🎼 Forget strategy, captivating CGI landscapes, and a Pulitzer-tier plot — sometimes all you need is some good old fashioned KOs. WWE 2K25 is keeping the comeback story of the annual franchise going strong since the rough days of WWE 2k20. This year’s entry brings plenty of improvements to the ring while adding some fun new modes and match types, even if not everything lands a perfect five-star frog splash.

The ring is where the magic happens. WWE 2K25’s gameplay truly shines with the return of chain wrestling, which adds some technical depth for the purists who don’t just want to smash buttons. The new Giant archetype gives bigger wrestlers a headstart with a special energy shield that makes them temporarily unstoppable until opponents wear them down. But one of the biggest crowdpleasers has to be the intergender matches, which lets you answer questions like who would win in a match between Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio.

Add new match types to the lineup. Bloodline Rules matches start as simple one-on-ones but can escalate to intense 4v4 brawls. Underground matches bring a gritty MMA feel, with ropeless rings surrounded by fans close enough to bang on the apron. You can now dive off the barricades again, and the expanded backstage areas let you leap from ambulances or toss opponents through shelves in the WWE Archives, which is packed with nostalgic props and memorabilia, like Stone Cold Steve Austin’s monster truck or the Smackdown’s Ruthless Aggression-era fist.

Game modes offer something for everyone: The Showcase mode is one of this edition’s highlights, taking players through the fascinating history of the Bloodline dynasty. The legendary Paul Heyman is the perfect host, delivering passionate introductions to each chapter that trace the legacy from the Wild Samoans, all the way to Roman Reigns. Full commentary makes matches much more engaging than last year’s silent affairs.

MyRise mode has gotten a fun overhaul with a story that lets you play either as a male or female wrestler caught in the middle of a rebellious NXT takeover of WWE. It’s an entertaining campaign with genuinely funny moments that plays with the real-world concerns about how NXT stars often struggle when called up to the main roster.

MyGM continues to be the fan favorite, and the good news is it now supports online play. You can enjoy go-home shows, trading periods, and special bonuses after big events. Universe mode has gotten some quality-of-life improvements too, with cleaner menus and the welcome return of promos on match cards.

The real heel turn: WWE fans have seen John Cena make a surprise entry into his villain era, but that pales in comparison to the addition of microtransactions to this year’s newest game mode. The Island is the newest addition to WWE, essentially an open world area where your created wrestler tries to earn a contract. Other than the execution feeling rough around the edges, it leans heavily into microtransactions, letting players spend real money on virtual currency to boost their character’s stats or buy cosmetics from branded shops like Nike. While it’s entirely optional, it does feel a bit out of place in a game you’ve already paid full (and hefty) price for.

But WWE 2K25 delivers where it counts most. The excellent gameplay, massive roster — from Cody Rhodes to Andre the Giant —, and improved single-player modes give wrestling fans tons to enjoy. Whether you’re a die-hard WWE fanatic or a casual player looking to suplex your friends, WWE 2K25 delivers an entertaining package that continues the positive trajectory of the series.

💯 Rating: 9/10 critic rating

⌛ Hours of gameplay: N/A

🔁 Replay value: 10/10

đŸ‘Ÿ Platforms: Steam for PC, Playstation, Xbox

đŸ’” Price: USD 69.99 for the standard edition, USD 99.99 for the Deadman edition, and USD 129.99 for the Bloodline edition

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