WWE video games have come a long way since their early days, with the WWE 2K series standing as the pinnacle of wrestling simulation games. One of the most notable aspects of WWE 2K games is their ever-expanding roster, which has grown exponentially over the years. With each installment, developers have added more superstars, legends, and even celebrity guest characters, making the franchise more immersive than ever. But how exactly has the WWE 2K roster evolved? Let’s take a closer look at its journey through the years.
The Early Years: Limited but Impactful Roster (2000-2010)
Before WWE 2K, there were various wrestling games under the THQ banner, such as SmackDown! (2000) and SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain (2003). These games had relatively small rosters compared to modern standards, with around 30-50 wrestlers. However, these rosters were carefully curated to include top superstars of the era, such as The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H, and The Undertaker.
As the gaming industry evolved, so did the roster size. Titles like WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 introduced more than 50 wrestlers, incorporating legends and rising stars. By 2010, the roster sizes had significantly expanded, setting the stage for the WWE 2K era.
WWE 2K Era Begins- A New Standard (2011-2015) (Image via 2K Sports)The WWE 2K Era Begins: A New Standard (2011-2015)
The transition from THQ to 2K Sports marked a turning point for WWE games. WWE 2K14 (2013) was one of the first games under the new publisher and boasted a roster of over 80 playable characters, including modern superstars and classic legends. The game’s focus on the “30 Years of WrestleMania” mode contributed to an expanded list of wrestlers, giving fans more variety than ever before.
WWE 2K15 (2014), despite being the first game on next-gen consoles, scaled back its roster slightly due to graphical upgrades and motion-capture improvements. However, this was a temporary dip, as future titles would drastically increase the roster count.
The Golden Era of Massive Rosters (2016-2020)
By the time WWE 2K16 launched, the roster size had skyrocketed to over 120 playable characters. This game featured one of the most expansive selections of wrestlers at the time, including NXT superstars, which became a major draw for fans.
WWE 2K17 and WWE 2K18 continued this trend, pushing the roster beyond 150 characters. These games introduced a vast mix of past, present, and future stars, alongside DLC packs that further expanded the lineup. The introduction of more legends, indie wrestlers making their WWE debuts, and guest appearances from celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator character made these titles stand out.
WWE 2K19 (2018) set a new benchmark with nearly 200 playable wrestlers, the most ever seen in the franchise at that point. The game’s Showcase Mode, which focused on Daniel Bryan’s career, brought even more characters, increasing the roster’s depth.
WWE 2K (2021- Present) (Image via 2K Sports)A Setback and a Comeback (2021- Present)
The disastrous release of WWE 2K20 (2019) led to a temporary halt in the series, with WWE 2K21 being canceled. The game was plagued with bugs and technical issues, which overshadowed its strong roster of over 180 wrestlers. As a result, WWE and 2K took a step back to rebuild the franchise.
WWE 2K22 (2022) marked the franchise’s triumphant return, featuring over 160 wrestlers at launch and growing with post-release DLCs. It prioritized quality over quantity, with detailed character models and refined gameplay.
WWE 2K23 (2023) built upon this success, offering a roster of nearly 200 superstars, including Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and even celebrity inclusions like Bad Bunny. The continued emphasis on community creations also allowed players to add custom wrestlers, effectively making the roster limitless.