Reliving WWE's most famous family legacy
By Paul Hunter
WWE 2K25, the latest installment in the long-running wrestling game franchise, is back, offering a blend of classic features, fresh content, and improvements across the board. Developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Games, this title offers a huge roster brimming with over 300 superstars, from legends like Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin to modern-day future Hall of Famers like Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch.
This year, the developers have focused on adding new features, includin a fresh new mode, "The Island," where you can create your own wrestler and attempt to make a name for yourself in an open-world environment. For those who prefer more traditional WWE gameplay, there’s still plenty to enjoy, including the yearly "Showcase" mode, which this year offers a deeper look into the history of WWE’s most iconic family, The Bloodline, and "My Rise," a story-driven career mode that allows you to guide a wrestler from NXT to superstardom.
While the visuals and presentation have seen several improvements, the gameplay has been refined as well. So, whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the franchise, WWE 2K25 has a lot to offer. Is this the ultimate WWE game, or are there areas where it falls short? Let's dive into the details and explore what this year’s entry has for fans.
WWE 2K25 big shiny new mode is "The Island," an area that takes players beyond the ropes and into an open-world setting. In this mode, you create your own custom wrestler and embark on a journey to build their legacy. The idea is simple: rise from the bottom and make a name for yourself by engaging in various challenges and interactions with other wrestlers (i.e. players) scattered throughout the world.
The gameplay within "The Island" offers a mix of traditional wrestling action and exploration. You’ll venture into different environments, taking part in side quests, mini-games, and, of course, fights that are tailored to push your character’s development. The mode emphasizes player choice, allowing you to shape your wrestler’s path based on the decisions you make along the way. It’s a refreshing change from the more structured career modes of past titles, offering a greater sense of freedom.
The island itself is sprawling and filled with hidden secrets, providing plenty of content to explore. Whether you're training in a gym or facing off against rivals, there’s always something new to discover.
WWE 2K25’s returning Showcase mode this year takes you on a multi-decade long journey through the Bloodline saga, one of the most significant and dominant factions in modern WWE history. This mode allows you to experience key moments and matches from the perspective of Roman Reigns, his family, and their rise to dominance in the WWE Universe.
Hosted by "The Wiseman" Paul Heyman, Showcase is structured around major events, from pivotal victories to emotional betrayals. Whether it's Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins or Rikishi vs ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, each match is recreated in detail, letting you step into the shoes of various members of the Bloodline. The game goes beyond just playing through the matches—it invites you to experience the drama that has made the Bloodline’s storyline so compelling.
One standout feature of this mode is the use of real-life cinematic footage, seamlessly integrated into the gameplay. These cutscenes are amazing trips down memory lane for longtime WWE fans, as you relive all of the high-emotion moments of the Bloodline's rise. As you progress, you unlock additional content, such as special moves and gear tied to the characters.
While the Showcase mode provides a nostalgic look at some of WWE’s best moments, it also offers a deeper connection to the family’s complex relationships and their dominance in the ring. In all, The Bloodline Showcase is a strong addition to WWE 2K25, celebrating a key storyline in WWE while offering a fresh perspective on some unforgettable moments.
Beyond the Island and Showcase modes, WWE 2K25 brings back a huge swath of fan-favourite modes, ensuring you’re never short of things to do. Whether you want to experience a deep career mode, run your own wrestling promotion, or simply create your dream roster.
MyGM puts you in charge of your own WWE brand, where you draft superstars, create rivalries, and manage everything from budgets to match types. It’s a strategic mode that gives you the power to shape your own wrestling empire, balancing financials and fan reactions to build the most popular show.
In MyFaction, you collect and manage a team of WWE Superstars, crafting your own faction of legends, current stars, and future talents. It adds a collectible card element, where you can unlock new members, customize their appearances, and even level them up to make your faction a dominant force.
MyRise is a mode focused on the career of a single superstar, guiding them from humble beginnings to the top of the WWE. The storyline is shaped by your choices, and there are multiple story arcs to experience, offering a personal touch to your journey to the championship.
For fans of freedom, Universe Mode offers a sandbox-style experience where you can book matches, create rivalries, and take control of any WWE Superstar. You can play out entire seasons or create custom events, making it a versatile mode for those who enjoy a more hands-on approach to managing WWE.
Lastly, the Creation Suite allows you to build your own wrestlers, arenas, and even entire shows. The customization tools are robust, offering nearly endless possibilities to design and share your creations with the community.
Turning our attention to gameplay enhancements in WWE 2K25, there are several that standout. One of the most noticeable improvements is the combat system, which has been fine-tuned for better fluidity and timing. Attacks now flow more seamlessly between moves, and the new chain wrestling mechanic allows you to transition between various grapples and strikes with greater ease. The countering system has also been tweaked, making it easier to block or reverse attacks at just the right moment, adding depth to the strategic element of each match. The submission system also received a makeover, with more intuitive controls for applying and escaping submissions.
The motion capture has seen a significant upgrade as well. Wrestlers' movements are more realistic, and the animations look smoother, particularly during high-flying moves or power slams. Matches feel more authentic as a result, with the action flowing naturally without any awkward pauses or stilted movements.
