WWE 2K25: Exclusive Hands-On Preview

Ever since its successful 2022 reinvention, 2K’s popular WWE series has been on a mission to refine and expand its winning formula, justifying its annual releases with iterative improvements. WWE 2K25 promises a new suite of enhancements, including a brand new online interactive world called The Island, a revamped story, general manager, and Universe mode, along with a new hardcore match type dubbed Bloodline Rules, and more. However, I can’t definitively say whether these additions will elevate 2K25 above its predecessor, as I didn’t have the chance to experience them during a recent preview event.

Instead, my time with WWE 2K25 was centered around the core gameplay, which remains mostly unchanged, and the adjusted Showcase Mode, which spotlights The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. Although I was unable to explore most of this year’s new features, I did notice some small yet significant alterations that give me confidence that WWE 2K25 will be another successful evolution in the series, likely worth the time of any wrestling fan.

WWE 2K25’s Showcase Mode delves into the storied history of the Anoa’i family, highlighting stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, while also paying homage to past legends such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. This year's mode introduces three types of matches: those that recreate history, those that create new history, and those that allow you to alter history. I had the chance to experience all three, from recreating Nia Jax’s Queen of the Ring victory in 2024, to crafting 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 offered unique fun and a fresh perspective for hardcore WWE fans, marking an improvement over last year's showcase mode. However, there are still some minor issues to address.

Last year’s WWE 2K24, like its predecessor WWE 2K23, suffered from an over-reliance on switching to real-life footage during matches, a feature called "Slingshot" by developer Visual Concepts. 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." Thankfully, progress has been made in WWE 2K25. The cut to real-life footage is no longer present, and the over-reliance on removing control from the player has been reduced, at least based on my hands-on session. Key moments are now recreated in-engine through animations, which is less jarring and more satisfying, thanks to the game's stunning graphics. These sequences are also shorter, allowing for more time in control of the action.

WWE 2K25 Screenshots

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However, not all my previous concerns have been fully addressed. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, control was taken away from me, forcing me into a bystander role during the pinfall. Ideally, I'd prefer more control during these pivotal moments to relive them through my own gameplay decisions, rather than simply observing.

WWE 2K25 also makes minor improvements to other areas. Previous showcase modes relied heavily on a checklist system, requiring players to complete often basic maneuvers to trigger live-action sequences. This approach has been criticized for making matches feel more like a to-do list than dynamic gameplay. While this system returns in WWE 2K25, it has been slightly refined with added optional objectives on a timer. Completing these actions rewards you with cosmetics, and importantly, failing them does not penalize you as it did in previous entries. This is a crucial step forward.

The most exciting addition to Showcase Mode is the ability to change the outcome of certain historic matches. For example, instead of Roman Reigns losing by disqualification to Seth Rollins, you can now explore alternate scenarios. This feature offers a fresh experience for hardcore WWE fans, and I'm eager to see what other unannounced change matches will be available.

While there are notable changes in modes and match types, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, with some minor tweaks. This isn't necessarily a negative, as I was already satisfied with the grappling action in WWE 2K24. The decision to stick with a proven formula seems wise. However, there are some interesting additions and returns to note.

WWE 2K25 sees the revival of chain wrestling, a gameplay sequence absent since WWE 2K22’s engine revamp. Initiating a grapple at the start of a bout now triggers a mini-game that allows you to gain the upper hand by driving, wrenching, attacking, and repositioning your opponent. This, alongside the trading blows mechanic introduced last year, adds another layer of realism to recreate what fans see on TV every week.

The submission system also returns, 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, it quickly becomes intuitive, and it's great to see it back. For those less enthusiastic about its return, it can be disabled in the options, along with chain wrestling and other quick-time event moments.

One of my favorite features from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, makes a triumphant return. The roster of weapons has been enhanced, and backstage brawls now extend into new environments perfect for weapon tossing. The WWE archives, where you can throw apples, footballs, and megaphones amidst a treasure trove of history and Easter eggs, was a highlight of the demo. 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. While opinions may vary on this, it does provide a unique weapon in the form of the Prime Hydration Station's giant bottle. Wrapping a bottle of Logan Paul’s luminous juice around your opponent's head feels like the best use of those egregious electrolytes.

Perhaps the most significant gameplay change 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 choice. Combined with the largest roster ever, featuring over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a vast array of new matchups.

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Lastly, although the demo build featured a limited number of new updates, I did get some hands-on time with the brand-new match type called Underground. 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 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 this new match type from Visual Concepts developer, Derek Donahue.

WWE 2K25 continues the series' recent tradition of layering new features onto existing, robust fundamentals. While nothing feels revolutionary, the formula remains consistent with last year's offering, enhanced by small but smart tweaks. Time will tell if the advertised major changes and new modes I didn’t get to see will truly set this edition apart, but from my brief experience, it’s clear that WWE 2K25 represents an incremental step forward for an already well-realized series.