WWE 2K25: Exclusive Hands-On Preview

Since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K's popular WWE series has been consistently enhancing its gameplay and features to build on its successful formula and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 introduces a range of new iterations, including a new online interactive world called The Island, a revamped story, general manager, and Universe mode, as well as a new hardcore match type called Bloodline Rules. However, I was unable to experience these new additions at a recent preview event, so I cannot yet comment on whether they will elevate 2K25 above its predecessor.

Instead, my time with WWE 2K25 was primarily focused on the core gameplay, which remains largely unchanged, and the 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 improvements 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 earlier generations such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. This year, the mode includes 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 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 type offers unique fun and perspectives for hardcore WWE fans, marking an improvement over 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 that interrupted gameplay. 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." Thankfully, progress has been made in WWE 2K25. The cut to real-life footage is gone, and key moments are now recreated in-engine, providing a smoother and more immersive experience. These sequences are also shorter, reducing time away from gameplay.

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However, not all control issues have been resolved. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, control was taken away from me, turning me into a passive observer. I would prefer more control during these pivotal moments to relive them through my own gameplay decisions.

WWE 2K25 also refines other aspects of the Showcase Mode. The checklist system, which often made matches feel like a to-do list, is back but slightly improved with added optional objectives on a timer. Completing these actions rewards you with cosmetics, and crucially, failing them does not penalize you as in previous games. This is a positive step forward.

The standout feature of the Showcase Mode is the ability to change the outcomes of historic matches. For instance, you can alter the result of Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins at the 2022 Royal Rumble, offering a fresh experience for hardcore WWE fans.

While new modes and match types have been added, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely the same with minor tweaks. This is not necessarily negative, as I was satisfied with the grappling action in WWE 2K24. Notable additions include the return of chain wrestling, which was removed with WWE 2K22's engine revamp. This feature allows players to engage in a mini-game during the opening moments of a bout to gain the upper hand, adding another layer of realism to the gameplay.

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

One of my favorite features from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, returns with an expanded roster of weapons and new environments perfect for backstage brawls. The WWE archives, in particular, is a dream environment for fans, filled with history and easter eggs, where you can toss apples, footballs, and megaphones. You can also fight on top of a giant Wrestlemania sign and the iconic giant fist from the Smackdown era. Additionally, the ring area features Prime sponsorships, allowing you to use the Prime Hydration Station's giant bottle as a weapon, making for some entertaining moments.

Perhaps the most significant gameplay change this year is the introduction of intergender matches, allowing men and women to compete against each other for the first time in a 2K WWE game. Coupled with the largest roster ever, featuring over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a multitude of new matchups.

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Lastly, I had the chance to try out the brand-new match type called Underground, a rope-less 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 details later this month as part of our exclusive IGN First content. Stay tuned to IGN for a full match and detailed explanation from Visual Concepts developer, Derek Donahue.

WWE 2K25 continues the tradition of building on the series' robust fundamentals with new features. While nothing feels revolutionary, the formula remains consistent with last year's game, featuring small but smart tweaks. Whether the advertised major changes and new modes will make this edition stand out remains to be seen, but based on my brief experience, WWE 2K25 appears to be an incremental yet promising step forward for an already well-realized series.