WWE 2K25: Exclusive Hands-On Preview

Since its impressive 2022 reinvention, 2K’s WWE series has been consistently enhancing its gameplay to maintain its winning formula and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 introduces a range of new features, such as The Island, an online interactive world, revamped story, general manager, and Universe modes, as well as a new hardcore match type called Bloodline Rules. Unfortunately, I was unable to experience these new additions at a recent preview event, so I can't comment on whether they elevate 2K25 above its predecessor.

My time with WWE 2K25 was focused on the largely unchanged core gameplay and the updated Showcase Mode, which highlights The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. Despite not having access to most of the new features, I noticed several small but significant improvements that make me confident that WWE 2K25 will be another successful evolution of the series, likely worth the time of any wrestling fan.

The Showcase Mode in WWE 2K25 centers on the Anoa’i family's history, featuring recent stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, as well as previous generations such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. This year's mode includes three types of matches: recreating history, creating new history, and altering history. I had the chance to experience all three, 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 match from the 2022 Royal Rumble. Each type of match offers unique fun and perspectives, enhancing the experience for hardcore WWE fans compared to last year’s Showcase Mode. However, there are still some minor issues to address.

In previous years, WWE 2K24 and WWE 2K23's Showcase Modes suffered from an over-reliance on real-life footage, dubbed "Slingshot" by developer Visual Concepts. I previously noted in my WWE 2K23 preview that, "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 cut to real-life footage is gone, replaced by in-engine animations that recreate key moments, resulting in a smoother, less jarring experience. These sequences are also shorter, allowing more time for player-controlled action.

WWE 2K25 Screenshots

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However, not all issues regarding player control have been resolved. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, control was taken away from me, forcing me into the role of a bystander during the pin count. Ideally, I'd prefer more control during these crucial moments to relive them with my own gameplay decisions rather than merely observing.

WWE 2K25 also refines other aspects of previous showcase modes. The checklist system, which previously made matches feel more like a to-do list than dynamic gameplay, returns but with improvements. Now, there are optional objectives on a timer, and you're rewarded with cosmetics for completing them, but you're no longer penalized for failing, marking a step in the right direction.

The most exciting addition to Showcase Mode is the ability to alter the outcomes of historic matches. For instance, you can change the result of Roman Reigns' disqualification loss to Seth Rollins at the 2022 Royal Rumble. This feature offers a fresh experience for hardcore WWE fans, and I'm eager to see what other historical changes will be available.

While there are significant changes in modes and match types, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely the same with minor tweaks. This consistency isn't necessarily a bad thing, as the grappling action in WWE 2K24 was already satisfying. WWE 2K25 reintroduces chain wrestling, a gameplay sequence removed with WWE 2K22's engine revamp. This mini-game during the opening moments of a match allows players to gain the upper hand through actions like driving, wrenching, attacking, and repositioning, adding another layer of realism to the game.

The submission system also makes a welcome return, allowing players to either avoid or match their opponent's color block on a wheel. Despite its initially overwhelming UI, it quickly becomes intuitive, and can be disabled in the options menu, along with chain wrestling and other quick-time events, catering to player preferences.

A standout feature from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, returns with an expanded roster of weapons and new environments like the WWE archives, which is 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 era. The ring area now features 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 certainly feels like a creative use of the electrolytes.

One of the most significant gameplay changes 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, boasting over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a vast array of new matchups.

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Lastly, though the demo build had limited new updates, I had the chance to try out the brand-new Underground match type, 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 of this new match type from Visual Concepts developer, Derek Donahue.

WWE 2K25 builds on the series' recent tradition by layering new features onto robust fundamentals. While nothing feels revolutionary, the formula remains consistent with last year's offering, enhanced by small but smart tweaks. The big, sweeping changes and new modes I didn’t get to see will determine if this edition truly stands out, but from my brief experience, it's clear that WWE 2K25 represents an incremental step forward for an already well-realized series.