21 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
Rise to the occasion in NBA 2K23. Showcase your talent in MyCAREER. Pair All-Stars with timeless legends in MyTEAM. Build your own dynasty in MyGM, or guide the NBA in a new direction with MyLEAGUE. Take on NBA or WNBA teams in PLAY NOW and feel true-to-life gameplay.
NBA 2K24
WHY THIS
Shares server dependent progression and a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Ranked #4 for NBA 2K21 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
This product will no longer be available for purchase as of 10/30/2025. NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K24 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2025. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
NBA 2K25
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Ranked #5 for NBA 2K21 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
Command every court with authenticity and realism Powered by ProPLAY™, giving you ultimate control over how you play in NBA 2K25. Define your legacy in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, and The W.
NBA 2K26
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Ranked #6 for NBA 2K21 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K21.
Bragging rights are on the line in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now. Showcase your bag of moves with hyper realism, Powered by ProPLAY™, and challenge your friends, or rivals, in NBA 2K26’s competitive modes—and leave no doubt that you wear the crown.
JAM GODS
WHY THIS
Ranked #7 for NBA 2K21 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
Become the superstar you've always wanted to be in an immersive extreme basketball experience like nothing else before. Drain deep threes, dunk from anywhere, swat away shots, catch soaring alley-oops. Are you ready to become the chosen one?
Forklift Basketball
WHY THIS
Ranked #8 for NBA 2K21 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K21.
Compete against the world to earn your forklift certification in Forklift Basketball! Drive, lift, and dunk your way to victory in fast-paced matches filled with pure unpredictable fun!
Reviewers mention these as similar to NBA 2K21
Surfaced from review text: when other players write 'if you liked X, try Y', we catch the name and resolve it back to a Steam game.
NBA 2K20
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Reviewers of NBA 2K21 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K20 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2021. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
NBA 2K24
WHY THIS
Shares server dependent progression and a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Reviewers of NBA 2K21 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
This product will no longer be available for purchase as of 10/30/2025. NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K24 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2025. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
NBA 2K Playgrounds 2
WHY THIS
Reviewers of NBA 2K21 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports with NBA 2K21.
NBA arcade action is back with NBA 2K Playgrounds 2! Pick your team, get ready to jam, and Ball Without Limits!
NBA 2K22
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Reviewers of NBA 2K21 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K22 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2023. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
NBA 2K23
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Reviewers of NBA 2K21 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
Rise to the occasion in NBA 2K23. Showcase your talent in MyCAREER. Pair All-Stars with timeless legends in MyTEAM. Build your own dynasty in MyGM, or guide the NBA in a new direction with MyLEAGUE. Take on NBA or WNBA teams in PLAY NOW and feel true-to-life gameplay.
PGA TOUR 2K25
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Reviewers of NBA 2K21 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
Take your best shot at glory in PGA TOUR 2K25! In a 2K-first, compete in three prestigious major tournaments. Personalize your game with expanded MyCAREER, MyPLAYER and Course Designer options. Challenge friends across ranked, casual, and cross-platform multiplayer.
Free alternatives
Free-to-play games that recommended players of this title also tend to enjoy.
Ultimate Custom Night
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.
Welcome to the ultimate FNAF mashup, featuring 50 selectable characters and custom difficulties!
Bongo Cat
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Simulation with NBA 2K21.
Bongo cat needs your help. Bongo cat needz more hatz!!! Every time you press a key, Bongo cat will punch your taskbar. Type, click, play, work to collect more points. Which hats will you find?
Indigo Park: Chapter 1
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.
Explore the abandoned childhood wonder of Indigo Park! Guided by Rambley the Raccoon, help restore power to the destroyed amusement park while you run from the reason it shut down.
Counter-Strike:Global Offensive
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.
Counter-Strike:Global Offensive (CS:GO) expands upon the team-based action gameplay that it pioneered when it was launched over 2 decades ago. CS:GO features new maps, characters, weapons, and game modes, and delivers updated versions of the classic CS content (de_dust2, etc.).
The Expendabros
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.
The Expendabros have assembled and set their sights on the forces of ruthless arms dealer Conrad Stonebanks in the forests of Eastern Europe.
The Lab
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.
Welcome to The Lab, a compilation of Valve’s room-scale VR experiments set in a pocket universe within Aperture Science. Fix a robot, defend a castle, adopt a mechanical dog, and more. Still not sold? It’s free!
