The NBA The Run beta gives you a free, no-code-required look at one of the most anticipated sports games in recent memory. Eight hours of 3v3 streetball with real NBA stars, arcade mechanics, and cross-play across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Here is everything you need to get in the game.
How do you access the NBA The Run beta?
NBA THE RUN is available to download directly from the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Steam. No sign-up, no beta code, no waitlist. Just download and play. The beta ran on May 30, 2026, from 10am to 6pm PDT (1pm to 9pm EDT), giving players roughly eight hours to test the game before its full June 9, 2026 launch.
Cross-play is enabled by default, so your squad can run together regardless of platform.
Platform download options
What game modes are available?
The beta features two distinct modes built around the 3v3 streetball format:
- Knockout Squads puts you in control of one player on a three-person team. You coordinate with two other players, making it the more team-oriented experience.
- Knockout Solos hands you control of all three players on your team simultaneously. It is a heavier ask mechanically, but it gives you full tactical control over every possession.
Both modes keep the same arcade-forward ruleset. The game is not trying to replicate NBA 2K's simulation style. Expression and style are the point here.
Knockout Squads vs. Solos
What NBA stars are in the beta roster?
The beta roster covers a strong cross-section of current stars and fan favorites. Every player has their own playstyle, so the matchup decisions actually matter. Here is the full list of confirmed playable characters in the beta:
The inclusion of Destiny "DJ" Jackson as a Street Legend is worth noting. The full game will feature five fictional streetball legends total, making the Street Legend category its own distinct tier separate from the NBA roster.
Full beta player roster
What makes the gameplay different from simulation basketball?
NBA The Run leans hard into arcade expression. The move set goes well beyond standard basketball controls. You get four distinct advanced dunks, taunts, new crossover variations, Shammgods, and Slip N' Slides. The emphasis is on style and player expression rather than tactical realism.
This is closer to the spirit of streetball than anything resembling a broadcast simulation. If you have been playing sports games that prioritize realism, the adjustment here is intentional. The game rewards creativity over system execution.
After testing the available move set, the advanced dunks and Shammgod animations are where the personality of each player comes through most clearly. Giannis and Wembanyama feel genuinely different from the guard-heavy roster, which is a good sign for depth at launch.
Advanced dunk animations in action
What does the full game include beyond the beta?
The beta is a slice of what launches on June 9, 2026. The full release adds:
- Run The World Tournament mode
- 30+ NBA Stars (compared to the 16 NBA players in the beta)
- Five fictional streetball legends (the beta only includes one, DJ Jackson)
- Two separate editions available for pre-order
Each player in the full game maintains their own distinct playstyle, which means roster depth translates directly into strategic variety. For a breakdown of which players are worth prioritizing when the full game drops, the NBA The Run best players guide covers the top picks and their strongest combinations.
For more guides covering every mode, mechanic, and roster update as the game evolves, the full NBA The Run strategy guide collection is the best place to stay current.