NBA 2K16 Controls Guide: Master the Court!
NBA 2K16, while no longer the newest title in the esteemed basketball simulation franchise, remains a beloved and highly playable game. Its realism, deep gameplay mechanics, and a wealth of modes have solidified its place as a fan favorite. However, to truly excel and dominate the virtual hardwood, understanding and mastering the controls is paramount. This comprehensive guide will break down the controls for offense, defense, and other essential aspects of the game, providing detailed instructions and tips to elevate your NBA 2K16 experience.
## Understanding the Control Layout
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the basic control layout. NBA 2K16 primarily utilizes the following controls:
* **Left Stick (LS):** Player Movement
* **Right Stick (RS):** Pro Stick (Dribbling, Shooting, Passing)
* **Square Button (PS4) / X Button (Xbox One):** Shoot / Jump
* **X Button (PS4) / A Button (Xbox One):** Pass
* **Circle Button (PS4) / B Button (Xbox One):** Post Up / Back Down
* **Triangle Button (PS4) / Y Button (Xbox One):** Through Pass / Alley-Oop
* **L1 Button (PS4) / LB Button (Xbox One):** Call Timeout / Icon Pass
* **R1 Button (PS4) / RB Button (Xbox One):** Sprint
* **L2 Button (PS4) / LT Button (Xbox One):** Post Controls / Intense D (Defense)
* **R2 Button (PS4) / RT Button (Xbox One):** Call Plays / Defensive Assist
* **D-Pad:** Call Plays / Change Camera Angle
* **Touchpad (PS4) / View Button (Xbox One):** Call Timeout / Show Instant Replay
Keep in mind that control configurations can be customized within the game’s settings to suit your preferences. Now, let’s explore the controls in more detail, starting with offense.
## Offensive Controls
Offense in NBA 2K16 is a complex tapestry of dribbling, passing, shooting, and strategic movement. Mastering these controls is crucial for creating scoring opportunities and controlling the tempo of the game.
### Player Movement
The **Left Stick (LS)** controls your player’s movement. A light touch will result in a controlled jog, while pushing the stick further will initiate a sprint. Be mindful of your player’s stamina; excessive sprinting will lead to fatigue, negatively impacting their shooting and dribbling abilities. Strategic use of the LS is the basis for offensive success.
### Dribbling
Dribbling is the foundation of offensive play in basketball. NBA 2K16 offers a robust dribbling system, centered around the **Right Stick (RS)**, known as the Pro Stick.
* **Basic Dribble Moves:** Flicking the RS in different directions will perform basic dribble moves like crossovers, behind-the-back dribbles, and hesitation moves. Experiment with different directions to discover the specific animations for each player.
* **Signature Dribble Moves:** Some players possess signature dribble moves, accessible by holding **R2 (PS4) / RT (Xbox One)** while performing Pro Stick moves. This brings unique flair and effectiveness to ball-handling.
* **Size-Up Moves:** Tapping the RS lightly will perform size-up moves, creating space and setting up your next dribble attack. These moves are quick and deceptive, making it harder for defenders to predict your intentions.
* **Iso-Motion Dribbles:** Holding **R2 (PS4) / RT (Xbox One)** and moving the RS allows for more controlled, deliberate dribbling motions. Use this to probe the defense and find openings.
* **Spin Move:** Rotate the RS from right to left (or left to right) to execute a spin move. This is a useful tool for driving to the basket and evading defenders.
* **Hesitation Move:** Quickly tap the RS in any direction to perform a hesitation move, briefly freezing the defender and creating an opportunity to drive or shoot.
* **Stepback:** Flick the RS away from the basket while holding **R2 (PS4) / RT (Xbox One)** to perform a stepback, creating space for a jump shot.
**Pro Tip:** Master the Pro Stick. Experiment with different combinations of RS movements and button presses to uncover a wide array of dribble moves. Different players have different dribbling styles, so practice with your favorite players to learn their unique moves.
### Passing
Passing is crucial for ball movement and creating open shots. NBA 2K16 offers various passing options.
* **Basic Pass:** Press the **X Button (PS4) / A Button (Xbox One)** to perform a basic pass to the nearest teammate. The game generally selects the most logical passing option.
* **Icon Passing:** Hold **L1 (PS4) / LB (Xbox One)** and then press the button corresponding to the teammate you want to pass to. This allows for precise passing to specific players.
* **Bounce Pass:** Tap the **Circle Button (PS4) / B Button (Xbox One)** to execute a bounce pass. Bounce passes are useful for passing through defenders or when the passing lane is blocked.
* **Lob Pass / Alley-Oop:** Press the **Triangle Button (PS4) / Y Button (Xbox One)** to attempt a lob pass. Double-tap the **Triangle Button (PS4) / Y Button (Xbox One)** when near the basket to throw an alley-oop. Timing is critical for successful alley-oops.
