WWE 2K25 Review (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5,Xbox Series X|S, PC , and Xbox One.)

WWE2K25 – 2K Games is back with this year’s installment, bringing us once again into the ring for an electrifying experience. With just days to go before release, we’ve already stepped into the action and thoroughly enjoyed the latest entry in the annual wrestling series.

Packed with new features, enhanced gameplay mechanics, a massive roster, and exciting new modes, WWE 2K25 delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience. From the moment you boot up the game, it’s clear that 2K has gone all in to make this year’s installment feel bigger and better than ever.

Step Into the Ring

Right off the bat, you will notice how smooth the gameplay feels compared to other entries in the series. Unlike in earlier editions, the movement is more natural, and the animations are smooth. The wrestlers react a bit more realistically to hits. WWE 2K25 has new additions, including the Underground Mode, which shakes things up with a fresh fighting style that wrestling fans will love. 

The game will allow intergender matches for the first time in the series, opening up new match possibilities. This feature has been the most requested in the series, and its inclusion adds another layer of depth and flexibility to the gameplay. You can now pit male and female superstars against each other in the ring. It is a controversial feature but a welcome feature for players who want creative freedom while they enjoy a good fight. In addition, the feature breaks the existing traditional boundaries and offers players endless freedom in matchups. 

Even though this inclusion expands creative possibilities, it presents occasional clipping issues, especially when pairing significantly mismatched opponents. On the brighter side, this aspect embraces the imaginative side of wrestling we might strongly desire, such as enabling engaging scenarios like Alexa Bliss facing off against Braun Strowman. What a show! 

The Bloodline Showcase Mode Delivers a Championship Performance

Interference and teamwork feel more organic thanks to the Bloodline Rules system, which enhances faction-based gameplay. The Bloodline Showcase Mode, narrated by Paul Heyman, is one of the biggest highlights of WWE 2K25. You will relive key moments of The Usos and Solo Sikoa’s careers. You will complete objectives that mirror the actual matches, allowing you to relive and even alter pivotal moments in The Bloodline’s history. The attention to detail is commendable, with accurate commentary, crowd reactions, and match layouts that faithfully recreate the original events. 

In this mode, you can change match outcomes, which adds replay value, making it one of the best Showcase Modes in the series. The presentation is top-notch, blending archival footage with in-game recreations to create a seamless and immersive experience. This mode is a must-play for any fan of The Bloodline or anyone looking for a compelling single-player experience.

Another thing to look out for in the game is MyRise, which offers an excellent storyline that intertwines male and female narratives. The mode has been revamped to combine men’s and women’s storylines. And trust me, it’s full of drama. You will navigate a plot filled with dozens of twists in this mode. This includes NXT wrestlers invading the main roster, providing a fresh and engaging experience. The choices you make here will influence the storyline’s direction and add replayability and personal investment in the general outcomes of the game. You may find it less engaging than the Showcase Mode, but it remains a solid addition to the game. 

MyGM mode, a fan favourite in the WWE series, returns with significant enhancements. The most exciting enhancement is the online multiplayer. You can now compete against friends or rivals to build the most successful wrestling promotion, which adds a layer of strategic depth and competition that was previously absent.

MyGM supports online multiplayer gameplay for up to four players and also features cross-brand Premium Live Events (PLEs). These additions have positively impacted this mode by intensifying the competitive aspect and allowing players to strategize and manage their brands even more effectively. 

Additionally, this mode challenges players to book compelling shows and manage superstar health and contracts. Furthermore, it allows you to carefully utilize power-up cards to gain advantages, which makes it a robust management simulation. 

The Island

If you are on next-gen consoles, you will access and enjoy The Island, WWE 2K25’s ambitious new online social hub. The Island is exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. It allows you to explore and undertake side quests, interact with other superstars, and participate in various unique activities, including challenges and mini-games.

Despite being an innovative idea, its execution has caused some mixed reactions from fans. Fans have criticized it for emphasizing microtransactions and its UI, which is a bit of a mess. While we appreciate the introduction of new environments and activities, the concept lacks depth and is marred by aggressive monetization strategies. You are required to spend virtual currency (VC) on cosmetic items and progression, which has led to frustration among players who prefer a more straightforward experience in the game.

The Island is an interesting idea for WWE 2K25. However, it feels a little undeveloped, more like an afterthought or a side project than a complete mode. The Island has excellent potential, mainly because you can earn a WWE contract. It will achieve its vision with further refinements and a more balanced approach to microtransactions. If 2K fine-tunes it in the future, it could be a game-changer.

The Visuals are a Feast for the Eyes

The game has improved visuals. The character models are enhanced and look like their real-life counterparts. They are more detailed, with sweat, bruises, facial expressions, and realistic lighting effects, all adding realism to the wrestlers’ performances. The entrances are exciting and stunning, with pyrotechnics and lighting mirroring WWE’s actual broadcasts. Even the crowd reacts better to the in-ring action, making the game feel more alive than in earlier entries. Notably, the commentary is better than in 2024’s WWE 2K24. However, after long hours of play, it becomes repetitive. 

Despite all these visual improvements, some textures and environmental details still appear dated. The user interface is spotless and modern, enhancing navigation and overall user experience. 

The Who’s Who of WWE

One of the game’s impressive aspects is the roaster size. WWE 2K25  boasts over 300 wrestling superstars, the biggest in the franchise’s history. The roaster has legends, current superstars, and NXT talent, making it a complete and robust lineup that provides a great experience. Whether you want legends like Bret Hart (Bret “Hit Man” Hart) or movie stars like Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), the roaster is fully stacked. There’s also a good mix of match types, including the return of WarGames, Royal Rumble, and Elimination Chamber.

The Bad

Despite the improvements, no game has been entirely perfect, and WWE 2K25 has had its fair share of hiccups. There are a few annoying glitches here and there, as well as animation issues that can break immersion and disrupt the experience. While these glitches do not affect the game, they are frustrating, especially during crucial moments. 

Many modern sports games feature microtransactions. While they are not mandatory in WWE 2K25, the VC (Virtual Currency) can unlock characters, purchase upgrades, and progress faster in various modes. The push for VC can be intrusive and detract from the overall experience. You don’t have to spend real money, but it’s pushed a little too hard. If you are a patient player who wants to unlock everything and earn rewards through gameplay, 2K’s microtransaction strategy feels a little aggressive. You will still enjoy the game without spending real money, but the temptation to spend can be strong, particularly in modes like MyRISE and MyGM.

While the commentary improves with a few new lines, it becomes repetitive after extended playtime. The game runs smoothly on PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, PS4 and Xbox One players have reported longer load times and occasional frame rate drops.

Verdict

WWE 2K25 is the most refined wrestling game in years, offering a massive roaster of superstars and a fantastic Showcase Mode centered on The Bloodline. You will experience fresh content with the additions of the Underground Mode, The Island, and intergender matches. It may not be perfect because of minor bugs, microtransactions, and a lack of significant innovation in some modes. But are they enough not enough to ruin the fun? Overall, WWE 2K25 is a worthwhile experience for WWE fans and an absolute must-play. The improvements in gameplay and presentation make it the best WWE 2K game since the series’ reboot.