But here's the real kicker: getting to Level 40 early in the season matters just as much as reaching it at all. Why? Because your Tier 1 and Tier 2 badges benefit the most when upgraded as soon as possible. The difference between a Set Shooter badge at Hall of Fame and Legend tier is massive—massive enough to change the outcome of games.
And with Season 6 of NBA 2K25 now live, most of the community is scrambling to climb that level ladder fast. But here's the thing: 2K doesn't want you to reach Level 40 quickly. The game is built in a way that encourages players to run out of time as the season nears its end, nudging you to spend money to unlock those final few levels. The five fastest ways to reach Level 40 in NBA 2K25. Let's dive right in.
Method #5: Buy the Pro or Hall of Fame Pass
Let's just get this one out of the way.
Why it matters:
When you open the Season tab, you'll see two options:
• Pro Pass ($10)
• Hall of Fame Pass ($20)
Yes, it's grimy. Yes, it's annoying. But let's be real—buying the Hall of Fame Pass will cut down your grind time by at least 40%.
What you get:
• 15% bonus XP on every game
• 10 Level Skips (You start at Level 10)
• Free VC, NBA 2K25 Mt, and Season cosmetics
This turns a 40-hour grind into around 24 hours if you're grinding Domination or Rec. In high-XP methods like 2v2 Park or Starting 5, this brings it down to 12–14 hours. That's huge.
Method #4: Domination in MyTeam
This method is ideal if you're looking for a solo grind that's reliable and doesn't require PvP wins.
How it works:
1. Go to MyTeam > Play > Domination
2. Choose a weak team (e.g., the Raptors) and set the difficulty to Rookie
3. Stack your squad with top-tier players
4. Burn the clock every possession and blow them out
XP Earned:
• You get about 50% of a level per game
• Games take around 25–30 minutes
• Without the Hall of Fame Pass: ~40 hours to reach Level 40
• With the Pass: ~24 hours
Domination is chill—you don't have to sweat every possession. Plus, XP coins work here, which adds extra boosts when activated. But it's a slow grind.
Method #3: Double XP Events
The most overlooked method, but easily one of the most efficient if you time it right.
Weekly Events:
2K consistently rolls out Double XP events:
• Wear Elite gear
• Rep a specific affiliation
• Play during themed weekends
If you're grinding during these days, the XP stacks up quickly.
Time Required:
• Without Pass: ~33 hours
• With Hall of Fame Pass: ~20 hours
You can even combine these events with 2v2 Park games, Starting 5, or Wreck runs for ultra-fast gains.
Important: XP tokens don't stack with Double XP events. If you're in a Double XP event, save your tokens for later.
Method #2: Meta 2v2 Park Grind
This one's for the competitive grinders who want fast games and fast rewards.
Why it works:
• 2v2 Park games are short (~5–7 minutes)
• You earn 20% XP per win
• Extremely high ROI on time spent
Requirements:
• You need to win consistently
• Team up with a strong partner
• Know your build and play smart—no random chucking!
Time to Level 40:
• Without Season Pass: ~23 hours
• With Hall of Fame Pass: 14 hours
This is the most natural method—no need to cheese MyTeam or grind boring CPU games. You just hoop. Just keep in mind that your skill level matters here. Losing streaks will kill your momentum fast.
Tips to Win 2v2s:
• Use a shooter + big combo
• Set solid screens and run pick-and-pop
• Don't over-dribble—move the ball
• Play safe defense—don't reach
Method #1: Starting 5 Mode (Fastest XP Method)
Here it is. The fastest, most OP method in all of NBA 2K25: Starting 5 mode.
How it works:
• Found in The City (bottom-left of map)
• You play 5v5 NBA games as your MyPlayer
• The rest of your team = AI
• Opponent = 1 MyPlayer + AI team
Each win gives you one full level of progress.
Game Length:
• Each game takes about 30 minutes
• 20 games = Level 40
• That's 20 hours (no boost) or 12 hours (with boost)
This method is a gold mine if you:
• Have a solid build
• Can dominate your matchup
• Use team IQ (pick-and-rolls, smart defense)
If you win consistently and activate XP boosts, you can hit Level 40 in a single weekend.
Final Comparison: Time to Level 40
Method Without Pass With Hall of Fame Pass
Domination (MyTeam) 40 hours 24 hours
Double XP Events 33 hours 20 hours
2v2 Park 23 hours 14 hours
Starting 5 20 hours 12 hours
Buying Hall of Fame – Instant 10 levels + 15% XP
Final Tips to Speed Up Your Grind
• Always activate XP tokens before long sessions
• Play during double XP events—schedule around them if needed
• Avoid Rec unless it's double XP—the games take too long with low XP returns
• Stack up wins—grinding XP is about efficiency, not volume
• Buy the pass early if you're going to buy it—maximize the value
Wrapping It Up
NBA 2K25's Level 40 grind is strategic and time-sensitive. Whether you're chasing the cap breaker for comp-level gameplay or just want that final reward before Season 6 ends, the method you choose matters.
If you're short on time, buy the Hall of Fame Pass. If you're playing naturally, go 2v2 or Starting 5. If you want a slow, steady solo grind, Domination or Events are your best bet.