WWE 2K25 Preview: Exclusive Hands-On Experience

Ever since its successful reinvention in 2022, 2K's popular WWE series has been making iterative improvements to enhance its winning formula and justify its annual releases. WWE 2K25 introduces a range of new features, including an online interactive world called The Island, a revamped story, general manager, and Universe mode, and a new hardcore match type known as Bloodline Rules. However, I wasn't able to experience these additions at a recent preview event, so I can't definitively say if they'll elevate 2K25 above its predecessor.

My time with WWE 2K25 was primarily spent on the core gameplay, which remains largely unchanged, and this year's adjusted Showcase Mode, which focuses on The Bloodline stable of wrestlers. Although I didn't get to try out most of the new features, I did notice some small but significant alterations that I believe will make WWE 2K25 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, 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: recreating history, creating history, and altering 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 history of the iconic Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins match from the Royal Rumble in 2022. These matches offered unique perspectives and fun for hardcore WWE fans, marking an improvement over last year's Showcase Mode. However, some small issues persist.

Last year's WWE 2K24, like its predecessor WWE 2K23, relied heavily on switching to real-life footage for extended periods, a system called "Slingshot" by developer Visual Concepts. 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." I'm pleased to report that, while not completely resolved, progress has been made. The cut to real-life footage is gone, and key moments are now recreated in-engine through animation, offering a smoother and more engaging experience with the game's stunning graphics. These sequences are also shorter, allowing more time for player-controlled action.

WWE 2K25 Screenshots

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However, not all issues related to control have been addressed. During the conclusion of my Nia Jax match, control was taken away from me, forcing me into a bystander role during the 1,2,3 count. Ideally, I'd prefer more control during these crucial moments, allowing me to relive them with my own gameplay decisions rather than merely observing.

Elsewhere, WWE 2K25 makes minor improvements to other rough edges. The checklist system, which previously made matches feel like a to-do list, has been slightly refined. It now includes optional objectives on a timer, rewarding players with cosmetics for completion without penalizing them for failure, marking a vital step in the right direction.

The standout addition to Showcase Mode is the ability to change the outcome of certain historic matches. For instance, where Roman Reigns once lost by disqualification to Seth Rollins, players 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 will be included.

While there are notable changes in modes and match types, the core gameplay of WWE 2K25 remains largely the same with minor tweaks. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as I was already satisfied with the grappling action in WWE 2K24. The decision to stick with a proven formula is smart. However, there are some interesting additions and returns, such as the revival of chain wrestling, which was removed with WWE 2K22's engine revamp. During the opening moments of a bout, initiating a grapple now leads to a mini-game where players can gain the upper hand by driving, wrenching, attacking, and repositioning their opponent. This, along with the trading blows mechanic introduced last year, adds another layer of authenticity to the WWE experience.

The submission system also makes a return, featuring a mini-game where players must either avoid or match their opponent's color block on a wheel. Despite its initially overwhelming UI, it becomes second nature quickly. Both the submission system and chain wrestling can be disabled in the options, along with other quick-time event moments, offering players flexibility.

One of my favorite features from WWE 2K24, weapon throwing, returns with an improved roster of weapons and expanded backstage brawls in new environments. The WWE archives, for instance, not only allow you to toss 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 days.

As expected, the ring area is adorned with Prime sponsorships, allowing players 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.

Perhaps the most notable gameplay change this year is the introduction of intergender matches, allowing players to pit men against women for the first time in a 2K WWE game. Coupled with the largest roster ever, featuring over 300 wrestlers, this opens up a host of new matchups.

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Lastly, although the demo build featured 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 takes place in a Fight Club-like setting 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 the new match type from Visual Concepts developer, Derek Donahue.

WWE 2K25 continues the series' recent tradition of layering new features onto existing and robust fundamentals. While nothing feels particularly revolutionary, the formula remains consistent with last year's offering, enhanced by small but smart tweaks. Time will tell if the advertised major changes and new modes I didn't get to see will truly make this edition stand out, but from my brief experience, it's clear that WWE 2K25 represents an incremental step forward for an already well-realized series.