The Royal Rumble is one of the most exciting match types in WWE 2K, requiring a mix of strategy, skill, and timing to outlast 29 other competitors and secure victory. Whether you’re playing against AI or human opponents, mastering the Royal Rumble can be a challenge. However, with the right approach, you can dominate and emerge victorious. Here’s how you can take control of the match and be the last superstar standing.
Choose the Right Superstar
The first step to winning the Royal Rumble is selecting the right wrestler. Superstars with high durability, strength, and stamina will give you an edge. Wrestlers with powerful finishers and effective reversals can also be game-changers. If you’re creating a custom superstar, invest in attributes such as grappling, reversal, and stamina to maximize your chances.
Manage Your Stamina
Stamina plays a crucial role in the Royal Rumble. Performing moves continuously without breaks will deplete your energy, making your character sluggish and prone to elimination. Instead of constantly attacking, use strategic moments to regain stamina by walking, taunting, or standing near the ropes without engaging in unnecessary battles.
Use the Environment to Your Advantage
The ring ropes and turnbuckles can be both your best friend and your worst enemy. If you’re near the ropes, make sure to stay aware of your surroundings to avoid being easily thrown over. Conversely, if you’re attacking an opponent, Irish whip them into the ropes and use a powerful strike or grapple to send them out.
Target Weaker Opponents
If you see an opponent who is struggling or has taken significant damage, capitalize on their weakness. Attack tired or injured superstars and try to push them over the ropes. Avoid getting caught in prolonged fights with fresh entrants, as this can drain your stamina and leave you vulnerable.
Master Reversals and Counters
The reversal system is key to surviving the Royal Rumble. If an opponent attempts to throw you over the ropes, timing your reversal correctly can be the difference between survival and elimination. Similarly, when engaging in battles, use counters effectively to shift the momentum in your favor.
Eliminate Strategically
While it’s tempting to eliminate opponents as quickly as possible, careless eliminations can leave you open to attacks. Instead of immediately throwing a superstar over the ropes, weaken them first with strong grapples and strikes before making the final push. If multiple wrestlers are brawling near the ropes, use this opportunity to sneak in and eliminate distracted opponents.
Stay Away from the Chaos
During the early and mid stages of the Royal Rumble, avoid staying in the center of the ring where multiple fights are happening. Instead, stay near a corner or pick and choose your battles wisely. Engaging with too many opponents increases the risk of being overwhelmed and eliminated.
WWE 2K Royal Rumble (image via Getty)Save Your Finishers
Finishers can be incredibly effective in eliminating opponents quickly. If you build up a finisher, save it for crucial moments, such as when a tough opponent is near the ropes or when you need to eliminate multiple competitors in quick succession. Some finishers, like the Spear or Chokeslam, are particularly effective in Royal Rumble matches.
Be Smart About Entrant Numbers
If you’re starting early in the match (entries 1-10), conserve stamina and focus on staying alive rather than trying to eliminate everyone. If you enter later (entries 20-30), use your fresher energy to eliminate as many fatigued superstars as possible. The later your entry, the better your chances of winning.
Avoid Unnecessary Risks
Don’t perform high-risk moves that could backfire. Moves like top-rope dives or heavy grapples near the ropes might leave you in a vulnerable position where your opponent can counter and eliminate you.
Adapt to Opponents’ Playstyles
If you’re playing against human opponents online or locally, observe their strategies. Some players may be aggressive, while others might play defensively. Adjust your gameplay accordingly—if someone is spamming strikes, focus on reversals; if someone is avoiding battles, target them when they least expect it.
Final Moments: Stay Cautious and Aggressive
When the match reaches the final four or two competitors, it’s time to shift your strategy. Increase your aggression while maintaining stamina. If your opponent is exhausted, hit them with a finisher and immediately toss them out. If you’re low on stamina, play defensively until the right moment arises.