Games like NBA 2K18
If NBA 2K18 is your kind of game, the closest matches are NBA 2K17, NBA 2K19 and NBA 2K20 — picked from the ranked list below. Reviewers single out its competitive, intense 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 →About NBA 2K18: The highest rated* annual sports title returns with NBA 2K18, featuring unparalleled authenticity and improvements on the court.*According to 2008 - 2016
Players who liked NBA 2K18 also play
Steam players who put hours into NBA 2K18 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 2K17
WHY THIS
Shares server dependent features and a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Top pick for NBA 2K18 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K18.
Following the record-breaking launch of NBA 2K16, the NBA 2K franchise continues to stake its claim as the most authentic sports video game with NBA 2K17. As the franchise that “all sports video games should aspire to be” (GamesRadar), NBA 2K17 will take the game to new heights and continue to blur the lines between video game and...
NBA 2K19
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Second-strongest match for NBA 2K18 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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 2K20
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Third-strongest match for NBA 2K18 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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.
Blacktop Hoops
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Ranked #4 for NBA 2K18 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
Blacktop Hoops is the ultimate VR basketball game and sports experience. Embark on a hoops journey in career mode, ball against bots, hang out with friends in online courts, or climb the rankings in competitive pickup games. Do you have what it takes to become the GOAT?
NBA 2K16
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Ranked #5 for NBA 2K18 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K18.
NBA 2K is back with the most true-to-life NBA experience to date with NBA 2K16. Featuring an all-new MyCAREER experience written, directed & produced by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee.
NBA 2K21
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Ranked #6 for NBA 2K18 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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.
NBA 2K22
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Ranked #7 for NBA 2K18 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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.
Regular Human Basketball
WHY THIS
Shares an intense mood with NBA 2K18.
Ranked #8 for NBA 2K18 fans by collaborative filtering across millions of Steam libraries. Shares Sports with NBA 2K18.
Ready to play some ball? Grab a team, suit up, and climb inside your human! Prep its thrusters, lower the all-terrain wheels, and spin up that flailing magnet-arm. It's time to play Regular Human Basketball!
Reviewers mention these as similar to NBA 2K18
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 2K17
WHY THIS
Shares server dependent features and a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Reviewers of NBA 2K18 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports with NBA 2K18.
Following the record-breaking launch of NBA 2K16, the NBA 2K franchise continues to stake its claim as the most authentic sports video game with NBA 2K17. As the franchise that “all sports video games should aspire to be” (GamesRadar), NBA 2K17 will take the game to new heights and continue to blur the lines between video game and...
NBA 2K19
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Reviewers of NBA 2K18 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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 2K20
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Reviewers of NBA 2K18 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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 2K21
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Reviewers of NBA 2K18 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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.
NBA 2K22
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Reviewers of NBA 2K18 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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.
Madden NFL 22
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Reviewers of NBA 2K18 cross-mention this title as a similar play. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
Madden NFL 22 is where gameday happens. All-new features in Franchise include staff management, an enhanced scenario engine, and weekly strategy. Share avatar progress and player class between Face of The Franchise and The Yard with unified progression.
Free alternatives
Free-to-play games that recommended players of this title also tend to enjoy.
Steam Engine Simulator
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Simulation with NBA 2K18.
The Steam Engine Simulator shown on AngeTheGreat's YouTube channel.
SuchArt: Creative Space
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Simulation with NBA 2K18.
Paint on any surfaces with numerous tools in Creative Space — a free sandbox version of SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator. Create masterpieces, complete commissions, and decorate your studio in the most advanced artist sim!
Jigsaw Puzzle Dreams
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.
Beautiful Multiplayer Jigsaw Puzzle game where you can design the room you play in!
Aimlabs
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Simulation with NBA 2K18.
Aimlabs is the aim trainer of choice for over 45 Million players, from beginners to esports pros. Our unique aim analysis optimizes your gameplay, targets your weaknesses & builds key skills for any FPS game! Time to warm up with our unlimited scenarios & rank up in-game!
Rec Room
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it.
Rec Room is the best place to build and play games together. Party up with friends from all around the world to chat, hang out, explore MILLIONS of player-created rooms, or build something new and amazing to share with us all.
Crusader Kings II
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Simulation with NBA 2K18.
Explore one of the defining periods in world history in an experience crafted by the masters of Grand Strategy.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
Umamusume: Pretty Derby, winner of Best Mobile Game at The Game Awards 2025, is ready to race! Scout featured trainees and supporters as you navigate the immersive sports life simulation through the game's in-depth training system and top-of-the-line 3D graphics!
Supermarket Together
WHY THIS
Free-to-play pick from the same recommendation pool — no purchase to try it. Shares Simulation with NBA 2K18.
The multiplayer supermarket has arrived to your neighbourhood for free! Stock your shop space, unlock perks and franchises, hire employees or chase those pesky shoplifters. The more players, the more action!
Narrow it down
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 2K18.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K18. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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 2K18.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K18. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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 microtransactions and a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K18. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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 microtransactions and a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K18. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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 2K18.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K18. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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 2K21
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K18. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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.
NBA 2K26
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K18. Shares Sports with NBA 2K18.
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 2K18.
Another title from Visual Concepts, the studio behind NBA 2K18. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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.
Plays great on Steam Deck
Valve-Verified or Playable picks from the similar pool — ready to go on Deck out of the box.
NBA 2K19
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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 2K20
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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 2K16
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports with NBA 2K18.
NBA 2K is back with the most true-to-life NBA experience to date with NBA 2K16. Featuring an all-new MyCAREER experience written, directed & produced by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee.
NBA 2K21
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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.
NBA 2K22
WHY THIS
Shares a competitive mood with NBA 2K18.
Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports and Simulation with NBA 2K18.
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.
Regular Human Basketball
WHY THIS
Shares an intense mood with NBA 2K18.
Deck Verified — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Sports with NBA 2K18.
Ready to play some ball? Grab a team, suit up, and climb inside your human! Prep its thrusters, lower the all-terrain wheels, and spin up that flailing magnet-arm. It's time to play Regular Human Basketball!
Frequently asked about NBA 2K18
- Is NBA 2K18 verified for Steam Deck?
- Yes — NBA 2K18 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 2K18 have multiplayer or co-op?
- Yes — NBA 2K18 supports multi-player play according to its Steam store listing (Multi-player).
- What games are most similar to NBA 2K18?
- Based on Steam play patterns and shared genres/tags, the games most often recommended alongside NBA 2K18 are NBA 2K17, NBA 2K19, NBA 2K20.
- Who developed NBA 2K18?
- NBA 2K18 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 2K18.
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