Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like NBA 2K21 (2026)
Every game below overlaps with NBA 2K21 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 2K23, which made by the same studio, Visual Concepts.
- NBA 2K21 is tagged Basketball, Sports, Simulation, Character Customization, Realistic, Multiplayer, Action, Third Person 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.
- 1 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 8 are from the same studio: NBA 2K23, NBA 2K25, NBA 2K22, NBA 2K24, NBA 2K19, NBA 2K20, NBA 2K18, NBA 2K17.
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 2K23
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 14 player tags including Immersive Sim, Basketball and Sports; released around the same time (2022).
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 Immersive SimBasketballSportsSimulationRealisticLocal Co-OpOnline Co-OpCharacter Customization
- 2
NBA 2K25
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 13 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation; released around the same time (2024).
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 SportsBasketballSimulatione-sports3DManagementCharacter CustomizationImmersive Sim
- 3
NBA 2K22
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 13 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation; released around the same time (2021).
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 SportsBasketballSimulationRealistice-sports3DTeam-BasedCharacter Customization
- 4
NBA 2K24
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 13 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation; released around the same time (2023).
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 SportsBasketballSimulatione-sportsRealistic3DManagementCharacter Customization
- 5
EA SPORTS FIFA 23
Why it matched: shares 11 player tags including Sports, e-sports and Management; released around the same time (2022).
FIFA 23 brings The World’s Game to the pitch, with HyperMotion2 Technology, men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup™, women’s club teams, cross-play features**, and more.
EA SPORTS FIFA 23 at a glance Released 2022 Studio EA Canada Player sentiment 57% positive of 150,303 Price Not listed Sportse-sportsManagementSimulationTeam-BasedRealisticThird PersonImmersive Sim
- 6
FIFA 22
Why it matched: shares 10 player tags including Sports, Competitive and Simulation; released around the same time (2021).
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 MultiplayerOnline Co-OpLocal Co-OpRealistice-sports
- 7
Undisputed
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Third Person, 3D and Sports; released around the same time (2024).
Become Undisputed in the most authentic boxing game to date! Featuring true to life visuals, bone-jarring action, and more licensed boxers than ever before, Undisputed gives you unprecedented control to master every inch of the ring.
Undisputed at a glance Released 2024 Studio Steel City Interactive Player sentiment 59% positive of 22,747 Price $49.99 Third Person3DSportsRealisticLocal MultiplayerSimulatione-sportsCharacter Customization
- 8
EA SPORTS FC 24
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Sports, e-sports and Competitive; released around the same time (2023).
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 Sportse-sportsCompetitiveLocal Multiplayer3DSimulationOnline Co-OpRealistic
- 9
NBA 2K19
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 7 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation; released around the same time (2018).
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 SportsBasketballSimulatione-sportsCompetitiveLocal MultiplayerRealistic
- 10
Soccer Online: Ball 3D
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Sports, e-sports and Simulation; released around the same time (2017).
Multiplayer soccer simulator. Control one player. Play online or with bots.
Soccer Online: Ball 3D at a glance Released 2017 Studio Unusualsoft Player sentiment 84% positive of 10,667 Price $0.99 Sportse-sportsSimulationOnline Co-OpTeam-BasedCharacter CustomizationThird PersonCompetitive
- 11
EA SPORTS FIFA 21
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Sports, Competitive and e-sports; released around the same time (2020).
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 SportsCompetitivee-sportsSimulationLocal MultiplayerOnline Co-OpRealisticLocal Co-Op
- 12
EA SPORTS FC 25
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Sports, Simulation and e-sports; released around the same time (2024).
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 SportsSimulatione-sportsCompetitiveLocal Co-OpLocal MultiplayerOnline Co-OpRealistic
- 13
NBA 2K20
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 6 player tags including Basketball, Sports and Simulation; released around the same time (2019).
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 MultiplayerCharacter CustomizationRealistic
- 14
eFootball PES 2021 SEASON UPDATE
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Sports, e-sports and Realistic; released around the same time (2020).
Celebrate 25 years of PES with the eFootball PES 2021 Season Update* - available at a special anniversary price!
eFootball PES 2021 SEASON UPDATE at a glance Released 2020 Studio Konami Digital Entertainment Player sentiment 78% positive of 38,097 Price Not listed Sportse-sportsRealisticLocal MultiplayerLocal Co-OpOnline Co-OpSimulationTeam-Based
- 15
NBA 2K18
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 6 player tags including Sports, Basketball and Simulation.
