WWE 2K25 Hands-On Preview

Since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K's popular WWE series has consistently introduced iterative enhancements, aiming to refine its winning formula and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 promises an exciting array of updates, including a new online interactive world called The Island, revamped story, general manager, and Universe modes, and a new hardcore match type called Bloodline Rules, among others. However, I couldn't experience these new features firsthand during a recent preview event, so I can't confirm if they will elevate 2K25 above its predecessor.

Instead, my time with WWE 2K25 was primarily spent on the core gameplay, which remains mostly unchanged, and the revamped Showcase Mode, centered around The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. While I missed out on most of the new additions, I did notice some small but significant changes that give me confidence that WWE 2K25 will be a successful evolution of the series, worthy of any wrestling fan's attention.

WWE 2K25's Showcase Mode delves into the history of the Anoa'i family, spotlighting recent stars like Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, while also honoring past generations such as The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. This year, the mode introduces three match types: recreating history, creating history, and altering history. I had the chance to recreate Nia Jax's Queen of the Ring victory from 2024, create a dream match between The Wild Samoans and The Dudley Boyz, and alter the outcome of the iconic Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins bout from the 2022 Royal Rumble. Each type provided a unique and enjoyable experience for hardcore WWE fans, marking an improvement over last year's showcase.

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. In my WWE 2K23 preview, I expressed a desire to actively participate in creating these moments rather than watching extended clips. Fortunately, progress has been made in WWE 2K25. The cut to real-life footage is gone, and key moments are now recreated in-engine through animations, resulting in a less jarring experience and more time controlling the action.

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However, not all issues with control have been resolved. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, I was stripped of control and forced into the role of a bystander during the pinfall. Ideally, I'd prefer more control during these crucial moments to relive them through my own gameplay decisions.

WWE 2K25 also brings minor improvements to other aspects. Previous showcase modes heavily relied on a checklist system, which often felt more like completing a to-do list than engaging in dynamic gameplay. This system returns in WWE 2K25, but with refinements, including optional timed objectives. Completing these actions rewards you with cosmetics, and importantly, you're no longer penalized for failing them, marking a significant improvement.

The most exciting addition to Showcase Mode is the ability to alter the outcomes 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 more unannounced change matches.

While there are notable changes in modes and match types, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely the same as its predecessor, with some minor tweaks. This consistency isn't necessarily negative, as I was already satisfied with the grappling mechanics in WWE 2K24. The decision to stick with a proven formula feels smart. However, there are a few new and returning elements that add variety.

WWE 2K25 reintroduces chain wrestling, a feature absent since WWE 2K22's engine revamp. This mini-game allows players to gain the upper hand during the opening moments of a match by choosing actions like driving, wrenching, attacking, and repositioning their opponent. This addition, alongside last year's trading blows mechanic, enhances the game's realism and aligns it closer to the WWE action seen on TV.

The submission system also makes a welcome return, where players must either avoid or match their opponent's color block on a wheel. Despite its initially overwhelming UI, it becomes intuitive quickly. Both chain wrestling and the submission system, along with other quick-time events, can be disabled in the options menu for those less enthusiastic about them.

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 stood out as a highlight, allowing players to toss various objects amidst a treasure trove of WWE history and Easter eggs. Additionally, you can fight atop a giant Wrestlemania sign and the iconic giant fist from the Smackdown era.

The ring area features numerous Prime sponsorships, allowing players to use the Prime Hydration Station's giant bottle as a weapon. Personally, using Logan Paul's luminous juice bottle as a weapon feels like the perfect use of those electrolytes.

Perhaps the most significant gameplay change this year is the introduction of intergender matches, enabling players to pit men against women. Coupled with the largest roster ever, boasting over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a wide range of new matchups.

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Lastly, although the demo build had limited new updates to explore, I got hands-on time with the brand-new Underground match type, a rope-less exhibition match set in a Fight Club-like environment with lumberjacks around the ring. This is a novel addition to the series, and I'll share more details 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' tradition of building on robust fundamentals with new features. While nothing feels particularly revolutionary, the formula remains consistent with last year's offering, enhanced by small but smart tweaks. Whether the advertised sweeping changes and new modes I didn't get to see will truly differentiate this edition remains to be seen. From my brief experience, however, WWE 2K25 appears to be an incremental step forward for an already well-established series.