Another standout feature is the AI improvements. Opponents are smarter and more reactive, adapting to your fighting style and making matches feel less predictable. Whether you're facing a powerhouse like Jacob Fatu or a high-flyer like Axiom, each wrestler's unique abilities and tactics are more apparent, making every fight feel fresh and dynamic.
For the first time, WWE Superstars or custom Superstars from the men’s and women’s divisions can now wrestle against each other across all game modes. Instead of a having a men's and women's Royal Rumble you can combine both into a huge 30-person intergender match, and the same holds true for Elimination Chambers and other match types. Speaking of match types, there are new additions this year including Bloodline Rules Match and Underground Match.
No WWE 2K game would be complete without a stellar roster, and this year's edition is easily one of the best. Talent from the past and present are including, ranging from The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Bret Hart to Bron Breakker, Drew MacIntyre, Ethan Page and Iyo Skye. Their moves, finishers and entrance animations are all faithfully recreated, an impressive feat for such a large roster.
WWE 2K25 impresses with its presentation, capturing the high-octane atmosphere of WWE events. From the moment the game starts, you get to experience the full spectacle of WWE wrestling, with stunning visuals, detailed character models, and flashy entrances.
The character models are more refined than ever, with greater attention to detail. Superstars' faces, attire, and body types look incredibly lifelike, a big step up from the character models in prior years. The animations are exceptionally smooth, with movements that capture the wrestler's manerisms and moves, making each match feel authentic. Whether it’s a powerful suplex or a high-flying dive, the action in the ring flows seamlessly.
The lighting and arena design contribute to the overall experience, creating vibrant, energetic settings that mirror real WWE events. The arenas are full of life, with animated crowds, pyrotechnics, and LED displays bringing the spectacle of WWE to your screen. This attention to detail adds to the excitement, especially during big moments like title matches or special entrances.
The sound design also stands out. The roaring crowd, the thuds of bodies hitting the canvas, and the explosive commentary all combine to create a dynamic, engaging atmosphere. The voice lines, delivered by Byron Saxton, Corey Graves, and Michael Cole, add to the realism, though some repetition can still be heard during longer matches.
Final Score: 8/10 - Great
Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K
Genre: Sports
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
WWE 2K25, the latest installment in the long-running wrestling game franchise, is back, offering a blend of classic features, fresh content, and improvements across the board. Developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Games, this title offers a huge roster brimming with over 300 superstars, from legends like Hulk Hogan and Stone Cold Steve Austin to modern-day future Hall of Famers like Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch.
This year, the developers have focused on adding new features, includin a fresh new mode, "The Island," where you can create your own wrestler and attempt to make a name for yourself in an open-world environment. For those who prefer more traditional WWE gameplay, there’s still plenty to enjoy, including the yearly "Showcase" mode, which this year offers a deeper look into the history of WWE’s most iconic family, The Bloodline, and "My Rise," a story-driven career mode that allows you to guide a wrestler from NXT to superstardom.
While the visuals and presentation have seen several improvements, the gameplay has been refined as well. So, whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the franchise, WWE 2K25 has a lot to offer. Is this the ultimate WWE game, or are there areas where it falls short? Let's dive into the details and explore what this year’s entry has for fans.
WWE 2K25 big shiny new mode is "The Island," an area that takes players beyond the ropes and into an open-world setting. In this mode, you create your own custom wrestler and embark on a journey to build their legacy. The idea is simple: rise from the bottom and make a name for yourself by engaging in various challenges and interactions with other wrestlers (i.e. players) scattered throughout the world.
The gameplay within "The Island" offers a mix of traditional wrestling action and exploration. You’ll venture into different environments, taking part in side quests, mini-games, and, of course, fights that are tailored to push your character’s development. The mode emphasizes player choice, allowing you to shape your wrestler’s path based on the decisions you make along the way. It’s a refreshing change from the more structured career modes of past titles, offering a greater sense of freedom.
The island itself is sprawling and filled with hidden secrets, providing plenty of content to explore. Whether you're training in a gym or facing off against rivals, there’s always something new to discover.
WWE 2K25’s returning Showcase mode this year takes you on a multi-decade long journey through the Bloodline saga, one of the most significant and dominant factions in modern WWE history. This mode allows you to experience key moments and matches from the perspective of Roman Reigns, his family, and their rise to dominance in the WWE Universe.
Hosted by "The Wiseman" Paul Heyman, Showcase is structured around major events, from pivotal victories to emotional betrayals. Whether it's Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins or Rikishi vs ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, each match is recreated in detail, letting you step into the shoes of various members of the Bloodline. The game goes beyond just playing through the matches—it invites you to experience the drama that has made the Bloodline’s storyline so compelling.
One standout feature of this mode is the use of real-life cinematic footage, seamlessly integrated into the gameplay. These cutscenes are amazing trips down memory lane for longtime WWE fans, as you relive all of the high-emotion moments of the Bloodline's rise. As you progress, you unlock additional content, such as special moves and gear tied to the characters.
