WWE 2K25 Hands-On Preview

Since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K's popular WWE series has consistently introduced iterative improvements to enhance its winning formula and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 promises a new set of enhancements, including a brand-new online interactive world called The Island, a revamped story, general manager, and Universe mode, a new hardcore match type called Bloodline Rules, and more. However, I couldn't experience these new additions at a recent preview event, so I can't confirm if they will elevate 2K25 above its predecessor.

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 was unable to explore 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 recent stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, while also celebrating previous 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 matches where you alter history. I experienced all three types, 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 a unique and enjoyable 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, suffered from an over-reliance on switching to real-life footage for extended periods, a feature known as "Slingshot." 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." Fortunately, progress has been made in WWE 2K25. The cut to real-life footage is gone, and the over-reliance on taking you away from the action has been reduced. Key moments are now recreated in-engine through animation, offering a smoother experience and the satisfaction of seeing iconic moments realized in the game's stunning graphics. These sequences are also significantly shorter, allowing more time for player control.

WWE 2K25 Screenshots

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However, not all my previous concerns about control have been addressed. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, control was taken away from me, forcing me to watch as a bystander during the 1,2,3 count. Ideally, I'd prefer more control during these crucial moments, allowing me to relive them through my own gameplay decisions rather than merely observing.

WWE 2K25 also makes minor improvements to other rough edges. Previous showcase modes relied heavily on a checklist system, requiring players to complete often rudimentary maneuvers to trigger live-action sequences. This approach can make matches feel more like a to-do list than dynamic gameplay. While the checklist system returns in WWE 2K25, it has been refined with added optional objectives on a timer. Completing these actions rewards you with cosmetics, but failing them no longer results in punishment, marking a positive step forward.

The standout addition to Showcase Mode is the ability to change the outcome of certain historic matches. For instance, where Roman Reigns once lost by disqualification to Seth Rollins, you can now experience how things might have unfolded had Roman altered his temperament in the final moments. This feature offers a fresh experience for hardcore WWE fans, and I'm eager to see what other unannounced change matches will be included.

While there are notable changes in modes and match types, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely the same as before, with some minor tweaks. This consistency isn't necessarily a bad thing, as I was already satisfied with the grappling action in WWE 2K24. However, there are a few interesting additions and returns worth noting.

WWE 2K25 sees the revival of chain wrestling, a gameplay sequence that was removed with WWE 2K22's engine revamp. During the opening moments of a bout, initiating a grapple now triggers a mini-game that allows you to gain the upper hand. After locking up, you can choose to drive, wrench, attack, and reposition your opponent into an advantageous spot. Like the trading blows mechanic introduced last year, chain wrestling adds another staple of WWE action, taking a vital step towards accurately recreating what fans see on TV every week.

The submission system also makes a return, featuring a mini-game where you must either avoid or match your opponent's color block on a wheel. While the UI can be overwhelming at first, it quickly becomes second nature. Fortunately, both the submission system and chain wrestling, along with other quick-time event moments, can be disabled in the options menu.

One of my favorite gameplay features from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, also returns in WWE 2K25. The roster of weapons has been improved, and backstage brawls now expand into new environments perfect for weapon tossing. The WWE archives, for instance, not only allow you to throw apples, footballs, and megaphones but also immerse you in a WWE fan's dream environment filled with history and Easter eggs. You can also fight on top of a giant WrestleMania sign and the iconic giant fist from the Smackdown days.

As expected, the ring area is covered in 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 certainly feels like the best use of those 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, you can pit men against women in matches of your choosing. Combined with the largest roster ever, featuring over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a whole host of new matchups.

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Lastly, although the demo build featured a limited amount of new updates to explore, I did get some hands-on time with the brand-new match type called Underground. It's a rope-less variation of an exhibition match set in a Fight Club-like environment with lumberjacks around the ring. This is a completely new addition to the series, and I'll share more about it later this month as part of our exclusive IGN First content. Be sure to check IGN later this week for a full match and a detailed explanation of the new match type from Visual Concepts developer, Derek Donahue.

WWE 2K25 continues the recent tradition of the series, layering new features on top of existing and robust fundamentals. While nothing feels particularly revolutionary, the formula remains largely consistent with last year's offering, enhanced by small but smart tweaks. Time will tell if the advertised big sweeping changes and new modes I didn’t get to see will truly make this edition stand out from its peers, but from my brief experience, it’s hard to say this is anything but a very incremental step for an already well-realized series.