Since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K’s beloved WWE series has consistently rolled out iterative improvements aimed at enhancing its winning formula while justifying its annual release cycle. WWE 2K25 is no exception, promising a fresh set of innovations, including an entirely new online interactive world called The Island, a revamped story mode, General Manager mode, Universe mode, a new hardcore match type known as Bloodline Rules, and several additional features. However, I can’t definitively say whether these additions will push 2K25 past its predecessor because I didn’t get the chance to sample them during a recent preview event.
Instead, my time with 2K25 was primarily spent exploring the largely unchanged core gameplay mechanics and this year’s updated Showcase Mode, which centers on the storied Bloodline faction. Despite being excluded from many of the new concepts, I did appreciate some subtle yet meaningful tweaks that assure me WWE 2K25 will mark another successful chapter in the series and likely be worth any wrestling fan’s time.
Showcase Mode Highlights
This year’s Showcase Mode delves into the legacy of the Anoa’i family, led by modern-day icons Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, while honoring earlier generations like The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and the legendary Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The mode introduces three distinct match types: recreating historical events, creating fictional ones, and altering pivotal moments. I had the opportunity to experience all three in various scenarios, such as reenacting Nia Jax’s Queen of the Ring triumph in 2024, crafting a dream match between The Wild Samoans and The Dudley Boyz, and rewriting the outcome of Roman Reigns versus Seth Rollins at the 2022 Royal Rumble. Each match brought its own flavor of excitement and unique perspectives for dedicated WWE enthusiasts, representing an improvement over last year’s iteration.
However, challenges remain. Last year’s WWE 2K24, similar to its predecessor, leaned heavily on extended cuts to real-life footage via a feature dubbed “Slingshot,” which often disrupted the flow of gameplay. While I noted in my preview of WWE 2K23 that I preferred being immersed in the action rather than passively watching clips, I’m pleased to report that progress has been made. The reliance on real-life footage has been eliminated, and transitions away from gameplay are now minimal. Key moments are now animated within the game, offering a smoother experience and greater satisfaction when iconic scenes unfold in stunning detail.
That said, some control issues persist. In the closing moments of my Nia Jax match, I was unexpectedly sidelined as a passive observer during the decisive 1,2,3 count. Ideally, I would have liked to maintain control and influence the outcome based on my gameplay choices. This remains an area for potential refinement.
Other areas of improvement include a slight adjustment to the checklist system in Showcase Mode, which previously felt rigid and forced. This year, optional objectives with timers have been introduced, rewarding players with cosmetics for completion while removing penalties for failure. It’s a modest yet meaningful step forward.
One standout feature is the ability to alter the outcomes of historic matches. For instance, Roman Reigns’ disqualification loss to Seth Rollins can now be rewritten based on different choices made during the bout. This offers a fresh experience for die-hard WWE fans and hints at exciting possibilities for unannounced alternate endings.
Core Gameplay and Additions
While WWE 2K25 builds upon its established foundation with minor refinements, the core grappling mechanics remain largely unchanged. This isn’t necessarily a negative—it indicates confidence in a proven formula. Still, there are noteworthy additions.
Chain wrestling makes its long-awaited return, allowing players to engage in a mini-game during grappling exchanges to gain an edge. By selecting moves like driving, wrenching, attacking, and repositioning, players can establish dominance early in a match. This mechanic mirrors the dynamic interplay fans witness weekly on television.
The submission system also returns, presenting a color-matching puzzle on a wheel. While the user interface may feel overwhelming initially, it soon becomes intuitive. Players who aren’t fond of this feature can disable it in the settings. The same applies to chain wrestling and other quick-time events—they’re all optional.
Weapon throwing makes a triumphant comeback, with an expanded roster of items and new environments ideal for brawling. The WWE archives, for example, offer a nostalgic playground filled with easter eggs and opportunities to unleash weapons like apples, footballs, and megaphones. The addition of famous landmarks like the WrestleMania sign and the Smackdown fist adds flair to these encounters.
Perhaps the most groundbreaking addition is intergender gameplay, enabling matches between male and female wrestlers for the first time in a 2K WWE title. Coupled with the largest roster to date (over 300 wrestlers), this opens up countless matchup combinations previously unavailable.
Final Thoughts
WWE 2K25 follows the series' tradition of incremental yet meaningful enhancements. While nothing feels revolutionary, the tweaks aim to polish and refine the overall experience. Time will tell if the untested features like The Island and Bloodline Rules deliver the promised impact. Based on my limited exposure, WWE 2K25 feels like a steady progression, maintaining the high standards set by its predecessors while introducing welcome innovations.
