Since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K’s WWE series has been continuously enhancing its gameplay and features to build upon its winning formula and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 introduces a variety of new elements, including an innovative online interactive world called The Island, revamped story, general manager, and Universe modes, as well as a new hardcore match type named Bloodline Rules. However, I couldn't experience these exciting additions at a recent preview event, so I can't yet say if they will elevate WWE 2K25 above 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 focuses on The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. Although I was unable to delve into most of the new features, I did notice some small but significant improvements that make me confident that WWE 2K25 will be a successful evolution of the series and well worth the time of any wrestling fan.
WWE 2K25's Showcase Mode centers on the history of the Anoa'i family, featuring its recent stars Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, while also celebrating previous generations like The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. The mode introduces three types of matches: recreating history, creating history, and altering history. I experienced all three through recreating Nia Jax’s Queen of the Ring victory from 2024, crafting a dream match between The Wild Samoans and The Dudley Boyz, and altering the outcome of the iconic Roman Reigns versus Seth Rollins match from the Royal Rumble in 2022. Each match type offers a unique and enjoyable experience, marking an improvement over last year’s Showcase Mode. However, there are still some minor issues to address.
Last year's WWE 2K24, like its predecessor WWE 2K23, relied heavily on switching to real-life footage for extended periods, a feature called "Slingshot" by developer Visual Concepts. As 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, WWE 2K25 has made progress on this front. The reliance on real-life footage has been eliminated, and key moments are now recreated in-engine through animations, offering a smoother and more immersive experience. These sequences are also shorter, allowing for more time spent controlling the action.
WWE 2K25 Screenshots
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Despite these improvements, not all control issues have been resolved. For instance, during the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, control was taken away from me, forcing me to watch passively instead of participating in the pivotal moment. Ideally, I'd like more control during these crucial sequences to relive them with my own gameplay decisions.
WWE 2K25 also refines other elements of the Showcase Mode. Previous iterations relied on a checklist system that felt more like completing tasks than dynamic gameplay. While this system returns, it has been refined with optional timed objectives that reward players with cosmetics but do not penalize them for failing, marking a significant step forward.
A highlight of the Showcase Mode is the ability to alter the outcomes of historic matches. For example, you can change the result of Roman Reigns' disqualification loss to Seth Rollins, exploring alternative scenarios that offer fresh experiences for hardcore WWE fans.
While new modes and match types have been introduced, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely the same with minor tweaks. This consistency is not necessarily a bad thing, as I was already satisfied with the grappling mechanics in WWE 2K24. However, there are some notable additions and returns. Chain wrestling, a long-requested feature, makes a comeback, allowing players to engage in a mini-game during the opening moments of a match to gain the upper hand. This, along with the trading blows mechanic introduced last year, enhances the authenticity of the WWE experience.
The submission system also returns, requiring players to match or avoid colored blocks on a wheel. Although the U.I. can be overwhelming at first, it becomes intuitive with practice. Thankfully, both the submission system and chain wrestling can be disabled in the options for those who prefer a different gameplay style.
One of my favorite features from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, makes a triumphant return in WWE 2K25. The variety of weapons has been expanded, and backstage brawls now include new environments like the WWE archives, filled with historical items and easter eggs. You can even fight on top of a giant Wrestlemania sign and the iconic giant fist from the Smackdown era. Additionally, 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 is a highlight of the game's playful use of sponsorships.
A significant gameplay change this year is the introduction of intergender matches, allowing players to pit men against women in any match type. Coupled with the largest roster ever, featuring over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a wide array of new match possibilities.
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Lastly, though the demo build offered limited new content, I did get hands-on time with the new match type called Underground. This rope-less exhibition match takes place in a Fight Club-like setting with lumberjacks around the ring, a fresh addition to the series. I'll share more details later this month as part of IGN's exclusive First content, so be sure to check back for a full match and a detailed explanation from Visual Concepts developer Derek Donahue.
WWE 2K25 continues the recent tradition of the series by layering new features on top of its robust fundamentals. While nothing feels revolutionary, the game offers small but smart tweaks to an already well-realized formula. Whether the advertised major changes and new modes will truly set this edition apart remains to be seen, but from my brief experience, WWE 2K25 appears to be a solid incremental step forward for the series.
