WWE 2K25 hands-on preview
Blog Andrew Joseph 05 Feb , 2025 0
Since its successful reinvention in 2022, the 2K's popular WWE series has continuously made many iterative improvements, not only trying to build with its winning formula, but also justifying its annual release. WWE 2K25 certainly promises new iterations, including a brand new online interactive world The Island, its story reform, General Manager and Universe Mode, a new hardcore game type called Bloodline Rules, and more. However, I can't say whether all these new additions will lift the 2K25 above its predecessor, because unfortunately I didn't do any of them in my recent preview event.
I didn't sample the biggest changes of the year, but my time with the 2K25 was focused on (mainly) constant core gameplay and this year's adjusted presentation mode, which focused on the wrestler's lineage stability. But, while I’m tied up with most of the new ideas this year, I do appreciate some small but significant changes. They are confident enough that the WWE 2K25 will be another successful development in the series and will likely be worth the time for wrestling fans.
The WWE 2K25's display mode focuses on the history of the Anoa'i family, titled with its latest star Roman rule and descent, but also celebrates previous generations such as the Wild Samoans, Yokohama, and most notably Rock. This mode now includes three types of matches: reconstruction History, others create History, what's most interesting to me is your game Change history. I had to experience all three types of shapes to recreate the Nia Jax’s Ring Queen victory, starting in 2024, creating a dream wild Samoan, while Dudley Boyz changed it The iconic Roman rule of the royal rumble is in 2022. These three provide any hardcore WWE fan with their own fun and unique perspectives and are improved in last year's showcase mode. But that's not to say there are still some minor problems.
The display mode in WWE 2K24 last year (like one in WWE 2K23, it was hampered by over-reliance on switching to real-life video, which lasted for minutes – Visual Consects Vus Consects dubbing by system developers “Slingshot ”. As I pointed out in the preview of WWE 2K23, “I find myself wanting to go back to the action and create these moments by myself, not just looking at the shots that have burned into my brain.” Two years later, I am happy to confirm that progress has been made even though the problem has not been completely resolved.
Real-life editing is now gone, and the over-reliance on your stay away from action is gone (at least as far as my experience in hands-on training). The key moments are recreated through animations, providing less shocking experience and a level of satisfaction as seeing the iconic moments implemented in the game (mostly) gorgeous graphics. These sequences also seem to be short, meaning less time to control the action.
But that's not to say that all the grips I had previously addressed to maintain control. At the end of my Nia Jax game, I had complete control over me. I did not stay on the ring, but was forced to embody the bystander during 1, 2, 3. Ideally, I hope to gain more control during these important moments. I wanted to relive them through my own game decisions, not just being seen as passive bystanders.
Elsewhere, the 2K25 makes minor improvements to other rough edges. Previous presentation modes heavily relied on the checklist system, requiring you to complete basic operations frequently to trigger the real sequence of the match. One common complaint is that this approach makes the game feel less like dynamic gameplay and more like a to-do list. This system yes Returning, this will undoubtedly prove controversial again, but for the WWE 2K25 it has been slightly refined and has added optional targets to the timer. You are rewarded for using makeup to do these moves, but most importantly, you are not punished as you did with previous entries. This is a crucial step in the right direction.
There is no doubt that the outstanding complement to the presentation mode is the above-mentioned ability to change the conclusions of certain historical competitions. During the reign of Roman rule that once lost Seth Rollins due to disqualification, you can now experience how things would behave if Rome changed his temperament at the last moment. It was a fresh experience for hardcore WWE fans and I was happy to see what happened to other unannounced changes.
Despite significant changes in pattern and matching types, the core game essence of WWE 2K25 is the same as before, with some minor tweaks. This is not necessarily a bad thing. I'm already satisfied with the grab moves of the WWE 2K24, so I think sticking with the success, the formula for success is a wise decision. However, there are some interesting additions and rewards.
The WWE 2K25 sees the long-term revival of Chain Wrestling, a game sequence sacrificed by the huge engine remodel of the WWE 2K22. In the opening moments of the round, inciting the grab will now force the player into a mini game that will allow you to gain the upper hand. Once locked, you can choose to drive, wrench, attack and eventually reposition your opponent in a position that is in your favor. Like the deal-hit mechanics launched last year, Chain Wrestling has added another staple of WWE action, taking another important step towards accurately recreating what fans see on TV every week.
The submission system can also return, which is a mini game where you have to avoid or match the color blocks of your opponent on the wheel. Despite its overwhelming UI presentation, it quickly became second nature and I was glad to see it return. If you're not that excited about its reappearance, then luckily it can be disabled in the options. The same goes for chain wrestling and other quick event moments – they are both optional.
There is no doubt that my favorite WWE 2K24 gaming feature also makes it a victory comeback: Weapon Throwing. Not only has the list of weapons improved, but the backstage fights have now expanded into new environments, perfect for throwing weapons. The best location I encountered in the demo was the WWE Archives, which not only allowed you to ditch apples, footballs, and megaphones, but also brought you into the dream environment of WWE fans and was filled with history and Easter eggs. Oh, and you can also fight from the huge Wrestlemania logo and everyone's favorite fists in the Yore Smackdown era.
As expected, as in real life, the environmental areas are primarily sponsored. Say what you want, but it does allow you to use Prime Hydration Station's giant bottle as a weapon. For my money, wrapping a bottle of Logan Paul's glowing juice over the opponent's head certainly feels like the best use for the wrong electrolyte.
However, perhaps the most eye-catching game change this year is the long-term overdue neutral gameplay. In 2K WWE game, you can fight against a woman in a selection match for the first time. It's the largest roster ever (with over 300 wrestlers to choose from), and ends up opening the door to a series of showdowns that were previously unavailable.
Finally, despite the limited new updates to the demo build, I did get hands-on time on a brand new game type called Underground. This is a cordless variant of the exhibition competition, which puts you into a fight club-like environment with lumberjacks around the ring. It's completely new for the series and I can share more about our exclusive IGN First content later this month. Be sure to check out IGN later this week for the full match, as well as a full, detailed explanation of the new match types from visual concept developer Derek Donahue.
The WWE 2K25 continues the latest tradition of the series, layering new features on existing and powerful fundamentals. There is nothing particularly revolutionary right now, as the formula is largely consistent with last year’s products, just through some small but smart tweaks. Time will tell if the big changes in ad ad ads and the new mode I haven't seen will really make this version stand out from my peers, but from my brief experience it's hard to say that this is just a very incremental step that has been perfected series.
Dale Driver is the executive producer of IGN's video show and a lifetime WWE fan/defense attorney who acknowledges his tribe head. By following him on the blues @daledriver.bsky.social
