WWE 2K25 Hands-On Preview

Since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K's popular WWE series has continued to make iterative improvements, aiming to build upon its winning formula and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 promises a new batch of enhancements, including a brand-new online interactive world called The Island, a revamped story, general manager and Universe mode, and a new hardcore match type called Bloodline Rules, among others. However, I couldn't fully evaluate these new additions as I didn't get the chance to try them at a recent preview event.

My time with WWE 2K25 was primarily focused on the core gameplay, which remains largely unchanged, and this year's adjusted Showcase Mode, centered around The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. Although I couldn't experience most of the new features, I did notice some small but significant alterations that suggest WWE 2K25 will be another successful evolution of the series, likely worth any wrestling fan's time.

WWE 2K25's Showcase Mode delves into the history of the Anoa’i family, spotlighting stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, while also celebrating past generations such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. The mode now features three types of matches: ones where you recreate history, others where you create history, and most intriguingly, matches where you alter history. I experienced all three types 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. Each match offered unique fun and a fresh perspective for hardcore WWE fans, marking an improvement over last year's showcase mode. However, some minor issues persist.

Last year's WWE 2K24 Showcase Mode, like its predecessor WWE 2K23, was criticized for over-relying on real-life footage, dubbed "Slingshot" by developer Visual Concepts. As I 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, progress has been made in WWE 2K25. The reliance on real-life footage has been eliminated, and key moments are now recreated in-engine with animations, providing a smoother and more satisfying experience. These sequences are also shorter, allowing more time for player-controlled action.

WWE 2K25 Screenshots

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However, not all control issues have been resolved. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, I was forced into a bystander role during the pin count, which ideally should have allowed more player control during these pivotal moments. I want to relive these events with my own gameplay choices, not merely observe.

WWE 2K25 also makes minor improvements to other areas. Previous showcase modes used a checklist system to trigger live-action sequences, which often felt more like a to-do list than dynamic gameplay. This system returns in WWE 2K25 but is refined with optional timed objectives. Completing these actions rewards you with cosmetics, and failing them no longer results in penalties, marking a positive step forward.

The standout feature of the Showcase Mode is the ability to change the outcomes of historic matches. For instance, where Roman Reigns once lost by disqualification to Seth Rollins, you can now see what might have happened if Roman had altered his behavior in the final moments. This adds a fresh layer of engagement for hardcore WWE fans, and I'm eager to see what other changes will be introduced in unannounced matches.

While there are significant changes in modes and match types, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely the same with minor tweaks. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as I was already satisfied with the grappling action in WWE 2K24. The decision to maintain the successful formula is wise. However, there are some interesting additions and returns.

WWE 2K25 sees the revival of chain wrestling, a feature absent since WWE 2K22's engine overhaul. During the opening of a match, initiating a grapple now leads to a mini-game where you can gain the upper hand by driving, wrenching, attacking, and repositioning your opponent. This, along with last year's trading blows mechanic, enhances the authenticity of WWE action seen on TV.

The submission system also returns, featuring a mini-game where you must match or avoid your opponent's color block on a wheel. While the UI can be overwhelming at first, it quickly becomes intuitive. Both chain wrestling and the submission system, along with other quick-time events, can be disabled in the options menu if desired.

One of my favorite features from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, makes a triumphant return. The roster of weapons has been expanded, and backstage brawls now include new environments perfect for weapon tossing. The WWE archives were a highlight, offering a treasure trove of history and easter eggs, along with unique items to throw. You can also 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 you 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 notable gameplay change is the introduction of intergender matches. For the first time in a 2K WWE game, you can pit men against women in any match type. Coupled with the largest roster ever, featuring over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a host of new matchups.

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Lastly, although the demo build featured limited new updates, I did get some hands-on time with the brand-new Underground match type. This is a rope-less variation of an exhibition match set in a Fight Club-like environment with lumberjacks around the ring. This is a fresh 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 from Visual Concepts developer Derek Donahue.

WWE 2K25 continues the series' tradition of layering new features onto robust fundamentals. While the changes I experienced are incremental, the advertised major updates and new modes I didn't get to see could potentially set this edition apart. From my brief experience, WWE 2K25 feels like a solid, if not revolutionary, step forward for an already well-realized series.