PGA TOUR 2K25 Review (XSX) – Play Like Tiger

PGA Tour 2K25 is the latest entry in the acclaimed PGA Tour 2K series, developed by HB Studios and published by 2K Sports. Building upon the solid foundation of its predecessors, PGA Tour 2K25 offers an engaging golf simulation experience with an extensive array of features aimed at both casual players and hardcore golf fans. From stunning visuals and deep gameplay mechanics to innovative multiplayer options, PGA Tour 2K25 has refined its formula in several key areas, though it is not without its shortcomings. Here’s a detailed review of what the game has to offer, both in terms of gameplay and overall experience.

Game Name: PGA TOUR 2K25
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Series X|S (reviewed), Switch
Developer(s): HB Studios
Publisher(s): 2K Games
Release Date: 21st February 2025

Gameplay and Mechanics

At its core, PGA Tour 2K25 is a golf simulator that strives to balance accessibility and realism. The game retains the fluid, satisfying swing mechanics introduced in previous titles, but this time, the physics are more polished. The swing system is intuitive, allowing players to adjust the power, timing, and angle of their shots with relative ease. Those familiar with the series will notice incremental improvements in swing responsiveness, with greater attention to detail in ball trajectory and interaction with the environment.

One of the standout features of PGA Tour 2K25 is its expansive range of difficulty settings. Beginners can take advantage of the “Easy” mode, which provides helpful aids such as automatic shot aiming and simplified swing mechanics, while advanced players can opt for a more challenging experience. The latter mode offers deeper control over shot shaping, swing tempo, and shot precision, demanding a high level of skill and focus to master. This flexibility ensures that the game remains accessible to newcomers while also providing enough challenge for seasoned veterans of golf games.

The inclusion of “Pro Mode” has been a particular highlight for many, offering a deeper layer of realism by removing most aids and requiring players to rely entirely on their skill and knowledge of the course. The ability to adjust the difficulty of specific elements, such as wind conditions, terrain, and green speed, enhances the game’s replayability and ensures that each round feels unique.

Rhythm System

Let’s start by talking about the newest system to all 2K games this year: Rhythm. Being implemented very well in PGA Tour, it works seamlessly, being easy to understand but taking a lifetime to master. I, for one, succumbed to not being good enough and turned it off while my player was a low overall. However, trying it with Tiger Woods let me see the potential this system had to be great.

Tutorial, Play now & Top Golf

The tutorial in PGA Tour is very fleshed out, I feel. It serves as a way to learn about the new Rhythm system, taking no more than 15 minutes to finish but offering the ability to try and master it.

Play Now is mostly there to serve as a quick-play mode, allowing players to try out courses, play couch co-op with friends, and try out some of the pros that the game has to offer. Among them are the cover stars Tiger Woods, Max Homa, and Matt Fitzpatrick. While some notable names are missing, such as Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy, plus the lack of legends like Phil Mickelson, Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus, it’s still a solid roster.

Top Golf is the driving range mode of the game. While it’s a pretty simple mode, it’s a place to just hit balls, with a target mode offering 10 chances to hit the target and accumulate the most points. The mode also has both online and couch co-op, with the goal being to score the most points in 10 shots.

MyPlayer, Archetype, & Progression

Of course, this being a 2K game, we have MyPlayer—fully customisable to your liking. You can choose between Body Type A (Masculine) and Body Type B (Feminine), with each having clothing options that match the body type (shorts for A and skirts for B). While creating your MyPlayer, you are given an archetype, with five to choose from: Powerhouse, Technical, Magician, Greenskeeper, and Sculptor. Each has its playstyle and starting attributes. I went with the Powerhouse so I could drive the ball as far as possible.

Golf bags, balls, and attributes all have the ability to be upgraded. The clubs in your golf bag upgrade as you play, and as they do, you’re able to add sockets that enhance one of their attributes. Golf balls function similarly but have their own sockets that can only be applied to the ball. You’re able to evolve your clubs and balls using Evo Tools. As of now, you can only evolve them to Sapphire, but as the seasons progress, higher tiers will become available.

Quests are exactly what you would expect—tasks like “Putt 5 times over 10ft.” Upon completion, you receive rewards ranging from Virtual Currency (VC) to upgrades and beyond.

Career Mode and Sponsors

The Career Mode in PGA Tour 2K25 has received several improvements, offering a more immersive experience than in previous titles. Players can create and customise their own golfer—from physical appearance to clothing—and embark on a journey through various tournaments. The addition of sponsor contracts, endorsements, and equipment upgrades brings a sense of progression to Career Mode, though it can feel somewhat repetitive after a while. There’s also an RPG-like element, as players can level up their character’s stats, unlocking new abilities and improving their golfer’s overall performance.

The journey through the PGA Tour is a rewarding one, with players progressing through various tiers of tournaments and facing tougher competition along the way. As you improve, you also attract sponsors, gain more followers, and achieve higher placements in tournaments. Each sponsor has its own unlock path, offering rewards such as clothing, VC, and other bonuses the longer you stay with them. You can have different sponsors for three categories—Apparel, Clubs, and Balls—or choose to have a single sponsor cover all three.

