The WWE 2K series has been on a steady climb since its rough patch with WWE 2K20, delivering solid improvements with each new entry. WWE 2K25 continues that trend, refining its in-ring gameplay while expanding its content with new match types, gameplay tweaks, and an ambitious—yet controversial—new mode.
This year’s game brings the largest roster yet, more customization tools, and some welcome mechanical upgrades, but it also comes with lingering issues that will feel familiar to longtime fans.
Inside the Ring – A Mix of Refinement and Familiarity
The gameplay in WWE 2K25 builds on the solid foundation of previous years while adding a few key mechanics to freshen things up. Chain wrestling makes a return, offering a mini-game-based struggle for momentum that some will enjoy for its strategic layer, while others may find it an occasional slowdown. The new Giant class wrestlers introduce a stamina shield, forcing opponents to wear them down before executing bigger moves. This change adds variety, as these hulking superstars feel distinct from the rest of the roster.
New match types help shake things up, with Bloodline Rules matches offering chaotic interference-based battles where each wrestler can call for run-ins, quickly escalating a one-on-one fight into a faction war. The Underground match type takes things outside the traditional WWE ring, swapping out ropes for a grittier, fight-club-inspired environment with its own animations and moves. While these new match types don’t redefine gameplay, they add some much-needed diversity to the experience.
That said, some long-standing issues remain. Animations during matches can lock you into sequences, leaving you vulnerable for long stretches. This is particularly noticeable in multi-man matches, where targeting feels inconsistent, sometimes failing to register when switching between opponents. These issues aren’t new, but they can still be frustrating, especially in larger match types like the Royal Rumble.
Some of the smaller gameplay tweaks stand out, such as the revised ladder mechanics, making it easier to grab championship belts without fumbling with awkward mini-games. Barricade dives add more flair to outside-the-ring moments, and general movement feels smoother overall. These aren’t revolutionary changes, but they contribute to a game that feels tighter and more polished than before.
A Flashy but Familiar Show
WWE 2K25 continues to push for realism in its character models, and while the superstars generally look great, some inconsistencies remain. Certain wrestlers boast incredibly detailed scans, while others have awkward facial animations, creating an occasional uncanny valley effect. Larger matches with multiple competitors can still expose stiff animations, though 1v1 matches run much smoother.
Paul Heyman takes centre stage in this year’s Showcase mode, narrating a deep dive into The Bloodline’s legacy. His commentary and storytelling elevate the experience, making it feel more cohesive than past Showcase modes. Cutting the hybrid real-life footage in favour of full in-game recreation also improves immersion, keeping the focus on the action without jarring transitions.
The new third-person camera is one of the most interesting changes to the presentation. Instead of the traditional wider broadcast view, it offers an over-the-shoulder perspective that makes entrances feel more cinematic and adds a fresh angle to gameplay. It’s a solid addition that I really liked and enhances the spectacle.
In terms of performance, the game runs well, with smooth frame rates and stable online play. However, the lack of HDR support is a letdown. Crowd reactions, commentary, and entrance themes are well done, though voice acting in modes like MyRise can feel stiff at times.
The Island – A Controversial Experiment
The biggest addition to WWE 2K25 is The Island, an open-world hub where players create a superstar and roam different themed areas inspired by WWE legends. At its best, it’s a fun place to explore, packed with WWE references and side activities. Areas like The Deadlands (Undertaker-themed) and The Temple of the Ancestors (Lucha Libre-inspired) add personality, making it feel like a living WWE theme park.
Unfortunately, The Island leans heavily into microtransactions. Virtual Currency (VC) can be used to upgrade stats, buy outfits, and unlock new moves, making it a blatant pay-to-win system in online competition. While some items and progression can be earned through gameplay, the grind is slow, making spending money the most efficient way to improve your character.
Beyond its monetization, The Island’s movement and structure feel sluggish. Quest objectives often require long walks, and the mode lacks the excitement of a traditional WWE experience. Whether it remains active in the long run will depend on player engagement, but as it stands, The Island is an experiment that falls short of its potential.
WWE 2K25 is a Strong Entry with Familiar Issues
WWE 2K25 delivers another solid wrestling experience, refining its gameplay while adding new match types, mechanical tweaks, and a massive roster. Showcase mode benefits from great storytelling, and the game’s visual presentation continues to impress. The expanded MyGM and Universe modes bring small but welcome additions, while core gameplay remains enjoyable despite lingering control frustrations.
However, The Island’s heavy focus on monetization is hard to ignore, and MyFaction’s reliance on expensive card packs continues to be a frustrating aspect of the series. While the game improves in many areas, it doesn’t fully address some of its long-standing flaws, particularly in how it handles player agency during matches.
If you’re a dedicated fan, WWE 2K25 is worth picking up for its deep content and refined mechanics. However, if you already own WWE 2K24, the upgrades feel more iterative than transformative. For those on the fence, waiting for a discount might be the best move, especially given the game’s reliance on microtransactions in certain modes.
WWE 2K25
Summary
WWE 2K25 builds on the series with new mechanics like chain wrestling, Bloodline Rules matches, and Giant class stamina. The roster is massive, and modes like MyGM and Showcase add plenty to do, but animations still have issues, and targeting in multi-man matches can be frustrating. The Island mode has potential but leans too hard on microtransactions. It’s not a game-changer, but if you’re into WWE, there’s a lot here to enjoy.
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