WWE 2K25 marks the latest entry in the WWE video game franchise, continuing the trend set by WWE 2K22’s soft reboot. The team behind the game has demonstrated a clear commitment to listening to the fans, and this year’s installment builds on that foundation. We got a chance to try out a playable build of the game at a recent event, and it is clear that WWE 2K25 is making strides to improve upon past releases.
A Fresh Focus on Intergender Matches
One of the most exciting additions to WWE 2K25 is the return of intergender matches, a feature that hasn’t been seen in the series for over 16 years. This update allows any gender of wrestler to compete in any match type, under any circumstances, making the game feel more inclusive and diverse than ever before. The addition is an exciting step forward for the series, allowing for new and unique matchups that were previously not possible.
Seamless In-Ring Action with Minor Animation Quirks
When it comes to gameplay, WWE 2K25 shines with smooth and engaging in-ring action. The game’s physics engine runs well, allowing for fast and fluid gameplay. However, there are some minor quirks, especially when the smallest female wrestlers face off against the largest male superstars. While these mismatches can lead to some clipping issues with animations, it’s a feature that the community has come to accept and even love over the years. After all, it adds a bit of charm to the chaos that is professional wrestling.
If you’re engaging in some of the more outlandish matchups, such as pairing a 5-foot Alexa Bliss against the massive 7-foot Braun Strowman, it’s easy to overlook the occasional animation glitch. The fun and unpredictability of these contests are part of the appeal, and it seems that WWE 2K25 embraces that lightheartedness.
WWE 2K25 (image via Getty)New Brawl Environments Bring Fun to the Game
Fans of the more chaotic, unpredictable side of wrestling will be thrilled with WWE 2K25’s new brawl environments. The game introduces some memorable new locations, such as the iconic NXT parking lot and the WWE archive, where players can brawl on top of the WrestleMania sign and toss opponents into the classic SmackDown fist. These new environments add depth and fun to the game, providing fresh spaces for high-energy, unpredictable brawls.
Third-Person Camera Adds a New Perspective
WWE 2K25 introduces the option to play with a third-person camera, rather than the fixed camera angles from previous games. While not perfect—sometimes the camera can be a bit frustrating to control—the third-person perspective offers a new, immersive way to experience the action. This new view is especially exciting in the brawl environments, giving players a fresh perspective on the chaos unfolding.
While the fixed camera angle still serves as the primary view for most players, the new third-person option offers variety for those looking for a different way to enjoy the game. With WWE 2K25’s vibrant community, players are already creating cinematic matches and stories, and the addition of this new camera option can only enhance the creative possibilities.
WWE 2K25 (image via Getty)Showcase Mode: More Playable, Less Watching
The Showcase mode in WWE 2K25 has undergone significant improvements. In previous years, Showcase mode was often about watching pre-recorded clips of historic matches, with players spending more time watching old footage than actually playing the game. This year, the team has scrapped the “Slingshot” technology that overlaid real WWE footage onto in-game cutscenes, opting instead for all in-game animations. This shift allows players to engage more directly in the action.
The number of cutscenes has also been drastically reduced, making the mode feel more like you’re playing through the actual matches instead of just watching highlights. These changes make Showcase mode feel more immersive and enjoyable, rather than just a means to unlock new content.
Showcase Mode: A Story of The Bloodline
WWE 2K25’s Showcase mode centers on the historic Bloodline storyline, featuring members of the Anoa’i family, including Roman Reigns. Players will get the chance to experience key matches from the family’s history while also having the ability to change the course of history with alternate scenarios. This adds a creative and engaging element to the mode, making it more than just a history lesson.
Additionally, WWE 2K25’s Showcase mode introduces dream matchups that could never happen in real life. One example is a chaotic tables match between The Wild Samoans and The Dudley Boyz, offering an exciting clash of wrestling legends. This is where the game embraces the fantasy aspect of the franchise, allowing players to explore wild, impossible matchups that fans could only dream of.
Paul Heyman’s Commentary Adds Depth to Showcase Mode
To further uplift the Showcase mode experience, WWE 2K25 features segments narrated by Paul Heyman, who lends his iconic voice to give context to each match. Heyman’s legendary ability to hype up a storyline is on full display, as he offers insightful commentary on the history of the matches and the wrestlers involved. His promo before you play Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins from the Royal Rumble ’22 is a masterclass in hype, making players genuinely excited to experience the match themselves.
Heyman’s presence in Showcase mode makes it feel more like a storytelling experience than just a series of matches. His narration adds drama and excitement, transforming what could be a simple exhibition mode into an emotionally charged journey through wrestling history.
WWE 2K25 (image via Getty)WWE 2K25’s Showcase Mode is Now Worth Playing for Fun
In previous years, Showcase mode was often played out of obligation to unlock various in-game rewards. However, WWE 2K25 changes this dynamic, making the mode genuinely enjoyable to play. With reduced cutscenes, improved gameplay, and the chance to experience historic moments from the Bloodline storyline, Showcase mode has become a major highlight of the game. Players can now look forward to playing this mode simply for the fun of it, rather than just for unlockables.
WWE 2K25: A Strong Step Forward, with More to Prove
WWE 2K25 is undoubtedly a step forward for the series. The improvements to gameplay, the new intergender match feature, the better Showcase mode, and the added brawl environments all make this installment a standout in the WWE 2K franchise. However, there are still elements of the game that we have yet to see in full, particularly the Island mode, which was not featured in the build we played.
Island mode is one of the most exciting new additions to the game, and it has the potential to be a game-changer. It will give fans a better sense of whether WWE 2K25 is pushing the envelope and offering something truly innovative, or if it is simply playing it safe. This new mode is expected to be a key feature, and fans are eagerly awaiting more details about how it will impact the general experience.
A Solid Foundation for WWE 2K25
Despite the lingering questions, there is no denying that WWE 2K25 has laid a solid foundation for future growth. With improvements across the board, from gameplay mechanics to the inclusion of exciting new features like intergender matches and a more engaging Showcase mode, WWE 2K25 is a step closer to being the ultimate wrestling game. The fans’ voices are being heard, and the team behind the game is making sure that every aspect of WWE 2K25 feels like an authentic representation of sports entertainment.
Whether you are a longtime fan of the WWE video games or a newcomer to the franchise, WWE 2K25 is shaping up to be the most immersive and enjoyable installment yet. With the promise of even more exciting features on the horizon, players can look forward to a fresh and dynamic gaming experience that brings the thrill of WWE to their consoles like never before.