Since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K's popular WWE series has consistently introduced iterative improvements, aiming to enhance its winning formula and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 promises a new set of enhancements, including an online interactive world called The Island, revamped story, general manager, and Universe modes, and a new hardcore match type dubbed Bloodline Rules, among others. However, I couldn't evaluate these new additions at a recent preview event, so it's uncertain whether they will elevate WWE 2K25 above its predecessor.
Instead of exploring the most significant changes, my time with WWE 2K25 focused primarily on the core gameplay, which remains mostly unchanged, and this year's adjusted Showcase Mode, centered around The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. Despite being unable to experience most of the new features, I noticed some small but significant alterations that give me confidence that WWE 2K25 will continue to evolve successfully and be worth the time of any wrestling fan.
WWE 2K25's Showcase Mode delves into the history of the Anoa'i family, featuring stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, while also celebrating past generations such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. This mode now includes three types of matches: those where you recreate history, create history, and, most intriguingly, alter history. I experienced all three by recreating Nia Jax's Queen of the Ring victory from 2024, creating a dream match between The Wild Samoans and The Dudley Boyz, and altering the outcome of the iconic Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins bout from the 2022 Royal Rumble. These matches offer unique and enjoyable experiences for hardcore WWE fans and mark an improvement over last year's showcase mode, though some minor issues persist.
Last year's WWE 2K24 Showcase Mode, like its predecessor WWE 2K23, suffered from an over-reliance on switching to real-life footage that could last for minutes, a feature developer Visual Concepts called "Slingshot." In my WWE 2K23 preview, I noted, "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." Thankfully, two years later, progress has been made. The cut to real-life footage is gone, and the over-reliance on taking you away from the action has been reduced (at least in my hands-on session). Key moments are now recreated in-engine through animations, providing a smoother experience and the satisfaction of seeing iconic moments realized in the game's stunning graphics. These sequences are also significantly shorter, allowing more time for player control.
WWE 2K25 Screenshots
11 Images
However, not all my concerns about maintaining control have been addressed. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, control was taken away, forcing me to watch as a bystander during the 1,2,3 count. Ideally, I'd prefer more control during these crucial moments, allowing me to relive them through my own gameplay decisions rather than being a passive observer.
WWE 2K25 also makes minor improvements to other rough edges. Previous showcase modes relied heavily on a checklist system, requiring players to complete often basic maneuvers to trigger live-action sequences. This approach often felt more like a to-do list than dynamic gameplay, a common complaint among fans. While the system returns in WWE 2K25, it has been slightly refined with added optional objectives on a timer. Completing these actions earns you cosmetics, but failing them no longer results in punishment as in previous entries. This is a crucial, albeit small, step forward.
The standout addition to Showcase Mode is the ability to change the outcome of certain historic matches. For instance, where Roman Reigns once lost by disqualification to Seth Rollins, players can now experience alternate outcomes. This feature offers a fresh experience for hardcore WWE fans, and 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 minor tweaks. This isn't necessarily negative; I was already satisfied with the grappling action in WWE 2K24, and maintaining the proven formula is a smart move. However, there are a few interesting additions and returns worth noting.
WWE 2K25 revives the long-requested chain wrestling, a gameplay sequence absent since WWE 2K22's engine revamp. During the opening moments of a bout, initiating a grapple now leads to a mini-game where players can gain the upper hand by choosing to drive, wrench, attack, and reposition their opponent. Like last year's trading blows mechanic, chain wrestling adds another staple of WWE action, bringing the game closer to what fans see on TV every week.
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 overwhelming UI presentation, it becomes intuitive quickly, and I'm pleased to see it back. Both chain wrestling and the submission system, along with other quick-time event moments, can be disabled in the options for those who prefer a different experience.
One of my favorite gameplay features from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, triumphantly returns. The roster of weapons has been enhanced, and backstage brawls now extend into new environments ideal for weapon tossing. The WWE archives, for instance, not only allow you to throw apples, footballs, and megaphones but also immerse you in a WWE fan's dream setting, filled with history and Easter eggs. Additionally, you can fight atop 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 your opponent's head feels like the perfect use of those electrolytes.
Perhaps the most significant gameplay alteration this year is the introduction of intergender matches. For the first time in a 2K WWE game, players can pit men against women in any match type. Coupled with the largest roster ever, featuring over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a multitude of previously unavailable matchups.
What's the Best WWE Game of All Time?
Pick a winner
New duel
1ST
2ND
3RDSee your ResultsFinish playing for your personal results or see the community’s!Continue playingSee results
Lastly, although the demo build offered limited new updates, I had some hands-on time with the brand-new match type called Underground. It's a rope-less variation of an exhibition match set in a Fight Club-like environment with lumberjacks around the ring. This is a completely new addition to the series, and I'll share more details later this month as part of our exclusive IGN First content. Be sure to check IGN later this week for a full match and a detailed explanation of the new match type from Visual Concepts developer, Derek Donahue.
WWE 2K25 continues the recent tradition of layering new features onto robust fundamentals. While nothing feels revolutionary, the formula remains consistent with last year's offering, supplemented by small but smart tweaks. Only time will tell if the advertised major changes and new modes I didn't get to see will make this edition truly stand out, but from my brief experience, it seems to be a very incremental step for an already well-realized series.
