Their returns were pretty exceptional as the 2K game and developer visual concept took a break from the WWE game. Last year’s WWE 2K24 was probably one of the better wrestling games in recent memory, and in that sentiment, it puts serious pressure on the WWE 2K25, which at least has to take things up.
In many ways, I feel that the WWE 2K25 is similar to its recent predecessor in terms of gameplay and general mechanics, but it rocks pretty well with cool new showcase modes, grappling and impressive mini-game improvements, and even new ways of attacking certain wrestlers one another.
That update may feel more important to WWE and wrestling fans, but it’s the perfect time for newcomers to board and experience one of the better wrestling games available today.
The ring is waiting
The WWE 2K25 feels like its predecessor in the gameplay department, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s been a relatively solid few years, and the general battles in WWE 2K25 are responsive and satisfying. Of course, he has weapons of light and heavy attack, along with various grapples that can change everything by tilting the left stick in different directions.
It’s worth diving into the gaming tutorial in advance, as there’s a fair amount of control to learn and remember. It feels like it’s a very long time, but there’s always a lot going on. Main Showcase mode points out the required movies and goals using the control prompt, but the rest of the modes and matches leave things to you.
However, chain wrestling is coming back as the player needs to hold the left stick in the correct position and address the correct submission position by the player feeling a certain vibration. Once the vibrations go away, the player must move the stick again to find a new sweet spot. Win that Mingame and you basically set up things up and end the match with a cool submission. These interactions take place earlier in matches, but it’s very challenging as even AI can quickly find those sweet spots.
Trading blows will also be back. This causes wrestlers to handle hits by pressing buttons to charge a particular bar. It’s a more cinematic feature than anything else, but it’s especially added to the momentum of the match before.
Apart from that, things are all wonderful again. Also, intergender matches allow players to oppose over 300 past and present, male and female wrestlers against each other. This doesn’t affect how the game is played, but even when Rhea Ripley launches Undertaker it’s a great touch for variety.
Follow the family tree
One of the latest features of the WWE 2K25 is the new showcase mode. This follows the popular real-world story of the pedigree. Pedigrees are essentially a long list, a family tree of Samoan wrestlers who competed in WWE and above, and mark the sport.
Narrated in a live-action sequence of longtime manager, executive and promoter Paul Heyman, you can experience a long lineage of the best wrestlers in the business, from “High Chief” Petermavia to his grandchildren Therock and the Lies brothers.
Like previous showcase modes, Bloodline makes sure it controls a variety of interlinked wrestlers over the decades of WWE. Each match generally plays these actual interactions and completes a list of purposes to simulate what happened.
Unlike previous showcase modes, however, these matches are not cut into actual footage, instead using in-game engine footage to earn points.
I think it’s a huge missed opportunity as I added a lot to the credibility of the experience. That being said, there are certain matches that are actually asked to change the outcome of the match, and present some kind of interesting What-if scenario.
Complete a match and you will get certain bonuses such as new wrestlers and outfits, and you will also get some special bonuses when you complete all your goals in one match.
The only annoying thing about these additional goal-based bonuses is that they are only unlocked when you complete all of your goals.
Either way, it’s a cool mode and once again brings light to some of the more underrated, unpopular wrestlers in the sport who have been through nearly 50 years of WWE and are still making a huge impact.
Dominate the ring
All the remaining modes are familiar in one way or another, but bring some new features to help things feel fresh. Aside from the new intergender matches, you can also take part in underground matches. It plays like a more traditional 2D fighting game.
Myrise creates a wrestler, enters WWE, essentially dodges, essentially reding, and returns as a dedicated mode, essentially, by creating a wrestler, entering WWE, and essentially dodges a bunch of NXT wrestlers trying to ruin it. It’s a lot of fun and although a bit ridiculous in certain places, it throws some interesting stories that allow you to make different choices, such as specific matchups and alliances.
Mygm and Universe modes have also returned, but not so many this year. MYGM mode allows you to manage the entire WWE along with your roster and contracts, and you can even play with up to four friends online. Universe mode backs up promotions that allow you to book all kinds of crazy matchups from WWE.
MyFaction is the same as the card-based game I played before. Collects a variety of wrestlers and abilities through new card packs and takes them to other players online. It is still made to pull the strings of your wallet, and it is usually the mode I drop first.
Finally, there is the island. This feels like WWE 2K adopts NBA 2K’s MyCity. This allows you to compete for the WWE contracts offered by Roman Reigns. The island is boring to exist and offers the same Pvpve space, but it’s not happening much that some single players take here and there. You can also compete with other people online, but like NBA 2K, it usually has an advantage for players with the most splashing cash.
Please look at the parts
The WWE 2K25 is gorgeous in terms of its visuals and overall presentation. The entire experience runs at 60 fps, but the character models are all very detailed and accurate.
Each wrestler comes with a fresh entrance, each one can admire via new camera controls. This allows you to select third-person view, audience view, or live feed view. It always looks good, but this year it’s so consistent that I don’t really have to complain about it.
Final Thoughts
WWE 2K25 is a solid entry into a fresh new chapter in WWE Games in 2K and developer Visual Concepts. While the chain wrestling and trading blow mini-games are fun and accessible, the new showcase mode highlights more WWE worlds than just one superstar.
Modes like Island and My Faction aren’t impressive, but there’s still a lot to pack and enjoy, even if you’re just enjoying the same solid gameplay. While fans are sure they appreciate these additions, there has never been a better time for new fans to board.
4 stars (out of 5)
Highlights: A fun new showcase mode. Same satisfying gameplay return. Myrise’s story is still fun. Solid visuals and performance
Low Light: myfaction mode still wants cash. Island mode feels a little weird and empty
Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K Games
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows PC
Available: Now
Reviews conducted on PlayStation 5 are conducted using pre-release code provided by the publisher.
