WWE 2K25: Exclusive Hands-On Preview

Since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K’s WWE series has consistently introduced iterative improvements, striving to enhance its winning formula and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 is set to introduce a fresh array of updates, including a new online interactive world called The Island, revamped story, general manager, and Universe modes, a new hardcore match type called Bloodline Rules, and more. However, I can't confirm if these additions will elevate 2K25 above its predecessor as I didn't have the chance to experience 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. While I couldn't explore most of the new features, I did notice some small but significant improvements that suggest WWE 2K25 will continue to evolve successfully and be well worth the time of any wrestling fan.

WWE 2K25's Showcase Mode delves into the history of the Anoa’i family, spotlighting recent stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, as well as 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 the most intriguing for me, matches where you alter history. I experienced all three 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 match from the 2022 Royal Rumble. Each type offered unique fun and perspective, enhancing last year's showcase mode. However, there are still 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 for multiple minutes, a system Visual Concepts called "Slingshot". In my WWE 2K23 preview, I noted, "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." Two years on, I'm pleased to report that progress has been made, though the issue isn't entirely resolved.

The switch to real-life footage has been eliminated, and the reliance on removing you from the action has decreased (based on my hands-on session). Key moments are now recreated in-engine through animations, offering a smoother experience and the satisfaction of seeing iconic moments brought to life within the game's (mostly) stunning graphics. These sequences are also shorter, reducing time away from gameplay.

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, forcing me to watch as a bystander during the 1,2,3 count. Ideally, I'd prefer more control during these pivotal moments, allowing me to relive them with my own gameplay decisions rather than merely observing.

WWE 2K25 also makes minor improvements to other areas. Previous showcase modes relied heavily on a checklist system, where completing rudimentary maneuvers triggered live-action sequences. This approach often made matches feel more like a to-do list than dynamic gameplay. While this system returns in 2K25, it has been refined with optional objectives on a timer. Completing these actions earns you cosmetics, and importantly, failing them no longer penalizes you as in previous entries. It's a crucial step in the right direction.

The most exciting addition to Showcase Mode is the ability to change the outcome of historic matches. For instance, where Roman Reigns once lost by disqualification to Seth Rollins, you can now explore alternative scenarios. This feature offers a fresh experience for hardcore WWE fans, and I'm eager to see what other unannounced change matches are in store.

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 drawback, as I was already satisfied with the grappling action in WWE 2K24. It's a smart move to stick with a proven formula. However, there are some noteworthy additions and returns.

WWE 2K25 reintroduces chain wrestling, a gameplay mechanic sacrificed during WWE 2K22’s engine revamp. At the start of a match, initiating a grapple triggers a mini-game where you can gain the upper hand by driving, wrenching, attacking, and repositioning your opponent. This mechanic, alongside last year's trading blows feature, further recreates the authentic WWE experience seen on TV.

The submission system also makes a return, where players must either avoid or match their opponent's color block on a wheel. While the U.I. might be overwhelming initially, it becomes intuitive quickly. Thankfully, both the submission system and chain wrestling, along with other quick-time event moments, can be disabled in the options.

One of my favorite features from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, returns triumphantly. The roster of weapons has been enhanced, and backstage brawls now include new environments perfect for weapon tossing. The WWE archives stood out as a favorite location, offering not only apples, footballs, and megaphones but also immersing players 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 era.

As expected, the ring area features Prime sponsorships, which allow 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 a creative use of those 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 match men against women, opening up a vast array of new matchups with the largest roster ever, featuring over 300 wrestlers.

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Lastly, although the demo build offered limited new updates, I did get hands-on time with the brand-new match type called Underground. This rope-less variation of an exhibition match is set in a Fight Club-like environment with lumberjacks around the ring. It's 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 recent tradition of layering new features onto robust fundamentals. While the changes I experienced feel incremental, they are smart tweaks that build on an already well-realized series. Whether the advertised sweeping changes and new modes will truly set this edition apart remains to be seen, but based on my brief experience, WWE 2K25 appears to be another solid step forward for the franchise.