WWE 2K25: Exclusive Hands-On Preview

Since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K's popular WWE series has consistently introduced iterative enhancements, striving to refine its winning formula and validate its annual releases. WWE 2K25 promises another set 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 couldn't experience these new features at a recent preview event, so I can't confirm if they'll elevate 2K25 above its predecessor.

Instead of exploring the major changes, my time with 2K25 was focused on the core gameplay, which remains largely unchanged, and this year's adjusted Showcase Mode, centered around The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. Despite being unable to try most of the new features, I did notice some small but impactful changes 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, featuring stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, as well as celebrating past generations such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. This mode introduces three types of matches: those where you recreate history, create new history, and alter history. I experienced all three through 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. These matches offer unique fun and perspective for hardcore WWE fans, marking an improvement over last year's showcase mode. However, some minor issues persist.

Last year's WWE 2K24 Showcase Mode, like its predecessor in WWE 2K23, suffered from an over-reliance on real-life footage that disrupted gameplay. 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." Fortunately, progress has been made in WWE 2K25. The cut to real-life footage is gone, replaced by in-engine animations that recreate key moments, providing a smoother and more engaging experience. These sequences are also shorter, allowing more time for player-controlled action.

WWE 2K25 Screenshots

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However, not all control issues have been resolved. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, I was forced into a bystander role during the 1,2,3 count, rather than staying in control. Ideally, I'd prefer more agency in these crucial moments, allowing me to relive them with my own gameplay decisions.

Elsewhere, 2K25 addresses some rough edges from previous showcase modes. The checklist system, which previously made matches feel like a to-do list, has been refined with optional timed objectives. Completing these grants cosmetic rewards, but failing them doesn't penalize you as in past games—a small but vital improvement.

The standout feature of 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, offering a fresh experience for hardcore fans.

While there are significant changes to modes and match types, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely unchanged with minor tweaks. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as I was already satisfied with the grappling action in WWE 2K24. However, there are some notable additions and returns.

WWE 2K25 brings back the long-requested chain wrestling mechanic, which was removed during WWE 2K22's engine overhaul. Now, initiating a grapple at the start of a match triggers a mini-game to gain the upper hand. You can drive, wrench, attack, and reposition your opponent, adding another staple of WWE action to the game.

The submission system also returns, featuring a mini-game where you must either avoid or match your opponent's color block on a wheel. Though the U.I. can be overwhelming, it becomes second nature quickly. Both chain wrestling and the submission system, along with other quick-time events, can be disabled in the options menu.

My favorite feature from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, also makes a triumphant return. The weapon roster has been expanded, and backstage brawls now take place in new environments ideal for weapon tossing. The WWE archives, for example, not only allow you to throw various items but also immerse you in a 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 feels like the best use of those electrolytes.

A significant gameplay change is the introduction of intergender matches, allowing you to pit men against women for the first time in a 2K WWE game. Coupled with the largest roster ever, with over 300 wrestlers, this opens up numerous new match possibilities.

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Lastly, although the demo build had limited new updates, I did get hands-on time with the brand-new Underground match type, a rope-less variation of an exhibition match in a Fight Club-like setting with lumberjacks around the ring. This is a fresh addition to the series, and I'll share more about it later this month as part of IGN's exclusive First content. Check IGN later this week for a full match and a detailed explanation 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 game, enhanced by small but smart tweaks. Whether the advertised sweeping changes and new modes I didn't see will truly set this edition apart remains to be seen, but from my brief experience, it's clear that WWE 2K25 represents a solid, incremental step forward for an already well-realized series.