How to dunk in NBA 2K26 depends on which dunk you're trying to pull off. There are several variations, such as the standard one, a hopstep dunk, a signature dunk, dunks that swap which hand you use – and that's just the start. You can also build toward using specific dunk animations, though how useful those are depends on the situation. Flashier, more dramatic animations leave more room for your opponent to block the shot, so if you're a new or intermediate players, you're better off using the basics until you feel more comfortable experimenting.
Below, we break down how to dunk in NBA 2K26, including how to do the Euro dunk and pull off your signature.
How to dunk in NBA 2K26
A player character dunking in NBA 2K26's training mode
Image credit: Visual Concepts | VG247
The standard dunk is this:
Hold R2/RT
Hold the right analog stick down
Hold square/X (the shot button)
Timing matters, though. If you press the button after passing the free throw line, there's a good chance the game will interpret that as a layup and a dunk. You can either just keep the buttons pressed and stick down the whole time you're approaching the hoop or try practicing the timing to keep your hands free until you get to that point.
You can also shake things up a bit to help get around blockers. For example, there's a hop step dunk that lets you sidestep before dropping the ball in.
How to do the Euro Step dunk in NBA 2K26
The Euro dunk is more complicated and also uses your dunk meter. The way to do it is this:
Don't sprint
Hold the right stick down and opposite the ball (e.g., if the ball is in your left hand, the right stick should be down and right diagonally)
Once the meter appears, move the right stick up AND hold sprint
Release the stick when the meter is full
How to do a hop step dunk
Hold sprint + R2/RT like with the standard dunk
Hold the right stick diagonally away from the ball. For example, if the ball is in your left hand, hold the right stick down and to the right
How to do a signature dunk
A signature dunk in NBA 2K26
Image credit: Visual Concepts | VG247
Signature dunks are the fancier dunk animation packages, including any custom dunks you create. Most of them (also including custom dunks) require you to reach specific stat point thresholds — usually 85 or higher in your driving dunk, though some require standing dunk instead. These are for more advanced play, since, as mentioned, flashier animations tend to have more openings for your opponent to intervene. But if you do want to use one, here's how it works:
Hold sprint
Hold the shoot button when you reach the free-throw line
How to change hands when dunking
Drive toward the rim as if you're performing a normal dunk
Hold the right stick left (to dunk with your left hand) or right (to dunk with your right hand)
And if you're looking to spice up your MyTeam roster, check out our up-to-date list of NBA 2K26 locker codes for some freebies.