* **Fake Pass:** Tap the **Triangle Button (PS4) / Y Button (Xbox One)** while holding the ball to fake a pass, potentially drawing defenders out of position.
**Pro Tip:** Don’t be predictable with your passes. Mix up your passing types and targets to keep the defense guessing. Icon passing is incredibly valuable for controlling ball distribution.
### Shooting
Shooting is, of course, the ultimate goal on offense. NBA 2K16 offers a variety of shooting mechanics.
* **Jump Shot:** Press and hold the **Square Button (PS4) / X Button (Xbox One)** to initiate a jump shot. Release the button at the apex of the player’s jump for optimal accuracy. The timing of your release is crucial.
* **Shot Meter:** A shot meter appears beneath your player when shooting. Aim to release the **Square Button (PS4) / X Button (Xbox One)** when the meter is full or near the ideal release point (usually indicated by a marker on the meter). This timing is more forgiving for players with high shooting ratings and badges.
* **Pro Stick Shooting:** Use the **Right Stick (RS)** to control your shot. Pull the RS down to initiate the shot and release it when the shot meter reaches the ideal point. This method offers more control over the shot animation and allows for fadeaways and other advanced shots.
* **Layups / Dunks:** Drive towards the basket and press the **Square Button (PS4) / X Button (Xbox One)** to attempt a layup or dunk. The type of layup or dunk performed depends on your player’s attributes and the situation.
* **Euro Step:** Double-tap the **Square Button (PS4) / X Button (Xbox One)** while driving to the basket to perform a Euro step, a deceptive move to evade defenders.
* **Floaters:** Flick the **Right Stick (RS)** upwards while driving to the basket to attempt a floater, a high-arcing shot over defenders.
* **Post Shots:** When in the post (using the **Circle Button (PS4) / B Button (Xbox One)**), use the **Right Stick (RS)** to perform various post shots, such as fadeaways, hooks, and turnaround jumpers. The direction you move the RS determines the type of shot.
**Pro Tip:** Practice your shot timing with different players. Each player has a unique release point, so mastering their individual timing is essential for consistent shooting. Also, pay attention to shot feedback – if you consistently release early or late, adjust your timing accordingly.
### Post Controls
Post play is a crucial element of offense, especially for teams with dominant big men. The **Circle Button (PS4) / B Button (Xbox One)** activates post controls when near the basket.
* **Post Up / Back Down:** Hold the **Circle Button (PS4) / B Button (Xbox One)** to post up against your defender. Use the **Left Stick (LS)** to back down towards the basket or move laterally.
* **Post Spin:** Rotate the **Right Stick (RS)** to perform a post spin, a quick move to create space for a shot or drive.
* **Post Fade:** Flick the **Right Stick (RS)** away from the basket to perform a post fadeaway, a difficult shot to defend.
* **Post Hook:** Flick the **Right Stick (RS)** towards the basket to perform a post hook shot.
* **Pump Fake:** Tap the **Square Button (PS4) / X Button (Xbox One)** while in the post to pump fake, potentially drawing a foul or causing the defender to jump.
* **Enter/Exit Post:** Tap the **Circle Button (PS4) / B Button (Xbox One)** to quickly enter or exit the post.
**Pro Tip:** Use post moves strategically. Don’t just rely on one move. Mix up your spins, fades, and hooks to keep the defense guessing. Pay attention to the defender’s positioning and exploit their weaknesses.
### Offensive Strategies and Playcalling
NBA 2K16 allows for dynamic playcalling and strategic adjustments during the game.
* **Quick Plays:** Tap **L1 (PS4) / LB (Xbox One)** to bring up a quick play menu. Use the D-Pad to select from a variety of offensive plays, such as isolations, pick and rolls, and post-up plays. Selecting a play will automatically set up the offensive formation and player movements.
* **Timeout:** Press the **Touchpad (PS4) / View Button (Xbox One)** to call a timeout. During a timeout, you can adjust your team’s strategy, substitutions, and offensive/defensive settings.
* **Offensive Settings:** Access offensive settings from the pause menu to adjust your team’s tendencies, such as pace, focus on inside/outside scoring, and offensive sets.
**Pro Tip:** Learn the different offensive plays and understand their strengths and weaknesses. Adjust your offensive strategy based on your opponent’s defense and your team’s strengths. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different playcalls and settings to find what works best for you.
## Defensive Controls
Defense is just as important as offense in NBA 2K16. A solid defensive strategy and mastery of the defensive controls can shut down your opponent’s scoring threats and lead to fast-break opportunities.
### Player Movement and Positioning
* **Left Stick (LS):** Controls player movement, just like on offense. Use the LS to position your player between the ball handler and the basket, preventing them from driving to the hoop.
