WWE 2K25: Exclusive Hands-On Preview

Since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K's beloved WWE series has been steadily refining its gameplay and features to build on its winning formula and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 introduces a host of new elements, including a dynamic online world called The Island, an overhaul of its story, general manager, and Universe modes, and a thrilling new hardcore match type known as Bloodline Rules. While I didn't have the chance to experience these innovations firsthand at a recent preview event, the promise of these additions hints at an exciting evolution for the franchise.

My time with WWE 2K25 was primarily focused on the core gameplay, which remains largely unchanged, and this year's revamped Showcase Mode, which centers around The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. Although I was unable to explore most of the new features, the minor but meaningful improvements I did encounter left me confident that WWE 2K25 will continue the series' tradition of successful evolution and be well worth the time of any wrestling fan.

WWE 2K25's Showcase Mode dives into the storied history of the Anoa’i family, spotlighting its latest stars, Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, while also paying homage to earlier generations such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and the legendary The Rock. This year, the mode offers three distinct match types: recreating history, creating new history, and, most intriguingly, altering history. I had the opportunity to experience all three by recreating Nia Jax’s 2024 Queen of the Ring victory, crafting a dream match between The Wild Samoans and The Dudley Boyz, and reimagining the outcome of the iconic Roman Reigns versus Seth Rollins match from the 2022 Royal Rumble. Each type provided a unique and engaging experience for hardcore WWE fans, marking a clear improvement over last year's showcase mode. However, some minor issues persist.

In previous entries, such as WWE 2K24 and WWE 2K23, the Showcase Mode was criticized for its heavy reliance on switching to real-life footage, a feature dubbed "Slingshot" by developer Visual Concepts. As 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 reliance on real-life footage has been eliminated, replaced by in-engine animations that recreate key moments with less disruption and more satisfaction, thanks to the game's stunning graphics. These sequences are also shorter, allowing for more time spent in control of the action.

WWE 2K25 Screenshots

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Despite these improvements, not all control issues have been resolved. For instance, during the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, I was stripped of control and forced into a passive role, watching the 1,2,3 count-out as a bystander. Ideally, I'd prefer more agency during these crucial moments, allowing me to shape the outcome through my gameplay decisions rather than merely observing.

WWE 2K25 also refines other elements of the Showcase Mode. The previous reliance on a checklist system, which often felt more like a to-do list than dynamic gameplay, has been slightly improved. While the system remains, it now includes optional timed objectives that reward you with cosmetics but don't penalize you for failing them—a step in the right direction. However, the standout feature of the Showcase Mode is undoubtedly the ability to alter the outcomes of historic matches. For example, you can now explore alternative scenarios where Roman Reigns changes his approach in the final moments against Seth Rollins. This feature offers a fresh and exciting experience for hardcore WWE fans.

While the new modes and match types promise significant changes, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely unchanged, with only minor tweaks. This consistency is not necessarily a drawback, as the grappling action in WWE 2K24 was already satisfying. The decision to maintain the proven formula is wise, though some notable additions and returns enhance the experience. The long-awaited return of chain wrestling, a mini-game that was removed with WWE 2K22’s engine overhaul, adds depth to the opening moments of matches. After initiating a grapple, players enter a sequence where they can drive, wrench, attack, and reposition their opponent, mirroring the staple WWE action seen on TV.

The submission system also makes a comeback, featuring a mini-game where players must either avoid or match their opponent's color block on a wheel. Though the UI can be overwhelming at first, it becomes intuitive with practice. Both the submission system and chain wrestling can be disabled in the options menu, catering to players' preferences.

One of my favorite features from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, returns with an enhanced roster of weapons and expanded backstage brawls. The demo showcased the WWE archives as a new environment perfect for weapon tossing, filled with historical items and easter eggs. You can also fight atop a giant Wrestlemania sign and the iconic giant fist from the Smackdown era. The ring area, as in real life, is adorned with 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 feels like a fitting use of those electrolytes.

A significant gameplay change this year is the introduction of intergender matches, enabling players to pit men against women in various match types. Coupled with the largest roster ever, featuring over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a multitude of new matchups that were previously unavailable.

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Lastly, although the demo build offered limited new updates, I had the chance to try out the brand-new Underground match type. This rope-less exhibition match takes place in a Fight Club-like setting with lumberjacks around the ring, adding a fresh twist to the series. I'll be sharing more details about this match type later this month as part of IGN's exclusive First content. Be sure to check back with IGN later this week for a full match showcase and a detailed explanation from Visual Concepts developer Derek Donahue.

WWE 2K25 continues to build on the series' recent tradition of layering new features onto a solid foundation. While the changes I experienced were incremental, the promised sweeping updates and new modes I didn't get to see could potentially set this edition apart. From my brief hands-on time, it's clear that WWE 2K25 is another step forward for an already well-realized series.