Daniel Agius2K Games is back with this year’s highly anticipated instalment of WWE 2K25, once again inviting players to step into the ring for an electrifying wrestling experience. I had the chance to dive into the action, and it’s safe to say that this latest entry in the annual series delivers an exciting, immersive, and adrenaline-fuelled showdown.
Brimming with fresh features, refined gameplay mechanics, and an expansive roster of wrestling superstars, WWE 2K25 takes the franchise to new heights. Whether you’re a long time fan like me or a newcomer to the series, the game offers a wealth of content to explore, from reimagined match types and dynamic story-driven modes to deeper character customisation and improved visuals that make every suplex and finishing move look more realistic than ever.
From the moment you fire up WWE 2K25, it’s clear that 2K has pulled out all the stops to make this year’s edition feel bigger, bolder, and more immersive. With enhanced AI, smoother animations, and the return of beloved gameplay elements alongside exciting new additions, this instalment is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise. Whether you’re stepping into the squared circle for a high-stakes championship match or crafting your own wrestling legacy, WWE 2K25 promises an action-packed experience that fans won’t want to miss.
In Ring Awareness
Right off the bat, when you step into the ring, one thing is immediately clear – WWE 2K25 plays smoother and more fluidly than any of its predecessors. Movement feels more natural, and animations have been refined to eliminate the stiffness seen in previous entries. Wrestlers now react more realistically to strikes, submissions, and high-impact moves, making each match feel more immersive and dynamic. Whether you’re throwing punches, executing a suplex, or countering a finisher, the improved physics and responsiveness elevate the overall gameplay experience.
One of the standout new additions this year is Underground Mode, a fresh take on wrestling that introduces a gritty, high-impact fighting style. This mode shakes up traditional gameplay, adding an extra layer of intensity that hardcore wrestling fans will appreciate. The emphasis on raw, unfiltered action brings a unique flavour to the game, making it a thrilling departure from standard WWE bouts.
Perhaps the most groundbreaking change in WWE 2K25 is the introduction of intergender matches, a long-requested feature that finally makes its way into the series. For the first time, players can pit male and female superstars against each other, creating limitless match possibilities. While this addition has sparked some debate, it ultimately provides players with greater creative freedom, allowing them to craft dream matchups that break traditional boundaries. Whether you want to see Rhea Ripley take on Roman Reigns or Becky Lynch square off against Seth Rollins, WWE 2K25 makes it possible.
Of course, with such an ambitious new feature, there are occasional technical hiccups. Some animations struggle when pairing significantly mismatched opponents, leading to minor clipping issues. However, these quirks are a small price to pay for the sheer fun and unpredictability that intergender matches bring. After all, wrestling is all about spectacle, and what could be more entertaining than watching Rhea Ripley go toe-to-toe with Andre the Giant in an unexpected showdown? WWE 2K25 isn’t just refining the formula—it’s pushing boundaries and embracing the limitless creativity that makes wrestling such an exhilarating spectacle.
The Bloodline Showcase Mode
WWE 2K25 takes faction-based gameplay to the next level with the Bloodline Rules system, making interference and teamwork feel more natural and strategic. Whether you’re controlling a stable or facing off against one, faction dynamics have never felt this immersive. This system plays a major role in the game’s Bloodline Showcase Mode, one of its biggest highlights, narrated by none other than Paul Heyman.
In this mode, you’ll relive key moments from The Usos and Solo Sikoa’s careers, taking part in legendary matches that shaped The Bloodline’s dominance. The objectives mirror real-life bouts, allowing you to not only experience iconic moments but also change match outcomes, offering a fresh perspective on WWE history. This alternate-history aspect significantly boosts replay value, making it one of the best Showcase Modes in the series.
The presentation is top-tier, seamlessly blending archival footage with in-game recreations, making every match feel like a live WWE broadcast. With authentic commentary, realistic crowd reactions, and meticulously crafted match layouts, the mode is a must-play for both Bloodline fans and those seeking a compelling single-player experience.
MyRise
One of the most exciting changes in WWE 2K25’s MyRise Mode is its newly intertwined male and female storylines, creating a more cohesive narrative structure. This revamp ensures that both male and female superstars are woven into the same overarching story, rather than existing in separate career paths.
And trust me—it’s packed with drama. MyRise introduces an NXT invasion storyline, where up-and-coming wrestlers from WWE’s developmental brand shake up the main roster, forcing you to make tough choices that will alter the course of your career. Your decisions matter, influencing the trajectory of your journey, relationships with other superstars, and even your shot at championship gold.
While it may not reach the same heights as the Bloodline Showcase in terms of spectacle, MyRise remains a strong, engaging mode that rewards replayability and personal investment in your superstar’s career.
MyGM
A fan-favourite mode returns with major improvements – and the most exciting one? Online multiplayer! WWE 2K25 now lets you compete against friends or rivals online to build the most dominant wrestling promotion. This competitive element adds an entirely new strategic layer, forcing players to outmanoeuvre each other in booking matches, managing superstars, and securing ratings supremacy.
MyGM now supports up to four players online, ensuring that battles for brand dominance are more intense than ever. Another big change is the introduction of cross-brand Premium Live Events (PLEs), where rival promotions can clash in inter-brand supercards, further upping the stakes.
The management aspect is deeper than before, requiring players to carefully balance superstar health, contracts, and fan engagement. Additionally, power-up cards can now be used strategically to gain advantages, making for an even more dynamic experience. If you enjoy running the show from behind the scenes, MyGM’s enhancements will make it one of the most addictive parts of WWE 2K25.
