Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like NBA 2K18 (2026)
Every game below overlaps with NBA 2K18 on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: NBA 2K19, which made by the same studio, Visual Concepts.
- NBA 2K18 is tagged Sports, Basketball, Gambling, Multiplayer, Simulation, Singleplayer, Realistic, Local Multiplayer by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 3 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 9 are from the same studio: NBA 2K19, NBA 2K22, NBA 2K21, NBA 2K24, NBA 2K17, NBA 2K23, NBA 2K25, NBA 2K20, NBA 2K16.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
NBA 2K19
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 7 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation.
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 2K19 at a glance Released 2018 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 39% positive of 22,571 Price Not listed SportsBasketballSimulationGreat SoundtrackCompetitiveLocal MultiplayerRealistic
- 2
NBA 2K22
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 6 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation.
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 2K22 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 58% positive of 38,880 Price Not listed SportsBasketballSimulationRealisticGamblingLocal Multiplayer
- 3
NBA 2K21
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 6 player tags including Basketball, Sports and Simulation.
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 2K21 at a glance Released 2020 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 42% positive of 38,809 Price Not listed BasketballSportsSimulationRealisticLocal MultiplayerCompetitive
- 4
NBA 2K24
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 6 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation.
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 2K24 at a glance Released 2023 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 32% positive of 44,149 Price Not listed SportsBasketballSimulationRealisticLocal MultiplayerGambling
- 5
NBA 2K17
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 6 player tags including Basketball, Sports and Simulation.
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 2K17 at a glance Released 2016 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 54% positive of 8,786 Price Not listed BasketballSportsSimulationRealisticGreat SoundtrackGambling
- 6
NBA 2K23
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 5 player tags including Basketball, Sports and Simulation.
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 2K23 at a glance Released 2022 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 62% positive of 51,410 Price Not listed BasketballSportsSimulationRealisticLocal Multiplayer
- 7
NBA 2K25
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 5 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation.
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 2K25 at a glance Released 2024 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 59% positive of 42,909 Price $69.99 SportsBasketballSimulationLocal MultiplayerGambling
- 8
NBA 2K20
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 5 player tags including Basketball, Sports and Simulation.
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 2K20 at a glance Released 2019 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 50% positive of 60,409 Price Not listed BasketballSportsSimulationLocal MultiplayerRealistic
- 9
theHunter: Call of the Wild
Why it matched: both survival; shares 5 player tags including Survival, Simulation and Realistic.
Discover an atmospheric hunting game like no other in this realistic, stunning open world – regularly updated in collaboration with the community. Immerse yourself in the single player campaign, or share the ultimate hunting experience with friends.
theHunter: Call of the Wild at a glance Released 2017 Studio Expansive Worlds Player sentiment 89% positive of 202,234 Price Free SurvivalSimulationRealisticWalking SimulatorSports
- 10
NBA 2K16
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 5 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation.
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 2K16 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 52% positive of 7,371 Price Not listed SportsBasketballSimulationRealisticGreat Soundtrack
- 11
EA SPORTS FIFA 21
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Sports, Competitive and Simulation.
Football is back with EA SPORTS™ FIFA 21, featuring more ways to team up on the street or in the stadium to enjoy even bigger victories with friends.
EA SPORTS FIFA 21 at a glance Released 2020 Studio EA Canada Player sentiment 76% positive of 55,685 Price Not listed SportsCompetitiveSimulationLocal MultiplayerRealisticGreat Soundtrack
- 12
Russian Fishing 4
Why it matched: both survival; shares 4 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Sports.
Russian Fishing 4 is a fishing simulator with RPG elements. There is no story line and the whole process is based on the concept of an open, free to roam and free to play game.
Russian Fishing 4 at a glance Released 2021 Studio FishSoft LLC Player sentiment 61% positive of 90,224 Price Free SimulationRealisticSportsSurvival
- 13
FIFA 22
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Sports, Competitive and Simulation.
Powered by Football™, EA SPORTS™ FIFA 22 brings the game even closer to the real thing with fundamental gameplay advances and a new season of innovation across every mode.
FIFA 22 at a glance Released 2021 Studio EA Canada & EA Romania Player sentiment 81% positive of 119,893 Price Not listed SportsCompetitiveSimulationLocal MultiplayerRealistic
- 14
The Isle
Why it matched: both survival; shares 4 player tags including Survival, Simulation and Realistic.
Experience fierce open world survival gameplay as you attempt to stay alive on an unforgiving island inhabited by dinosaurs! Hunt. Grow. Survive.
The Isle at a glance Released 2015 Studio Afterthought LLC Player sentiment 80% positive of 119,583 Price $19.99 SurvivalSimulationRealisticWalking Simulator
- 15
Feed and Grow: Fish
Why it matched: both survival; shares 4 player tags including Simulation, Survival and Realistic.
Hunt and eat other fish - simply, grow into larger beasts!
