The Royal Rumble is one of the most iconic matches in WWE history, offering fans thrilling moments and unexpected twists. In WWE 2K, the virtual version of this chaotic battle royal can be just as exhilarating, requiring a combination of skill, timing, and strategy to outlast 29 other competitors. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the WWE 2K series, knowing the best survival strategies will give you an edge. Let’s explore the top strategies to help you not only survive the Royal Rumble but dominate it like a true WWE legend.
1. Master the Art of Grappling and Reversals
One of the most important survival strategies in WWE 2K’s Royal Rumble is mastering the grapple and reversal mechanics. Grapples are your primary way of dealing damage, and understanding how to chain them together will allow you to wear down your opponents efficiently. However, relying too heavily on attacks can leave you vulnerable to counters.
Reversals, on the other hand, are game-changers. The key to survival in the Royal Rumble is knowing when and how to time a reversal. If you can perfectly counter an opponent’s strike or grapple, you create an opportunity to capitalize on their weakness. In a crowded ring, this is even more crucial as it keeps you from getting caught up in multiple attacks at once.
2. Avoid the Middle of the Ring and Play the Corners
A common mistake in WWE 2K’s Royal Rumble is staying too close to the center of the ring. While this might seem like a safe spot, it leaves you vulnerable to attacks from multiple angles, especially when more superstars enter the match. Playing the corners allows you to avoid being the focus of an opponent’s attack and offers a safe haven for recovering stamina.
In the corners, you can also use the ropes to your advantage by setting up opponents for elimination attempts. Use the ropes as a way to gain space and maintain control while waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike when a rival is distracted or weakened.
Royal Rumble (Image via 2K Sports)3. Focus on Stamina Management
In the chaos of the Royal Rumble, it’s easy to forget about stamina management, but this is an essential strategy for success. WWE 2K’s Royal Rumble is a marathon, not a sprint, and if you burn through your stamina too quickly, you’ll be left open to attacks and unable to perform high-impact moves.
Be strategic with your attacks and avoid wasting energy on unnecessary grapples or strikes. Try to limit high-risk moves that require a lot of stamina, and focus on staying mobile while waiting for the right moment to make your move. It’s essential to manage your stamina so that you have enough left in the tank when it’s time to eliminate an opponent.
4. Elimination Strategies: Timing is Everything
Eliminating opponents is the name of the game in the Royal Rumble, but timing is crucial. You don’t want to waste valuable energy trying to eliminate an opponent too early in the match when you can focus on weaker or already-damaged superstars. Patience is key, and sometimes, it’s better to wait until a competitor is weakened by others before attempting an elimination.
When it comes to elimination, take advantage of the grab-and-throw mechanics. In WWE 2K, you can press the right button combination to throw your opponent over the top rope, but you need to wear them down enough to increase the likelihood of success. Use grapples, strikes, and even taunts to make sure your rival is ready for elimination before you make your move.
Reverse Rumble Challenge (Image via 2K Sports)5. Watch Out for Surprise Entrants and Form Alliances
The Royal Rumble is unpredictable, with surprise entrants shaking things up at any moment. While these new superstars can add to the excitement, they also present a challenge. An effective strategy for dealing with surprise entrants is to form temporary alliances with other superstars.
Although alliances aren’t permanent in the Royal Rumble, working with another competitor can help you neutralize a new threat or eliminate a stronger opponent. Once the numbers dwindle and fewer superstars remain, you can break the alliance and focus on securing the win. It’s all about seizing opportunities as they arise and knowing when to go solo and when to work with others.