Another factor that influences your career is your Personality. You can choose to be Brave, Reserved, or a balance of both. This is determined by how you respond to questions in interviews and text conversations with your agent and other golf pros.

That said, while the overall structure is solid, the tournament variety could use some refinement. After a while, the cycle of competing in similar events and facing off against AI-controlled opponents starts to feel predictable, especially compared to the dynamic nature of real-world golf tournaments. Adding more variety through different event types or introducing new competitive formats would help keep things fresh.

Multiplayer and Social Features

One of the standout features of PGA Tour 2K25 is its emphasis on multiplayer and online play. The game offers several modes for both competitive and casual play, including online tournaments, cooperative play, and matchups with friends. The introduction of a “clubhouse” system allows players to form and join golf clubs, further encouraging social interaction and competition. Clubs can host their own tournaments, track stats, and engage in friendly rivalries, adding a communal feel to the experience.

Online Ranked Tours is a nice feature, offering daily and weekly 18-hole challenges across three difficulty levels: Pro-Am, Pro, and Masters. Participation costs 50 VC, though it’s unclear what, if any, rewards are given for completing the 18 holes.

The addition of cross-platform play is a game-changer for the franchise, enabling players on different platforms (PlayStation, Xbox, and PC) to compete against each other. This feature significantly expands the player pool, ensuring that matchmaking remains quick and competitive. The multiplayer modes are well-integrated into the game, and the overall online experience is smooth, with minimal connection issues or server downtime.

Courses and Environments

PGA Tour 2K25 offers an impressive selection of real-world courses, along with a handful of fantasy and original courses designed by the community. The game features iconic venues such as Pebble Beach Golf Links, Augusta National Golf Club, and St. Andrews, all meticulously recreated with remarkable attention to detail. The weather effects, time-of-day changes, and course atmospherics are among the most visually stunning in any golf game to date. The lighting system is particularly noteworthy, featuring beautifully rendered sunsets and dynamic weather conditions that can drastically alter gameplay.

The course design and environmental details are absolutely top-notch. The textures of the grass, trees, and water are incredibly lifelike, while the attention to detail in the surrounding environment—such as crowds, grandstands, and even the shadows cast by players—adds to the immersion. The adjustable camera angles allow players to admire the landscape and appreciate the art of course design from various perspectives.

Graphics and Audio

In terms of presentation, PGA Tour 2K25 looks fantastic. The graphics engine has undergone significant improvements, featuring detailed player models, dynamic environments, and stunning weather effects. The animation of the golfers—from their swings to their celebrations—is smooth and realistic, further enhancing immersion.

The game’s sound design is equally impressive, from the satisfying crack of a perfect shot to the soft thud of the ball landing on the green and the crowd’s cheers adding to the atmosphere. The commentary, while competent, can sometimes feel repetitive and flat. For example, after sinking a 35-foot putt, I expected some excitement from the commentary team, but instead, I was met with the same old dreary “What a nice putt.” However, this is a minor issue considering the nature of the game.

The Good, The Bad, & My Thoughts

Let’s start with what I loved. This game is so fluid, seamless, beautiful—simple yet complicated. Fantastic. The progression feels satisfying, and the career mode is amazing, especially with the option to choose where you start (Q-School or straight to the PGA Tour). Top Golf is a great mode, though I wish there were more than just one venue. Quests are a great incentive, encouraging players to explore the various modes the game has to offer.

Now, unfortunately, the bad. As with all 2K Sports games, I have to start by saying that, unfortunately, VC plays a major role in many aspects of the game. Want to upgrade your player? VC. Want to buy new clothes? VC. This wouldn’t be such an issue if earning VC weren’t such a slow grind. The 50 VC buy-in for Ranked Tours has kept me from playing that mode as much as I’d like. 50 VC isn’t a lot, but when my player is rated 77 overall, and I need every bit of VC to upgrade them, every VC counts.

This includes features like the Clubhouse, a season pass of sorts that is limited to a few weeks. Each Clubhouse Pass offers both a free and premium option, with the premium version costing £9.99 / $9.99 per season (with five seasons anticipated) or £39.99 / $39.90 for the Members Pass, which grants access to all five seasons when they become available.

Final Hole

PGA Tour 2K25 is an excellent golf simulation game that offers a rich and enjoyable experience for both casual and hardcore players. The game successfully blends accessibility with depth, allowing players to enjoy a satisfying golf experience, whether they’re looking to casually knock out a round or compete in an in-depth career mode. The graphical improvements and dynamic weather effects elevate the overall presentation, while the addition of cross-platform play and social features ensures the game has lasting appeal.

That said, there are some areas where the game could improve. The AI could be more unpredictable, and the career mode would benefit from additional variety and event types to keep things interesting. However, these are relatively minor issues in what is otherwise an outstanding golf simulation game.

In conclusion, PGA Tour 2K25 is a must-play for golf fans, offering a detailed, immersive, and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a returning veteran, the game’s blend of realism, customization, and multiplayer features makes it one of the best golf games available today.

Review Disclosure Statement: A copy of PGA Tour 2K25 was provided to us by 2K for review purposes. For more information on how we review video games and other media/technology, please review our Review Guideline/Scoring Policy.

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