New spin-off, old problems: "WWE 2K25" tested
A new "WWE 2K" every year. And every year the same question: is it more than just an expensive update? I have ventured into the virtual ring, perfected moves, fought for titles - and realised: "WWE 2K25" is a game of contradictions.
WWE 2K25, the latest instalment of the wrestling simulation, is in the starting blocks. After the disastrous "WWE 2K20", 2K has experienced a renaissance in recent years. The question now is: will "2K25" continue this positive trend? As a long-time wrestling viewer, I have tested the game extensively and have come to a mixed conclusion.
Gameplay - 2K relies on a tried and tested system
For me, the most important factor in a wrestling simulation is the fighting action and the fun in the ring. This has to be right for the game to keep me hooked for at least a few hours.
The gameplay of "WWE 2K25" remains largely true to the style of its predecessors. The tried-and-tested control system with light and heavy attacks and counters is still easy to learn but difficult to master. It can be challenging, especially at the highest level.
Among other things, the mini-games return in the game and play a role in various match situations. These small challenges appear when it comes to important turning points in the match - for example during counterattacks, pin attempts and submissions or during certain grip changes. They require quick reactions and precise timing in order to influence the action in the ring.
Some mini-games are simple button-mash sequences in which I have to press a button as quickly as possible. Others are reaction tests in which I have to press a button at the right moment or guide a cursor into a target zone. The new chain wrestling mini-game, which occurs during a hold change, is making a comeback: here I have to react at the right moment to gain a dominant position or free myself from a hold.
In some places, these mini-games make sense to me: for example, during a submission or when I get pinned. At other times, it disrupts the flow of the game. Overall, the action in the ring feels a little more fluid than in the previous games. There are new animations that make me feel more involved in the match. I also have the feeling that I can build up matches differently.
The revised AI improvements, which make for more realistic matches, are a positive highlight. Opponents react more intelligently to actions and the matches feel less scripted as a result. Unfortunately, however, there are still moments when the AI stops unexpectedly. They don't react to an opponent's pin in a fatal four-way or ignore someone climbing the ladder in a ladder match to claim victory.
The glitches and clipping errors that still exist are a real annoyance. Sometimes I or an AI opponent got stuck between the ropes or the chairs used as deployable weapons whirled around wildly. During my testing, however, the developers at Visual Concepts have already delivered some patches. It's also no comparison to the bugfest that "WWE 2K20" offered.
Graphics & Presentation - Realism with light and shadow
Optically, "WWE 2K25" is pleasing - at least at first glance. The facial models of the superstars are more detailed than ever, especially for the main eventers such as Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. The lighting effects in the arenas also create a gripping atmosphere. Unfortunately, there are still some superstars with little attention to detail, which is particularly noticeable with some female wrestlers. In particular, the models of Elektra Lopez, Carmella and Becky Lynch clearly fall short here.
The animations are a double-edged sword: some of the new movement sequences look smooth, but with certain moves (especially grapples) you can tell that they have been carried over from the predecessors and sometimes look choppy. The reworked move-in animations are impressive, but some are recycled and don't always match the current look of the wrestlers.
Soundtrack - a mix of energy and variety
A central component of the atmosphere in "WWE 2K25" is the soundtrack, which once again features a diverse selection of artists and genres. With tracks such as "Fuel" by Eminem feat. JID, "Suffocate" by Knocked Loose feat. Poppy and "Curse" by Architects, a mixture of hip-hop, metal and alternative rock is on offer. The inclusion of international sounds is particularly striking, such as "Arabi" by Mohamed Ramadan, Future & Massari or "Doblexxó" by J Balvin & Feid.
Some songs have been strategically used as themes for WWE events, reinforcing their connection to the wrestling world. For example, "Ratatata" by Babymetal and German band Electric Callboy served as the official song for Bash in Berlin, while "Arabi" was used at Crown Jewel 2024. This integration gives the soundtrack added authenticity and makes it recognisable to fans.
