NBA 2K25: Don't Make This Mistake When Upgrading Your 3-Point Shot

If you’re diving into NBA 2K25 or planning your next build, you’re probably thinking about where to allocate those precious attribute points. Many players, especially those new to the game or to online competitive modes, tend to fall into a common trap: maxing out their three-point rating, assuming that a higher rating equals automatic success from beyond the arc. While it’s true that having a high three-point rating improves your shot, there’s a lot more to becoming a lethal shooter than simply cranking that stat to 99. Let’s break down why overinvesting in your three-point attribute could be a mistake and explore smarter ways to allocate your points.

The Misconception: Higher Rating = Better Shooting

The misconception that a higher three-point rating guarantees better shooting is widespread. Many players believe that the closer they get to a 99 rating, the more automatic their shot will be. While a higher rating will help, it’s important to note that it’s not the be-all and end-all. Shooting in NBA 2K25 depends on a variety of factors beyond your rating, including your jump shot, shooting badges, and overall gameplay strategy.

The truth: NBA 2K shooting has always been more about timing, shot selection, and badges than raw attributes. Having a 99 three-point rating doesn’t mean you’ll be Steph Curry unless you master your release, take good shots, and equip the right badges. You still need the skill to consistently knock down shots, whether they're wide open or contested.

Why 85 Is the Sweet Spot for Most Players

If you're building your player in NBA 2K25, here's a golden rule: don't get carried away chasing a 99 three-point shot rating. Through extensive testing by both 2K Labs and dedicated content creators like All City, it has been found that there’s little difference between an 85 to 95 three-point rating in terms of shooting success. The difference in make percentages between these ratings is minimal—sometimes as little as 1-3%.

Think of it like this: with an 85 three-point rating, you’ll be able to make about 76% of your shots if you’re timing them well, without even factoring in badges. Once you add shooting badges into the mix, your shot-making potential skyrockets.

The main takeaway here? Anything above an 85 isn’t going to change your shooting drastically unless you’re gunning for very specific high-tier badges, and it’s simply not worth the cost in attribute points.

The Data: How Lower Ratings Still Get the Job Done

Thanks to testing from sources like 2K Labs, we now know that even with a 65 three-point rating, you can make about 66% of your shots if you time them properly. And with a 73 rating, that percentage jumps to 70%. This data is particularly revealing because these numbers come from testing without badges equipped—meaning that with the right badges, even lower three-point ratings can perform surprisingly well.

If you’re comfortable timing your shot and are using the right badges, you’ll likely find that there’s no need to push your three-point rating beyond the 85-90 range. Not only will you still be able to shoot consistently, but you’ll also free up points for other attributes that can make your player more well-rounded and versatile.

When Should You Consider a Higher Rating?

Now, there are situations where having a three-point rating above 85 might make sense. Specifically, if you’re aiming for a 96 or 99 three-point rating, there are some tangible benefits. At 96, the green window—where your shot is perfectly timed and will almost always go in—becomes significantly larger. In fact, the green window size opens up enough to make a noticeable difference in how forgiving your release timing can be.

Moreover, at 99, the make percentage jumps even more significantly, and your margin for error increases. This is crucial for players who may struggle with timing their shots or for those who want to consistently hit shots even in highly contested situations.

However, and this is key: maxing out your three-point rating comes at a high cost. Investing in a 96 or 99 rating eats up a huge chunk of your attribute points, limiting how much you can invest in other important areas like defense, finishing, or playmaking. If you’re going all-in on shooting, you better be committed to a pure sharpshooting build—because you’re going to sacrifice in other areas.

Consider the Trade-Offs: What Else Could You Improve?

Let’s say you’ve decided to go with an 85 three-point rating. This means you now have extra attribute points to allocate elsewhere, making your build more well-rounded. You could pour those points into defense, making your player a more formidable presence on that end of the floor. Alternatively, you could improve your ball-handling and passing, enabling you to contribute more to your team’s offensive flow.

Another great option is to upgrade your mid-range shooting. By raising your mid-range rating, you can still score efficiently without maxing out your three-pointer, and you’ll likely unlock some of the shooting badges you want.

For example, with a high mid-range rating, you can still secure badges like Deadeye, Blinders, and Catch & Shoot, which will boost your overall shooting ability. This way, you can become a deadly shooter from anywhere on the floor without investing an unreasonable number of points into your three-point shot.

Focus on Badges and Jump Shot Selection

As mentioned earlier, badges are a massive factor in your shooting success. Even with a lower three-point rating, equipping the right badges can elevate your shooting to elite levels. Badges like Deadeye, Limitless Range, and Green Machine can dramatically improve your shooting percentages, especially from deep and in contested situations.

It’s also critical to choose the right jump shot animation. The ideal jump shot is one that you’re comfortable with and can time consistently. Experiment with different releases and find one that feels right for your playstyle. Once you’ve found the perfect shot, head to the MyCourt or shooting drills to practice. Consistency is key.

Adjust Based on Your Playstyle

Every player has their unique playstyle, and it’s important to build your player around that. If you’re a spot-up shooter or someone who thrives on catch-and-shoot opportunities, you might not need as high of a three-point rating as a player who regularly creates their own shot off the dribble.

Likewise, if you like to shoot from the corner where three-pointers are shorter and easier, you can probably get away with an even lower rating while still being highly effective. Adjust your build to fit how you play the game, and you’ll find that you don’t need to over-invest in your shooting attributes.

Conclusion: Smarter Point Allocation Is Key

In NBA 2K25, maxing out your three-point rating might seem tempting, but it’s not necessary to become a dominant shooter. Instead, focus on finding the right balance between shooting, badges, and other attributes that fit your playstyle. An 85 three-pointer will allow you to shoot efficiently while giving you more flexibility to improve your player’s all-around game.

Be smart with your attribute points, find a jump shot you can consistently time, and equip the right badges—these factors will make you a far better shooter than simply maxing out your three-point stat.

In short: Don’t make the mistake of overinvesting in your three-pointer. Use your NBA 2K25 MT, focus on becoming a more complete player, and you’ll find yourself winning more games and hitting more shots, even without that coveted 99 three-point rating.