NBA 2K26’s dunk meter, or skill dunk meter, is a timing-based system that allows players to finish contact dunks with precision. While it is always enabled by default, the majority of players struggle to enable it consistently, especially for standing dunks. It is all about input timing, position, and understanding how the stick movement works.
Enabling the Dunk Meter
To activate the dunk meter, you first need to hold down the sprint button (R2 on PlayStation or RT on Xbox). Then, when you are near the rim and in a position to dunk, use the right stick by flicking it up and then immediately back down. The dunk meter should then appear above your player, with a green release window to time your finish.
A key note here is that you have to let go of the left stick before attempting the dunk. Most players notice that holding the left stick down interferes with meter activation, which more often than not results in pump fakes or regular layups instead. The principle is to release directional input, hold sprint, then fluidly and quickly do the up–down flick.
Standing vs. Moving Dunks
Players will find the dunk meter more easily triggered on driving dunks, since momentum will naturally propel you into the animation. Standing dunks require cleaner input. For those, stay still near the rim, release the left stick, hold sprint, then flick the right stick up and down. Once you’ve got the timing down, standing dunks using the meter can be very consistent.
Timing and positioning
Just like shooting with the shot meter, timing is key to success with the dunk meter. You need to release when the indicator is in the green window, or the dunk attempt may fail or result in a less potent finish. Positioning also comes into play: if a defender is directly between you and the rim, the meter tends to be smaller, and the dunk is tougher to complete. Conversely, with space or favorable angles, the meter is broader and easier to green.
Triggering the dunk meter in NBA 2K26 requires precision but is one of the most powerful offensive weapons in the game once perfected. The formula is straightforward: release movement controls, hold sprint, flick the right stick up then down, and hold. From there, it’s a matter of timing the green window. With timing and the right dunk animations on your player, you can finish over defenders consistently and add another tool to your offensive toolbox.