Overall, the background music matches the fast-paced, action-packed gameplay and contributes to the overall atmosphere of the game. The selection is bold and varied, even if I perhaps miss a stronger presence of classic rock or wrestling anthems. Nevertheless, the "WWE 2K25" soundtrack is a successful mix.
Roster - lots of choice, new stars only as DLC
The roster of "WWE 2K25" is once again impressively large. I have the choice between more than 300 characters. It covers a wide range of current superstars, NXT talents and legends from different decades. As well as established stars such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch, there are also a host of debutants such as Jacob Fatu, current NXT Champion Oba Femi, Kelani Jordan and Lola Vice. There are also numerous legends: from Peter Maivia to Andre The Giant, Diesel, Batista and Bray Wyatt, who died far too young two years ago. Some characters are also available in different gimmicks and from different years.
Unfortunately, some wrestlers are only available via paid DLCs. Unlocking some characters that are initially locked is also tedious. In MyRise mode, for example, I have to play through the storyline four times with different decisions each time to unlock everything.
As for the DLCs, there will once again be five different packs with up to 25 additional wrestlers, which will be released over the course of the year (May to November). These include Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, the Motor City Machine Guns, Abyss, Penta, three as yet unnamed NBA players and other legends such as the New Age Outlaws and Brand Henry.
Modes - small bright spots and many disappointments
"WWE 2K25" offers a large selection of game modes: from career mode to Universe mode and online competitions, there are numerous ways to let off steam. However, very few of the modes really convince me. Most of them lead a dreary existence despite the new features.
Exhibition mode: for the match in between
The standard mode for quick games is Exhibition mode. Here I can choose from a variety of match types - from classic one-on-one encounters and tag team duels to wild Hell in a Cell, Extreme Rules or Elimination Chamber battles. Multi-stage matches such as the Gauntlet or the legendary Royal Rumble are also back. Particularly exciting are the newly added special variants that bring fresh dynamics to the game: the Bloodline Rules match and the Underground match.
I can also customise numerous parameters in the custom match menu - whether it's switching DQ rules on or off, adding new victory conditions or manipulating the match duration.
The showcase mode: Bloodline rules
My big highlight remains the showcase mode, which this year places a special focus on the Samoan Wrestling Dynasty. The Bloodline has not only been probably the most important stable in wrestling in recent years, but also the most important storyline - for several years.
In this showcase mode, I relive the most important matches of the Samoan Dynasty, from the first successes of Peter Maivia (the father of The Rock) and the Wild Samoans to the current triumphs of Roman Reigns and the Usos. I have to fulfil various tasks and objectives to play through the match and unlock rewards such as wrestlers, outfits etc.
This epic journey is narrated by none other than Wiseman Paul Heyman, whose stirring intros and analyses give the mode a special depth. The atmosphere is enhanced by seamless transitions between real video sequences and gameplay.
The Universe mode
I'm torn about Universe mode. From experience, this mode offers the greatest long-term motivation. I quickly noticed the first improvements. The rivalries feel more logically structured. I feel like I have more control over the storylines and the AI-generated feuds also run more smoothly.
Unfortunately, the mode still has clear weaknesses. The storytelling remains rudimentary and the AI continues to have problems when I manually intervene in their feuds and change something. In Superstar mode, the matches and progression quickly become repetitive.
The return of the promo function is worth mentioning. I'll never understand how developers can remove tried and tested functions from game series and then let themselves be celebrated. But at least they've recognised their mistake here. Although it doesn't include text or voice acting, the choices within the promos give me more control over the progression of the stories. That's a step in the right direction.
In the end, though, I'd like a lot more freedom in creating storylines and feuds. That's the heart of wrestling. That's what it's all about. However, I can only do this to a very limited extent in Universe mode.
The MyRise career mode
This year, the MyRise career mode offers me a storyline with new cutscenes and decision options. Unfortunately, I have to play this mode several times and use all the decision options so that I can unlock all the gadgets. I find that a bit tedious.
