WWE 2K26: Everything We Know

In the stream of annual iterations to be expected this year, WWE 2k26 kicks us off with a “the show must go on” take on wrestling. No other franchise does arcade-simulation wrestling better than WWE 2k. And yet, the trailer reveal still looks a little choppy. How the graphics still haven’t changed much, even on current-gen consoles, is beyond me. 

We’re gathering the announcements and information ahead of launch, and have highlighted everything we know so far about WWE 2k26 below.

What is WWE 2k26?

WWE 2k26 is an upcoming professional wrestling sports game. This new game will be the 26th entry in the iconic WWE 2k franchise by Visual Concepts and 2K. As you know, long-running franchises don’t often change much in the gameplay structure. So, anyone who’s played WWE 2k25 should have a good idea of what’s to come. 

For starters, the new game is still based on WWE. It plans to still use WWE 2k25’s arcade-simulation gameplay system. While most game modes and match types will remain the same, there are a few items that WWE 2k26 plans to update and change.

Story

The Showcase mode in past WWE 2K entries is usually the story-driven campaign. Here, players complete objectives that follow the career of a popular wrestler. You rewrite their story through reliving their past iconic WWE matches, including heated rivalries. While some part of the campaign involves watching live-action footage, making it boring, you do unlock wrestlers, arenas, and champions you can participate in.

For the upcoming WWE 2k26, the Showcase mode plans to focus on CM Punk’s career. But rather than stick to the script of his iconic matches and rivalries, you’ll unravel “What if?” scenarios that rewrite history. Essentially, pitting CM Punk against different WWE superstars to see how fantasy matches might unfold. It should be pretty interesting for CM Punk’s fans, as the star himself will voice the story, taking you across his rise to the top of WWE, his leaving, and return.

Gameplay

In total, WWE 2k26 plans to feature over 400 WWE superstars across multiple eras. That’s higher than the 300+ playable wrestlers featured in WWE 2k25. Meanwhile, last year’s match types were pretty varied, including caskets, elimination chambers, and wargames, to the tune of 21 different types. And now, WWE 2k26 plans to introduce all-new match types, including dumpster, inferno, and I Quit.

The Island

The Island is also back, which is the open area players explore, an open-world like NBA 2k’s City, where you pick up NPC quests, take up PvP matches, and hang out with other online players. In WWE 2k26, The Island will take you to a new Scrapyard Brawl arena. Here, you’ll enjoy a new progression system. 

Compared to RPGs, The Island was especially lacking in content or just mere, fun things to do. But WWE 2k26 promises a bigger, more social world. There’ll be three factions you can align with, with new Towers to climb up, shops to upgrade, and improved MySUPERSTAR for importing face scans.

MyFACTION

MyFACTION returns as well, incorporating player cards you collect and build a team with. You manage your team’s stats and abilities as well, upgrading them through winning single-player and multiplayer wrestling matches. Within these, WWE 2k26 promises new crowd animations and interactions, fresh commentaries by Booker T and Wade Barrett, new Faction Chemistry, and more interactive entrances.

Universe mode

In the Universe mode, you can create and manage your own wrestling world. So, shows, rivalries, rosters, calendars, championships, and arenas are all free for you to edit. A sandbox mode, if you will. And WWE 2k26 plans to take it to the next level with a better WWE Draft system, a new Universe Creation Wizard, a Watch Show mode, better Money in the Bank cash-ins, as well as Promo types. 

And while at it, the customization system will be improved to provide you with better images, body and face morphing tools, and 2-tone hair color blending, for your wrestlers, arenas, and more.

MyRISE

You’ll enter a new era in MyRISE, following two new storylines where your MyPLAYER goes through challenges to the top of the ladder. And WWE 2k26 promises replayability through unlockable content and achievements even after completing the main story.

MyGM

Intergender matches were newly introduced in WWE 2k25. And they remain present in WWE 2k26, while also adding more shows per season.

Development

Visual Concepts and 2K have been revealing marketing material of the superstars to expect in WWE 2k26. Household names like The Undertaker, The Rock, Stone Cold, and Kane appear in the trailers. And the cover wrestler is now confirmed to be CM Punk, who also featured in WWE ‘13. Plus, the upgrades promised seem pretty ambitious, all-new features and match types that hopefully elevate gameplay.

Trailer

While we’ve had lots of teaser trailers showing the superstars we can expect in the final game, it’s the gameplay trailer that really puts things into perspective. Unfortunately, the graphics are disappointing, showing no signs of improvement from past entries. Nevertheless, plenty of new content and updates have been promised. So, we’ll just have to wait and see how the final game looks and feels.

Release Date, Platforms, & Editions

WWE 2k26 is nearly here, slated for launch on March 13, 2026. It’ll release on current-gen consoles, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. Pre-orders are already live now. So, be sure to check out the edition that pleases you most. 

There are quite a number of them, with the Standard edition going for $69.99. Alternatively, you can consider the King of Kings edition at $99.99, the Attitude Era edition at $129.99, or the Monday Night War edition at $149.99. Each has its perks, with Monday Night War including additional playable superstars, arenas, and MySUPERSTAR emotes.

To get more updates, you can sign up for 2K’s newsletter using your 2K account, which will provide you with announcements and promotions, as well as award you a MyFACTION Legend Series pack for WWE 2k26.