WWE 2K25 Hands-On Preview

Since its successful 2022 relaunch, 2K's WWE series has consistently refined its gameplay, justifying its annual releases with iterative improvements. WWE 2K25 promises more of the same, boasting a new online world called The Island, revamped story, general manager, and Universe modes, a fresh hardcore match type ("Bloodline Rules"), and more. However, a recent preview event focused primarily on the core (largely unchanged) gameplay and this year's revised Showcase Mode, centered around The Bloodline. While I couldn't explore the major new additions, several smaller refinements impressed me, suggesting WWE 2K25 will be another successful evolution of the franchise.

WWE 2K25's Showcase Mode chronicles the Anoa'i family's history, featuring Roman Reigns and The Bloodline, alongside past generations like The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, and The Rock. The mode offers three match types: recreating history, creating history, and—most intriguingly—altering history. I experienced recreating Nia Jax's 2024 Queen of the Ring victory, creating a Wild Samoans vs. Dudley Boyz match, and altering Roman Reigns' 2022 Royal Rumble clash with Seth Rollins. Each offered unique fun and fresh perspectives for WWE fans, improving upon last year's Showcase Mode. However, minor issues remain.

Last year's (and the year before's) Showcase Mode suffered from excessive, multi-minute real-life footage segments ("Slingshot"). As noted in my WWE 2K23 preview, I desired more hands-on gameplay rather than watching familiar clips. While not fully resolved, significant progress has been made. The reliance on real-life footage is reduced, with key moments recreated in-engine, resulting in a smoother experience and showcasing the game's impressive graphics. These sequences are also shorter, minimizing time away from gameplay control. However, during Nia Jax's match conclusion, control was removed, forcing passive observation of the final pin. Ideally, more control over these pivotal moments would enhance the experience.

Other improvements include refinements to the checklist system. While the system returns (likely a point of contention), optional timed objectives reward players with cosmetics without punishing failures, a welcome change from previous iterations.

The highlight of the Showcase Mode is undoubtedly the ability to alter historical match outcomes. Reliving Roman Reigns' match against Seth Rollins with a different conclusion offers a fresh perspective for dedicated fans, and I eagerly anticipate the other alterable matches.

WWE 2K25's core gameplay remains largely consistent with minor tweaks. The grappling mechanics from WWE 2K24 are retained, a smart decision given their success. However, notable additions include the return of chain wrestling, a mini-game allowing players to gain an advantage during grapples, and the submission system (a color-matching mini-game, optionally disableable). Both add familiar WWE elements, enhancing the authenticity.

Weapon throwing, a highlight from WWE 2K24, returns with expanded backstage brawls and new environments, including the WWE archives (with various throwable objects and Easter eggs). The ability to use Logan Paul's Prime Hydration bottle as a weapon is a humorous touch. Most significantly, intergender gameplay is finally implemented, opening up numerous previously unavailable match-ups.

The demo showcased a new "Underground" match type—a ropeless exhibition in a Fight Club-esque setting with lumberjacks. More details will be revealed later this month as part of IGN First content.

WWE 2K25 builds upon its solid foundation with incremental improvements. While no single element is revolutionary, the smart refinements suggest a continued evolution of a well-established series. The impact of the unplayed new modes remains to be seen, but my experience suggests a solid, iterative step forward.