Since its successful 2022 reinvention, 2K's popular WWE series has consistently introduced iterative improvements to build upon its winning formula and justify annual releases. WWE 2K25 promises a fresh batch of updates, including a new online interactive world called The Island, a revamped story, general manager and Universe mode, and a new hardcore match type named Bloodline Rules. However, I can’t confirm if these additions will elevate 2K25 above its predecessor, as I didn’t have the opportunity to experience them at a recent preview event.
My time with WWE 2K25 was primarily focused on the core gameplay, which remains largely unchanged, and this year’s adjusted Showcase Mode, centered on The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. Although I was unable to explore most of the new features, I did notice some small but significant changes that suggest WWE 2K25 will be another successful evolution of the series, likely worth any wrestling fan's time.
WWE 2K25's Showcase Mode delves into the history of the Anoa'i family, spotlighting stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, while also celebrating earlier generations such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. This mode now features three types of matches: recreating history, creating history, and altering history. I had the chance to experience all three through recreating Nia Jax's 2024 Queen of the Ring victory, crafting a dream match between The Wild Samoans and The Dudley Boyz, and altering the outcome of the iconic Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins match from the 2022 Royal Rumble. Each match type offered unique fun and a fresh perspective for hardcore WWE fans, marking an improvement over last year's showcase mode. However, some minor issues persist.
Last year's WWE 2K24, like its predecessor WWE 2K23, suffered from an over-reliance on switching to real-life footage, a feature Visual Concepts calls "Slingshot." As I noted in my WWE 2K23 preview, "I found myself wanting to be back in the action and create these moments myself, not just watching clips of footage that are already burned into my brain." Fortunately, progress has been made in WWE 2K25. The reliance on real-life footage has been eliminated, and key moments are now recreated in-engine through animations, offering a smoother and more engaging experience. These sequences are also shorter, allowing more time for player-controlled action.
WWE 2K25 Screenshots
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However, not all control issues have been resolved. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, control was taken away from me, forcing me to watch as a bystander during the pin count. I'd prefer more control during these crucial moments to relive them through my gameplay decisions.
WWE 2K25 also makes minor enhancements to other aspects. Previous showcase modes relied on a checklist system, which often felt more like a to-do list than dynamic gameplay. This system returns in WWE 2K25 but with refinements, including optional objectives on a timer. Completing these actions rewards you with cosmetics, and crucially, failing them no longer results in punishment, marking a positive step forward.
The standout addition to Showcase Mode is the ability to alter the outcomes of historic matches. For instance, you can change the result of Roman Reigns' disqualification loss to Seth Rollins, offering a fresh experience for WWE enthusiasts. I'm eager to see what other changes await in unannounced matches.
While there are notable changes in modes and match types, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely the same, with some minor tweaks. This consistency isn't necessarily negative, as I was already satisfied with the grappling action in WWE 2K24. Notable additions include the return of chain wrestling, a gameplay sequence that was removed in WWE 2K22's engine overhaul. At the start of a match, initiating a grapple now triggers a mini-game where players can gain the upper hand by driving, wrenching, attacking, and repositioning their opponent. This feature, alongside last year's trading blows mechanic, enhances the game's realism and immersion.
The submission system also makes a return, featuring a mini-game where players must either avoid or match their opponent's color block on a wheel. Despite its initially overwhelming UI, it quickly becomes intuitive, and it can be disabled in the options menu along with chain wrestling and other quick-time events.
One of my favorite features from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, returns with an expanded roster of weapons and new environments for backstage brawls. The WWE archives stood out as a highlight, allowing players to throw various items while surrounded by WWE history and Easter eggs. You can also fight on top of a giant Wrestlemania sign and the iconic giant fist from the Smackdown era.
As expected, the ring area is adorned with Prime sponsorships, allowing players to use the Prime Hydration Station's giant bottle as a weapon. Wrapping a bottle of Logan Paul's luminous juice around an opponent's head feels like a perfect use of those electrolytes.
A significant gameplay change this year is the introduction of intergender matches, allowing players to pit men against women for the first time in a 2K WWE game. This, combined with the largest roster ever (over 300 wrestlers), opens up a wide range of new matchups.
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Lastly, although the demo build offered limited new updates, I had hands-on time with the brand-new Underground match type, a ropeless variation of an exhibition match set in a Fight Club-like environment with lumberjacks around the ring. This is a novel addition to the series, and I'll share more details later this month as part of our exclusive IGN First content. Check back with IGN for a full match and detailed explanation from Visual Concepts developer, Derek Donahue.
WWE 2K25 continues the series' recent tradition of layering new features onto its robust fundamentals. While nothing feels revolutionary, the formula remains consistent with last year's offering, enhanced by smart tweaks. Whether the advertised major changes and new modes I didn't see will make this edition stand out remains to be seen. However, based on my brief experience, WWE 2K25 represents a solid, incremental step forward for an already well-realized series.