With these expanded modes, new features, and online capabilities, WWE 2K25 isn’t just another entry in the series—it’s a bold step forward that gives players more control, strategy, and creative freedom than ever before.
The Island
If you’re playing WWE 2K25 on next-gen consoles, you’ll gain access to The Island, an ambitious new online social hub exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Designed as a living, breathing multiplayer space, The Island lets you explore, interact with superstars, undertake side quests, and take part in unique activities like mini-games and skill-based challenges. It aims to bring an MMO-style experience to WWE 2K, allowing players to engage beyond standard matchups and career modes. On paper, The Island is an exciting concept, providing a fresh way to experience WWE outside the ring. However, its execution has been met with mixed reactions from fans. While it successfully introduces a more interactive, open-world approach to the franchise, its implementation is hindered by two major issues: clunky UI and aggressive microtransactions.
One of the biggest criticisms surrounding The Island is its reliance on virtual currency (VC) for cosmetic items and progression, which has led to frustration among players who prefer a more organic and rewarding system. The emphasis on microtransactions makes it feel like a pay-to-progress environment rather than a mode built for genuine engagement. Additionally, the UI and navigation feel cumbersome, making exploration less intuitive than it should be. While The Island does offer new locations, side activities, and social interactions, these features often feel shallow and underdeveloped. Instead of being a fully fleshed-out online playground, it comes across as an experimental addition that lacks depth.
Despite its flaws, The Island is not without merit. One of its most intriguing aspects is the ability to earn a WWE contract, giving players a sense of progression and purpose. If 2K refines the UI, expands the activities, and dials back the monetisation, The Island could evolve into one of the most innovative modes in WWE gaming history. Right now, it feels more like a work in progress than a fully realised feature, but with the right improvements, it has the potential to reshape how players engage with WWE 2K beyond the ring. If 2K listens to fan feedback and makes meaningful adjustments, The Island could be a true game-changer in future instalments.
A Visual Leap Forward
WWE 2K25 takes a significant step forward in visual fidelity, delivering highly detailed character models that closely resemble their real-life counterparts. Wrestlers now feature improved textures, realistic facial expressions, and dynamic lighting effects, making every entrance, taunt, and finishing move feel more immersive than ever. The addition of sweat, bruising, and subtle muscle movements enhances realism, bringing the in-ring action to life in stunning detail.
The entrances are a true spectacle, with authentic pyrotechnics, lighting effects, and camera angles that faithfully replicate WWE’s televised broadcasts. Even the crowd animations and reactions have seen notable improvements, making the arena atmosphere feel more alive and reactive than in previous entries. Another standout improvement is the commentary, which sounds more natural and engaging compared to WWE 2K24. However, as with most sports games, it becomes repetitive over extended play sessions, with certain lines looping too frequently.
Despite these advancements, some environmental textures and background details still feel outdated, slightly diminishing the overall visual polish. On the bright side, the user interface is sleek and modern, making navigation smoother and more intuitive. WWE 2K25’s graphical and presentation upgrades significantly enhance immersion, making it one of the most visually impressive entries in the series.
One of WWE 2K25’s standout features is its massive roster, boasting over 300 wrestling superstars—the largest line-up in the franchise’s history. The game includes a diverse mix of WWE legends, current superstars, and rising NXT talent, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all fans. Whether you want to step into the ring as Bret “Hit Man” Hart, The Rock, or the latest breakout stars, the roster is stacked with fan favourites from every era.
Beyond the impressive superstar selection, WWE 2K25 also delivers a strong variety of match types, bringing back popular modes like WarGames, Royal Rumble, and Elimination Chamber. With such a vast array of wrestlers and match options, the game offers endless opportunities for dream matchups and unforgettable moments.
No YEET
Despite its many improvements, WWE 2K25 is not without its flaws. Like any game, it has its fair share of minor glitches and animation issues that can occasionally break immersion. While these bugs don’t fundamentally impact gameplay, they can be frustrating, especially when they occur during critical moments. Microtransactions have become a common feature in modern sports games, and WWE 2K25 is no exception. While Virtual Currency (VC) isn’t required to enjoy the game, it plays a significant role in unlocking characters, purchasing upgrades, and progressing faster in various modes. The presence of VC feels a bit intrusive at times, and while players can earn rewards through regular gameplay, the push toward microtransactions can be aggressive – especially in modes like MyRISE and MyGM. Patience is key for those who prefer to unlock everything naturally, but the temptation to spend real money remains ever-present.
Commentary has seen some improvements, with new lines adding a bit more variety. However, after extended play sessions, repetition sets in, making it feel less dynamic over time. Performance-wise, WWE 2K25 runs smoothly on next-gen consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X, but players on PS4 and Xbox One may experience longer load times and occasional frame rate drops.
WWE 2K25 is the most polished wrestling game in years, featuring a massive roster of superstars and an engaging Showcase Mode focused on The Bloodline. With the introduction of Underground Mode, The Island, and intergender matches, the game brings plenty of fresh content to keep players entertained.
While it’s not without its flaws – minor bugs, microtransactions, and a lack of major innovation in certain modes – these issues don’t significantly detract from the overall experience. WWE 2K25 remains a must-play for wrestling fans, delivering refined gameplay, impressive presentation, and the most complete package since the series’ reboot.
This review utilised a PS5 key provided by 2K. WWE 2K25 is out now on Playstation, Xbox and PC
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Chris Inglis