While the Showcase mode provides a nostalgic look at some of WWE’s best moments, it also offers a deeper connection to the family’s complex relationships and their dominance in the ring. In all, The Bloodline Showcase is a strong addition to WWE 2K25, celebrating a key storyline in WWE while offering a fresh perspective on some unforgettable moments.
Beyond the Island and Showcase modes, WWE 2K25 brings back a huge swath of fan-favourite modes, ensuring you’re never short of things to do. Whether you want to experience a deep career mode, run your own wrestling promotion, or simply create your dream roster.
MyGM puts you in charge of your own WWE brand, where you draft superstars, create rivalries, and manage everything from budgets to match types. It’s a strategic mode that gives you the power to shape your own wrestling empire, balancing financials and fan reactions to build the most popular show.
In MyFaction, you collect and manage a team of WWE Superstars, crafting your own faction of legends, current stars, and future talents. It adds a collectible card element, where you can unlock new members, customize their appearances, and even level them up to make your faction a dominant force.
MyRise is a mode focused on the career of a single superstar, guiding them from humble beginnings to the top of the WWE. The storyline is shaped by your choices, and there are multiple story arcs to experience, offering a personal touch to your journey to the championship.
For fans of freedom, Universe Mode offers a sandbox-style experience where you can book matches, create rivalries, and take control of any WWE Superstar. You can play out entire seasons or create custom events, making it a versatile mode for those who enjoy a more hands-on approach to managing WWE.
Lastly, the Creation Suite allows you to build your own wrestlers, arenas, and even entire shows. The customization tools are robust, offering nearly endless possibilities to design and share your creations with the community.
Turning our attention to gameplay enhancements in WWE 2K25, there are several that standout. One of the most noticeable improvements is the combat system, which has been fine-tuned for better fluidity and timing. Attacks now flow more seamlessly between moves, and the new chain wrestling mechanic allows you to transition between various grapples and strikes with greater ease. The countering system has also been tweaked, making it easier to block or reverse attacks at just the right moment, adding depth to the strategic element of each match. The submission system also received a makeover, with more intuitive controls for applying and escaping submissions.
The motion capture has seen a significant upgrade as well. Wrestlers' movements are more realistic, and the animations look smoother, particularly during high-flying moves or power slams. Matches feel more authentic as a result, with the action flowing naturally without any awkward pauses or stilted movements.
Another standout feature is the AI improvements. Opponents are smarter and more reactive, adapting to your fighting style and making matches feel less predictable. Whether you're facing a powerhouse like Jacob Fatu or a high-flyer like Axiom, each wrestler's unique abilities and tactics are more apparent, making every fight feel fresh and dynamic.
For the first time, WWE Superstars or custom Superstars from the men’s and women’s divisions can now wrestle against each other across all game modes. Instead of a having a men's and women's Royal Rumble you can combine both into a huge 30-person intergender match, and the same holds true for Elimination Chambers and other match types. Speaking of match types, there are new additions this year including Bloodline Rules Match and Underground Match.
No WWE 2K game would be complete without a stellar roster, and this year's edition is easily one of the best. Talent from the past and present are including, ranging from The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and Bret Hart to Bron Breakker, Drew MacIntyre, Ethan Page and Iyo Skye. Their moves, finishers and entrance animations are all faithfully recreated, an impressive feat for such a large roster.
WWE 2K25 impresses with its presentation, capturing the high-octane atmosphere of WWE events. From the moment the game starts, you get to experience the full spectacle of WWE wrestling, with stunning visuals, detailed character models, and flashy entrances.
The character models are more refined than ever, with greater attention to detail. Superstars' faces, attire, and body types look incredibly lifelike, a big step up from the character models in prior years. The animations are exceptionally smooth, with movements that capture the wrestler's manerisms and moves, making each match feel authentic. Whether it’s a powerful suplex or a high-flying dive, the action in the ring flows seamlessly.
The lighting and arena design contribute to the overall experience, creating vibrant, energetic settings that mirror real WWE events. The arenas are full of life, with animated crowds, pyrotechnics, and LED displays bringing the spectacle of WWE to your screen. This attention to detail adds to the excitement, especially during big moments like title matches or special entrances.
The sound design also stands out. The roaring crowd, the thuds of bodies hitting the canvas, and the explosive commentary all combine to create a dynamic, engaging atmosphere. The voice lines, delivered by Byron Saxton, Corey Graves, and Michael Cole, add to the realism, though some repetition can still be heard during longer matches.
The Verdict
WWE 2K25 builds on the series' legacy with a refined and improved experience, featuring a deep roster, returning fan-favourite modes like MyRise, MyFaction, and MyGM, and exciting new additions like The Island and the Bloodline Showcase. Gameplay improvements make for more responsive controls and a tighter in-ring experience, while the enhanced presentation gets the series even closer to feeling like a live WWE show. Whether you’re managing your own promotion, crafting a career, or diving into thrilling matches, WWE 2K25 provides something for every WWE fan, making it a must-play for anyone ready to step into the ring.Final Score: 8/10 - Great
WWE 2K25 details
Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PCDeveloper: Visual Concepts
Publisher: 2K
Genre: Sports
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
A key was provided by the publisher.