* **Intense D:** Hold **L2 (PS4) / LT (Xbox One)** to activate Intense D. This puts your player in a defensive stance, allowing for quicker movements and tighter coverage.
* **Hands Up Defense:** While in Intense D, flick the **Right Stick (RS)** up to raise your hands and contest shots. This is effective at disrupting the shooter’s rhythm and reducing their shot percentage.
### Stealing and Intercepting
* **Steal:** Press the **Square Button (PS4) / X Button (Xbox One)** to attempt a steal. Be cautious, as excessive stealing can lead to fouls. Time your steal attempts carefully, targeting loose balls or when the ball handler is dribbling carelessly.
* **Intercept:** Position yourself in the passing lane and press the **Square Button (PS4) / X Button (Xbox One)** to attempt an interception. Good anticipation and timing are crucial for successful interceptions.
### Blocking and Rebounding
* **Block:** Press the **Triangle Button (PS4) / Y Button (Xbox One)** to attempt a block. Timing is critical for blocking shots. Jump too early, and you’ll likely foul; jump too late, and the shot will be uncontested. Players with high block ratings are more effective at blocking shots.
* **Rebound:** Position yourself near the basket and press the **Triangle Button (PS4) / Y Button (Xbox One)** when the ball is in the air after a missed shot. Boxing out your opponent is essential for securing rebounds. Hold **L2 (PS4) / LT (Xbox One)** to box out more effectively.
### Defensive Strategies and Settings
* **On-Ball Defense:** Use the **Right Stick (RS)** to control your defensive positioning relative to the ball handler. Flick the RS left or right to shade the ball handler in that direction, forcing them towards the sideline or away from the basket.
* **Off-Ball Defense:** Switch to an off-ball defender (using the **X Button (PS4) / A Button (Xbox One)**) and use the **Left Stick (LS)** to position yourself to deny passing lanes or help defend the paint.
* **Defensive Assist:** Holding **R2 (PS4) / RT (Xbox One)** activates defensive assist, which helps your player stay in front of the ball handler. However, relying too much on defensive assist can make you predictable.
* **Defensive Settings:** Access defensive settings from the pause menu to adjust your team’s defensive strategy, such as defensive pressure, help rotations, and zone defense.
**Pro Tip:** Focus on playing smart, positional defense. Don’t just chase the ball. Anticipate your opponent’s moves and position yourself to disrupt their offense. Master the art of boxing out to secure rebounds and prevent second-chance points.
## Other Essential Controls
Beyond offense and defense, several other controls are crucial for navigating the game effectively.
* **Call Timeout:** Press the **Touchpad (PS4) / View Button (Xbox One)** or hold **L1 (PS4) / LB (Xbox One)**.
* **Pause Menu:** Press the **Options Button (PS4) / Menu Button (Xbox One)** to access the pause menu, where you can adjust settings, substitutions, and game plans.
* **Instant Replay:** Press the **Touchpad (PS4) / View Button (Xbox One)** during a stoppage in play to view instant replays.
* **Change Camera Angle:** Use the D-Pad to cycle through different camera angles to find the view that suits your playstyle.
## Advanced Tips and Strategies
* **Pick and Roll / Pick and Pop:** Call a pick and roll by tapping **L1 (PS4) / LB (Xbox One)**. After setting the screen, the screener can either roll towards the basket or pop out for a jump shot. The success of the pick and roll depends on timing and communication.
* **Iso Plays:** Run an isolation play by calling for the ball and clearing out space for your best scorer to operate one-on-one. This is a good option for late-game situations when you need a quick basket.
* **Zone Defense:** Implement a zone defense to protect the paint and force your opponent to shoot from the perimeter. Zone defenses can be effective against teams with strong inside scoring threats.
* **Full-Court Press:** Apply a full-court press to disrupt your opponent’s offense and force turnovers. However, be mindful of your team’s stamina, as a full-court press can be tiring.
## Customizing Controls
NBA 2K16 allows you to customize the control scheme to your liking. This can be helpful if you find certain controls awkward or prefer a different layout.
1. Go to the **Options** menu from the main menu.
2. Select **Controller Settings**.
3. Choose **Controller Configuration**.
4. From here, you can reassign any button to a different function.
Experiment with different control configurations to find what works best for you. Remember to save your changes after making adjustments.
## Conclusion
Mastering the controls in NBA 2K16 is essential for achieving success on the virtual court. By understanding the nuances of dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, and other essential controls, you can elevate your game to new heights. Practice regularly, experiment with different strategies, and customize the controls to your preferences to become a true NBA 2K16 master. Remember, patience and persistence are key. Keep practicing, and you’ll be dominating the court in no time!