Feed and Grow: Fish at a glance Released 2016 Studio Old B1ood Player sentiment 78% positive of 21,657 Price $14.99 SimulationSurvivalRealisticGreat Soundtrack
- 16
EA SPORTS FC 24
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Sports, Competitive and Local Multiplayer.
EA SPORTS FC™ 24 welcomes you to The World’s Game: the most true-to-football experience ever with HyperMotionV, PlayStyles optimised by Opta, and an enhanced Frostbite™ Engine.
EA SPORTS FC 24 at a glance Released 2023 Studio EA Canada Player sentiment 58% positive of 111,170 Price Not listed SportsCompetitiveLocal MultiplayerSimulationRealistic
- 17
EA SPORTS FC 25
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Sports, Simulation and Competitive.
EA SPORTS FC™ 25 gives you more ways to win for the club. Team up with friends in your favourite modes with the new 5v5 Rush, and manage your club to victory as FC IQ delivers more tactical control than ever before.
EA SPORTS FC 25 at a glance Released 2024 Studio EA Canada Player sentiment 53% positive of 107,092 Price Not listed SportsSimulationCompetitiveLocal MultiplayerRealistic
- 18
GRID Autosport
Why it matched: shares 5 player tags including Sports, Simulation and Realistic.
It’s all about the teams, the rivals and the race as you become driver for hire, specialising in your favourite disciplines or conquering them all in an intense world of professional motorsport.
GRID Autosport at a glance Released 2014 Studio Codemasters Racing Player sentiment 78% positive of 8,728 Price Not listed SportsSimulationRealisticLocal MultiplayerGreat Soundtrack
- 19
The Way of Life Free Edition
Why it matched: both survival; shares 4 player tags including Walking Simulator, Simulation and Survival.
The Way of Life makes the player relive the same life's experiences from the point of view of three characters of different ages: an adult, an old man and a child.
The Way of Life Free Edition at a glance Released 2016 Studio CyberCoconut Player sentiment 74% positive of 6,131 Price Free Walking SimulatorSimulationSurvivalGreat Soundtrack
- 20
CarX Drift Racing Online
Why it matched: shares 4 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Local Multiplayer.
Master realistic drift physics, tune 120+ cars and drift online with up to 16 players across platforms. Compete in TOP-32, build unique setups and explore hundreds of community-made Workshop maps.
CarX Drift Racing Online at a glance Released 2017 Studio CarX Technologies, LLC Player sentiment 95% positive of 89,251 Price $16.99 SimulationRealisticLocal MultiplayerSports
- 21
Mount Your Friends
Why it matched: shares 4 player tags including Sports, Local Multiplayer and Simulation.
Experience the extreme simulated sporting sensation that's sweeping our digital nation! Mount Your Friends is a fiercely competitive sporting event for you to play with your friends in the contextual security of your own home, assuming that your home is not composed of sexual innuendo.
Mount Your Friends at a glance Released 2014 Studio Stegersaurus Software Inc. Player sentiment 95% positive of 7,671 Price $4.99 SportsLocal MultiplayerSimulationCompetitive
- 22
My Summer Car
Why it matched: both survival; shares 3 player tags including Simulation, Survival and Realistic.
My Summer Car is the ultimate car owning, building, fixing, tuning, maintenance AND permadeath life survival simulator. You start the game with hundreds of loose parts and assemble both car and engine.
My Summer Car at a glance Released 2025 Studio Amistech Games Player sentiment 95% positive of 117,158 Price $14.99 SimulationSurvivalRealistic
- 23
Project Zomboid
Why it matched: both survival; shares 3 player tags including Survival, Simulation and Realistic.
Project Zomboid is the ultimate in zombie survival. Alone or in MP: you loot, build, craft, fight, farm and fish in a struggle to survive. A hardcore RPG skillset, a vast map, massively customisable sandbox and a cute tutorial raccoon await the unwary. So how will you die? All it takes is a bite..
Project Zomboid at a glance Released 2013 Studio The Indie Stone Player sentiment 94% positive of 476,732 Price $24.99 SurvivalSimulationRealistic
- 24
Kingdoms and Castles
Why it matched: both survival; shares 3 player tags including Simulation, Survival and Great Soundtrack.
Kingdoms and Castles is a city-building simulation game about growing a kingdom from a tiny hamlet to a sprawling city and imposing castle. Make trade agreements, alliance, and war with neighboring AI controlled kingdoms. Each villager and resource is individually simulated.
Kingdoms and Castles at a glance Released 2017 Studio Lion Shield, LLC Player sentiment 94% positive of 31,404 Price $19.99 SimulationSurvivalGreat Soundtrack
Common questions
What game is most like NBA 2K18?
NBA 2K19, on the evidence we have. It made by the same studio, Visual Concepts. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to NBA 2K18" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with NBA 2K18. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of NBA 2K18 do?
NBA 2K19, NBA 2K22, NBA 2K21, NBA 2K24, NBA 2K17, NBA 2K23, NBA 2K25, NBA 2K20, NBA 2K16 are also from Visual Concepts, and appear in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.