OnlyCans: Thirst Date
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Simulation with NBA 2K21.
Feel The Fizz Inside You™ with the brand new Shize™ Collection!
DORONKO WANKO
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Simulation with NBA 2K21.
『DORONKO WANKO』 is a DORONKO Action Game. In this game, You can become a cute, innocent Pomeranian, make your master's home messy and dirty. "Will the master be angry with me?" Don't worry. Because you are a sweet doggie.
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Head-to-head comparisons
More from Visual Concepts
Other recommendable Steam games by Visual Concepts, ranked by review count so the studio's hits land first.
NBA 2K20
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K21. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K20 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2021. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
NBA 2K23
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K21. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
Rise to the occasion in NBA 2K23. Showcase your talent in MyCAREER. Pair All-Stars with timeless legends in MyTEAM. Build your own dynasty in MyGM, or guide the NBA in a new direction with MyLEAGUE. Take on NBA or WNBA teams in PLAY NOW and feel true-to-life gameplay.
NBA 2K24
WHY THIS
Shares server dependent progression and a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K21. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
This product will no longer be available for purchase as of 10/30/2025. NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K24 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2025. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
NBA 2K25
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K21. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
Command every court with authenticity and realism Powered by ProPLAY™, giving you ultimate control over how you play in NBA 2K25. Define your legacy in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, and The W.
NBA 2K22
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K21. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K22 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2023. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
NBA 2K26
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K21. Shares Sports with NBA 2K21.
Bragging rights are on the line in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now. Showcase your bag of moves with hyper realism, Powered by ProPLAY™, and challenge your friends, or rivals, in NBA 2K26’s competitive modes—and leave no doubt that you wear the crown.
NBA 2K19
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K21. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
NBA 2K celebrates 20 years of redefining what sports gaming can be. NBA 2K19 continues to push limits as it brings gaming one step closer to real-life basketball excitement and culture.
NBA 2K18
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K21. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
The highest rated* annual sports title returns with NBA 2K18, featuring unparalleled authenticity and improvements on the court.*According to 2008 - 2016
Plays great on Steam Deck
Valve-Verified or Playable picks from the similar pool — ready to go on Deck out of the box.
NBA 2K22
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K22 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2023. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
NBA 2K20
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
NOTE: All multiplayer servers for NBA 2K20 will be shutdown as of 12/31/2021. After that time, all game functions requiring online servers will no longer function.
NBA 2K23
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
Rise to the occasion in NBA 2K23. Showcase your talent in MyCAREER. Pair All-Stars with timeless legends in MyTEAM. Build your own dynasty in MyGM, or guide the NBA in a new direction with MyLEAGUE. Take on NBA or WNBA teams in PLAY NOW and feel true-to-life gameplay.
NBA 2K25
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K21.
Command every court with authenticity and realism Powered by ProPLAY™, giving you ultimate control over how you play in NBA 2K25. Define your legacy in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, and The W.
NBA 2K26
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K21.
Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports with NBA 2K21.
Bragging rights are on the line in MyCAREER, MyTEAM, MyNBA, The W, and Play Now. Showcase your bag of moves with hyper realism, Powered by ProPLAY™, and challenge your friends, or rivals, in NBA 2K26’s competitive modes—and leave no doubt that you wear the crown.
Frequently asked about NBA 2K21
- Is NBA 2K21 verified for Steam Deck?
- Yes — NBA 2K21 is Steam Deck Verified, meaning Valve has confirmed it runs well on the Deck with full controller, text legibility, and default configuration support.
- Does NBA 2K21 have multiplayer or co-op?
- Yes — NBA 2K21 supports multi-player play according to its Steam store listing (Multi-player, Online PvP, Shared/Split Screen PvP).
- What games are most similar to NBA 2K21?
- Based on Steam play patterns and shared genres/tags, the games most often recommended alongside NBA 2K21 are NBA 2K22, NBA 2K20, NBA 2K23.
- Who developed NBA 2K21?
- NBA 2K21 was developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K.
imho.run ranks Steam game alternatives using a mix of collaborative filtering (ALS / iALS / EASE / LightGCN), content scoring over genres, categories, Steam tags, developers, and publishers, plus AI-extracted vibes mined from review text. The page above is generated in seed mode anchored on NBA 2K21.
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