Since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K's popular WWE series has consistently strived to enhance its core gameplay and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 introduces a range of exciting updates, including a new online interactive world called The Island, revamped story, general manager, and Universe modes, and a new hardcore match type known as Bloodline Rules. However, due to not having access to these features at a recent preview event, I can't fully assess whether these additions will surpass the achievements of its predecessor.
My time with WWE 2K25 was primarily spent exploring the core gameplay, which remains largely unchanged, and the updated Showcase Mode, which this year centers on The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. Although I couldn't experience the game's most significant new features, the minor but impactful tweaks I did encounter have left me optimistic that WWE 2K25 will represent another successful evolution in the series, likely appealing to wrestling fans.
WWE 2K25's Showcase Mode delves into the storied history of the Anoa'i family, spotlighting recent stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, as well as celebrating past icons such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. The mode now features three distinct match types: recreating historical moments, creating new history, and altering the course of iconic matches. I had the chance to relive Nia Jax's Queen of the Ring victory from 2024, envision a dream match between The Wild Samoans and The Dudley Boyz, and alter the outcome of the famous Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins match from the 2022 Royal Rumble. Each type offered a unique and engaging experience 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, relied heavily on switching to lengthy real-life footage, a system called "Slingshot" by developer Visual Concepts. As I mentioned 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." Thankfully, progress has been made in WWE 2K25. The game now uses in-engine animations to recreate key moments, reducing the jarring transitions and enhancing the overall experience with shorter, more engaging sequences.
WWE 2K25 Screenshots
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Despite these improvements, some control issues remain. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, I was relegated to a passive bystander role, rather than being allowed to influence the outcome. I'd prefer to have more control during these pivotal moments, enabling me to relive them through my gameplay choices.
Elsewhere, WWE 2K25 refines other aspects of the game. Previous Showcase Modes used a checklist system, often making matches feel more like a to-do list than dynamic gameplay. While this system returns, it's been refined with optional timed objectives that reward you with cosmetics, without penalizing failure as in past iterations. It's a step forward, albeit a small one.
The most exciting addition to Showcase Mode is the ability to change the outcomes of certain historic matches. For instance, you can now explore an alternate scenario where Roman Reigns alters his temperament in the final moments against Seth Rollins. This feature offers a fresh experience for hardcore WWE fans and I'm eager to see more of these alternate histories.
While modes and match types have seen notable changes, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely the same, with minor tweaks. This consistency isn't necessarily a drawback, as the grappling action in WWE 2K24 was already satisfying. The game wisely sticks to its successful formula while introducing a few interesting additions.
One such addition is the revival of chain wrestling, a feature absent since WWE 2K22's engine revamp. In the opening moments of a match, initiating a grapple triggers a mini-game where players can gain the upper hand through driving, wrenching, attacking, and repositioning their opponent. This, along with last year's trading blows mechanic, adds another layer of authenticity, mirroring what fans see on TV every week.
The submission system also makes a welcome return, featuring a mini-game where players must either avoid or match their opponent's color block on a wheel. Despite its initially overwhelming U.I., it becomes intuitive quickly and can be disabled in the options if not preferred. The same customization applies to chain wrestling and other quick-time event moments, ensuring they're optional.
My favorite feature from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, also returns with enhancements. The roster of weapons has been expanded, and backstage brawls now include new environments ripe for weapon tossing. The WWE archives, in particular, offer a treasure trove of history and easter eggs, allowing players to throw apples, footballs, and megaphones while exploring this fan-favorite setting. Additionally, you can 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 is certainly a creative use of these egregious electrolytes.
Perhaps the most notable 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, boasting over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a vast array of new matchups.
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Lastly, although the demo build offered limited new updates, I had the opportunity to experience the new Underground match type. This rope-less variation of an exhibition match places players in a Fight Club-like setting with lumberjacks surrounding the ring. It's an entirely new addition to the series, and I'll share more details later this month as part of IGN's exclusive First content. Be sure to check IGN later this week for a full match and a detailed explanation of this new match type from Visual Concepts developer, Derek Donahue.
WWE 2K25 continues the recent tradition of the series by building upon its robust fundamentals with new features. While the changes I experienced feel incremental rather than revolutionary, the core formula remains consistent with last year's successful offering. Only time will tell if the major updates and new modes I didn't see will set this edition apart, but from my brief experience, it's clear that WWE 2K25 is a solid continuation of an already well-realized series.