In this mode, I initially create my own wrestler. I can use templates from 2K or develop a person from scratch. I've really liked the editor for years. The possibilities are very extensive. I don't want to spoil too much about the story in MyRise, but I can tell you that I liked the Mutiny storyline. It's solidly staged, offers some twists and creatively involves all three major WWE brands.
In addition, the newly added intergender matches play a major role. These differ from normal matches only in that women can now compete against men and vice versa.
I become a booker in MyGM mode
Let's move on to one of the biggest disappointments in the game: MyGM mode. I just don't warm to this version. Above all, I remember that this mode in "Smackdown vs. Raw 2008" was still really fun. However, the implementation is now catastrophic. But what is the mode anyway?
In MyGM, I take on the role of a general manager or booker and run my own wrestling show. I'm responsible for the roster, the budget, booking matches and feuds, awarding titles and planning premium live events. I duel with up to three competitors and aim to deliver the highest-rated show with the most fans. However, the structure is completely illogical in my eyes. I'm rewarded for matches that I repeat umpteen times. Another important factor is that the different workers fit together. In my eyes, neither of these factors make up a storyline, rivalry or feud.
I can only advise against this mode. If I want to experience more in-depth booking, I go for the "Total Extreme Wrestling" series.
Pay-to-Win or MyFaction & The Island
A real low point is MyFaction, which continues to rely on a pay-to-win system. Loot boxes and microtransactions dominate the mode. I can't do anything with modes like that. I already think the Ultimate Team stuff in Electronic Arts games sucks. It's no different here.
The new mode "The Island" also seems to me to be another way of pushing microtransactions and taking money out of the player's pocket. It's reminiscent of "The City" from "NBA 2k25".
In this mode, Roman Reigns has created a kind of wrestling theme park. I can move around in it and explore this world freely. However, I'm completely annoyed early on. First I click my way through numerous explanations. Then I create my character. However, if I want to assign skills to myself, this costs money, of course. Nah, give it a rest. If this is to be the future of the game series, I can't see it.
Community content - strong features with frustrating loading times
A big plus point of "WWE 2K25" is once again the ability to download customised content and create your own wrestlers, arenas, titles and storylines. The Community content provides almost endless possibilities to expand the game with new characters or classic legends.
Unfortunately, this feature is slowed down by extremely long loading times. The download and loading of created wrestlers or arenas can sometimes take several minutes, which considerably reduces the fun of exploring new content. Optimisation of this area is urgently needed in order to fully exploit the potential of Community creations. There is also still room for improvement in the search filters.
"WWE 2k25" has been available for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC since 14 March. The game was provided to me by 2K for PS5 for testing purposes.
In a nutshell
Solid wrestling experience with familiar strengths and weaknesses
"WWE 2K25" continues the small advances of recent years, but it remains a double-edged sword. The gameplay feels smoother overall, with improved animations and smarter AI. The revamped presentation, particularly the intricately designed move-in animations and the atmosphere in the arenas, adds to the authenticity.
The showcase mode for Bloodline is also a real highlight for fans thanks to Paul Heyman's presentation. Nevertheless, the game suffers from well-known problems such as occasional glitches, the poor implementation of the MyGM mode and the frustrating microtransactions in MyFaction and The Island. In addition, the roster is extensive, but the tiresome topic of paid DLCs remains.
For wrestling fans looking for an entertaining simulation with solid match mechanics, "WWE 2K25" offers several hours of fun. Nevertheless, the game feels like a minimal update in many areas rather than a real step forward. Those who were able to get used to the previous mechanics will also be satisfied with this spin-off - but those hoping for major innovations will be disappointed.
Pro
- Extensive roster with more than 300 characters
- Showcase mode with Bloodline theme and Paul Heyman as narrator
- slightly improved modes (e.g. Universe)
- Solid gameplay
Contra
- Old wine in new bottles: just an annual update
- Microtransactions dominate MyFaction and The Island
- MyGM mode remains illogical and inadequate despite improvements
- DLC problem
Header image: Kim Muntinga
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