WWE 2K is one of the most iconic and beloved wrestling video game franchises. Over the years, the series has gone through numerous iterations, with each release striving to improve on its predecessor. Some editions of WWE 2K had a rough start but eventually evolved into much stronger titles. Whether through gameplay mechanics, graphics, or storytelling, WWE 2K has seen substantial improvements over time. Let’s highlight some of the most improved WWE 2K games and how the franchise has become a favorite among both wrestling fans and gamers.
1. WWE 2K14: The Turning Point in the Series
Released in 2013, WWE 2K14 marked the first game in the franchise after 2K Sports acquired the rights to WWE’s video game series from THQ. Although the series was already well-established, WWE 2K14 set the stage for an upward trajectory by introducing several new features, including the 30 Years of WrestleMania mode. This mode allowed players to relive iconic matches from WWE’s history, immersing them in the company’s rich legacy.
The game also improved its gameplay mechanics, offering smoother controls and more fluid animations compared to its predecessors. The graphics were noticeably better, and the game ran more consistently, marking a solid start for the 2K era of WWE video games. WWE 2K14’s success laid the foundation for future installments, showing that the series could make a significant leap in quality under 2K’s guidance.
2. WWE 2K15: A New Generation of Wrestling
While WWE 2K15 was a critical turning point for the series, it also marked a time of mixed reception. Released in 2014, WWE 2K15 was the first WWE game for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles, showcasing the potential of next-gen graphics. The game’s visual upgrades were striking, bringing wrestlers to life with hyper-realistic character models and lighting effects. This was a major step forward for the franchise, as the new consoles allowed for much more detail than ever before.
However, WWE 2K15 also faced criticism for its lack of content, such as the absence of popular modes like Story Mode and the limited roster size. Despite these drawbacks, the game’s improved visuals and smooth animations showed the direction in which the series was heading, setting the bar for future releases.
WWE 2K15 (Image via 2K Sports)3. WWE 2K17: A Return to Form
After the underwhelming reception of WWE 2K15 and WWE 2K16, WWE 2K17 emerged as a fan favorite. Released in 2016, this edition restored many of the features fans had grown to love, including a robust career mode and an expanded roster of superstars. The game also improved its gameplay mechanics, adding new moves and smoother transitions in the ring.
WWE 2K17’s most significant improvement was in its presentation. The game’s graphics were further enhanced, and the animations became more fluid and realistic. The addition of new arenas and a refined crowd system made the game feel more authentic than ever before. WWE 2K17 also made significant improvements in the AI, offering a more challenging experience for players. In general, WWE 2K17 was a game that successfully blended old-school features with fresh updates, making it one of the best in the series.
4. WWE 2K19: The Pinnacle of Gameplay and Content
WWE 2K19, released in 2018, is widely considered one of the best installments in the series. After the tumultuous releases of WWE 2K15 and WWE 2K20, 2K Sports made a concerted effort to improve the gameplay, modes, and general experience. WWE 2K19 delivered one of the most complete and enjoyable WWE gaming experiences to date.
The game featured a deeper career mode with more customization options, allowing players to create their own wrestler and rise to the top. Additionally, WWE 2K19 brought back a fan-favorite mode, Universe Mode, giving players the ability to control WWE’s weekly shows, championships, and storylines.
The gameplay in WWE 2K19 was also refined, with smoother and more intuitive controls. New animations and more accurate wrestler movements contributed to a more realistic and immersive wrestling experience. The graphics were impressive for the time, and the variety of match types kept things fresh. WWE 2K19’s combination of depth, content, and improved gameplay made it a standout release.
WWE 2K19 (Image via 2K Sports)5. WWE 2K22: The Return to Glory
After a controversial release with WWE 2K20, which was plagued with bugs and performance issues, WWE 2K22 was a much-needed breath of fresh air for the series. Released in 2022, WWE 2K22 made significant strides in improving the series’ gameplay mechanics, visuals, and general presentation.
One of the most notable improvements was the revamped gameplay engine, which introduced smoother transitions, faster responses, and more realistic moves. The game’s controls were simplified yet retained the depth needed for a challenging wrestling experience. Additionally, the visual quality of WWE 2K22 was a marked improvement over its predecessor, with lifelike character models, enhanced lighting, and realistic crowd animations.