Hooping around is very addictive, especially with friends in NBA 2K25. But that said, now and then there might be issues popping up to ruin the experience. That brings us to the topic of this guide, where some players are facing an error message saying “A problem has been encountered” in NBA 2K25. Well, if you too are encountering the same, consider reading this guide, as we have shared a few workarounds to deal with it.
The “A problem has been encountered” issue prevents gameplay from continuing in NBA 2K25. It disrupts online matches, declaring the game invalid while still affecting win/loss stats. A lot of players have been speaking about this issue across various threads and online discussion forums. So what’s the fix? Let’s look into that.
NBA 2K25 “A Problem has been encountered” Issue: Is there any fix yet
We do not have an official fix yet or a single universal workaround for this issue. However, many affected players have chimed in to share their experiences and the workarounds that fixed the issue for them. Well, we have all those effective workarounds for you to try. But keep in mind that while they may be effective, they aren’t guaranteed fixes!
Restart
If you’re experiencing issues with NBA 2K25 on Xbox or a PC, the first thing to try is restarting your console/PC. This has temporarily fixed the issues for some, allowing them to play a game or two in modes like 5v5, where the problem is most common. Also, right-click on the NBA 2K25 shortcut and select “Run as Administrator”. You can also consider heading to your Steam library, right-clicking on NBA 2K25, selecting “Properties”, going to “Local Files,” and clicking “Verify Integrity of Game Files”.
Internet fixes
If a basic restart and the verification of game files do not help, restart your router to refresh the connection. For a more stable and faster connection, switch from WiFi to a wired Ethernet connection. If the problem persists, try using a different network, such as a mobile hotspot, to rule out issues with your primary connection. Additionally, check if the NBA 2K servers are down by visiting the 2K server status page or community forums, as server outages can cause disruptions in online gameplay. If there are no internet issues, use a VPN and see if that fixes the issue.
DNS (Xbox-specific fix)
To change the DNS, go to “Settings” > “Network” > “Network Settings” > “Advanced Settings,” then clear the alternate MAC address and reboot. Additionally, set up a manual DNS by entering Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8 and Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4 under “Network Settings” > “Advanced Settings” > “Manual”. You can also test with a different account to check if the issue is account-specific.
Update GPU
Updating your GPU drivers can resolve many issues in NBA 2K25, including crashes, performance drops, and even this error. Download and install the latest drivers for your graphics card from the official NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel website, ensuring compatibility with the game’s latest version. This simple update has helped players fix various problems and enjoy a smoother gaming experience.
Nvidia Control Panel
Open the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to “Manage 3D Settings,” and select “Program Settings.” Add NBA 2K25, and under “Max Frame Rate,” set it to 60 FPS. Next, enable V-Sync in the in-game settings rather than in the NVIDIA Control Panel. Lastly, although NBA 2K25 doesn’t have a true full-screen option, make sure it is not running in windowed mode. A borderless fullscreen mode is what we recommend.
Open Ports for Akamai CDN
If your ISP blocks the Akamai CDN (used by 2K servers), create a new inbound rule in Windows Defender Firewall. Select “Port,” choose TCP or UDP (start with TCP), and enter the specific ports: 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 443, 4443, 8080, 8443, 8888. Separate each port with a comma. Allow the connection, apply the rule to all profiles (Domain, Private, and Public), name the rule, and save it. If TCP doesn’t work, repeat the process with UDP.
Firewall Settings and Steam Cache
Open “Control Panel,” go to “Windows Defender Firewall,” and access “Advanced Settings.” In the “Inbound Rules” section, find NBA 2K25 entries (there may be multiple if reinstalled), click “Properties,” and set the profile to “All.” Ensure local and remote ports are set to “Any”. If that does not help out, in Steam, go to “Settings,” head to “Downloads,” and select “Clear Download Cache.” Launch the game again and see if that fixes the issue.
Disable Overlays and Overclocking
For a smooth experience in NBA 2K25, disable any overlays (like Steam, Discord, or Xbox Game Bar), as they can interfere with the game’s performance. Avoid overclocking your GPU or CPU, as it may lead to instability or crashes. Additionally, keep the game, essential drivers (GPU, sound, etc.), and your Windows operating system updated to the latest versions to minimize compatibility issues and ensure optimal performance.
Revo Uninstall
If nothing works out, try using the Revo Uninstaller tool to completely remove the game and its residual files completely, ensuring a clean slate before reinstalling. Revo Uninstaller can delete leftover files and registry entries that may cause problems after a new installation. After uninstalling, reinstall NBA 2K25 via Steam or your preferred platform to ensure a fresh installation.
With those workarounds, we hope that you were able to resolve this error and play NBA 2K25 smoothly. Now before you leave, don’t forget to bookmark DigiStatement for more awesome guides on all things gaming. Also, click here to find out how to fix error 0x8 in NBA 2K25.