The highest rated* annual sports title returns with NBA 2K18, featuring unparalleled authenticity and improvements on the court.*According to 2008 - 2016
NBA 2K18 at a glance Released Not recorded Studio Visual Concepts Player sentiment 29% positive of 18,725 Price Not listed SportsBasketballSimulationRealisticLocal MultiplayerCompetitive
- 16
Farming Simulator 22
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Management and 3D; released around the same time (2021).
Create your farm and let the good times grow! Harvest crops, tend to animals, manage productions, and take on seasonal challenges.
Farming Simulator 22 at a glance Released 2021 Studio GIANTS Software Player sentiment 93% positive of 92,640 Price $19.99 SimulationManagement3DOnline Co-OpImmersive SimCharacter CustomizationThird Person
- 17
Farming Simulator 25
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and 3D; released around the same time (2024).
Farming Simulator 25 invites you to join the rewarding farm life, single-handedly or cooperatively in multiplayer. This Farm is Your Farm!
Farming Simulator 25 at a glance Released 2024 Studio GIANTS Software Player sentiment 87% positive of 57,493 Price $29.99 SimulationRealistic3DImmersive SimThird PersonManagementOnline Co-Op
- 18
Mount Your Friends
Why it matched: shares 7 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 MultiplayerSimulationCompetitiveLocal Co-Op4 Player LocalOnline Co-Op
- 19
Due Process
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including 3D, Team-Based and Simulation; released around the same time (2020).
A PVP tactical FPS about PLANNING & EXECUTION. Sound strategy and good teamwork are essential for victory because new PROCEDURALLY-GENERATED MAPS are delivered every week. You'll face a new tactical challenge every round.
Due Process at a glance Released 2020 Studio Giant Enemy Crab Player sentiment 81% positive of 8,556 Price $9.99 3DTeam-BasedSimulatione-sportsOnline Co-OpCharacter CustomizationCompetitive
- 20
Police Simulator: Patrol Officers
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and Online Co-Op; released around the same time (2022).
Welcome to Brighton! Join the police force of this fictitious American city and experience the day to day life of a police officer.
Police Simulator: Patrol Officers at a glance Released 2022 Studio Aesir Interactive Player sentiment 75% positive of 22,925 Price $29.99 SimulationRealisticOnline Co-OpImmersive SimThird Person3DCharacter Customization
- 21
Soccer Manager 2022
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Sports, Simulation and 3D; released around the same time (2021).
Sign official FIFPRO licensed players and compete to become the ultimate football manager!
Soccer Manager 2022 at a glance Released 2021 Studio Invincibles Studio Ltd Player sentiment 73% positive of 2,990 Price Not listed SportsSimulation3DImmersive SimRealisticTeam-BasedManagement
- 22
NBA 2K17
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Visual Concepts; shares 5 player tags including Basketball, Sports and Simulation; released around the same time (2016).
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 BasketballSportsSimulationRealisticCharacter Customization
- 23
eFootball
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Sports, e-sports and Simulation; released around the same time (2021).
Step up and experience the exhilarating soccer game that has now surpassed 1 billion downloads! Play eFootball™ with users around the world!
eFootball at a glance Released 2021 Studio Konami Player sentiment 52% positive of 116,818 Price Free Sportse-sportsSimulationLocal MultiplayerOnline Co-OpLocal Co-OpRealistic
- 24
MX Bikes
Why it matched: shares 6 player tags including Simulation, Realistic and e-sports; released around the same time (2019).
MX Bikes is a realistic motocross simulator, based on a scratch built physics engine that accurately simulates motorcycle dynamics and setup options.
MX Bikes at a glance Released 2019 Studio PiBoSo Player sentiment 94% positive of 37,017 Price $34.99 SimulationRealistice-sportsImmersive Sim3DThird Person
Common questions
What game is most like NBA 2K21?
NBA 2K23, 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 2K21" 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 2K21. 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 2K21 do?
NBA 2K23, NBA 2K25, NBA 2K22, NBA 2K24, NBA 2K19, NBA 2K20, NBA 2K18, NBA 2K17 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.