WWE 2K25 Smackdowns Another Amazing Year of Wrestling Action

Family drama at its finest!

If you’re reading this, you’re either a wrestling fan or someone who just loves kicking digital butt with insane moves. WWE 2K25 is like getting a front-row seat at WrestleMania, without getting as much sweat on you or waiting endlessly in the insanely long merch lines. We’re diving deep into the gameplay, new features, sound, controls, and online modes. Grab your foam fingers, or in this case, your virtual steel chair, ‘cause we’re about to break down all that is right with this year’s latest edition.

Look, it goes without saying that the WWE 2K series is still the king of wrestling games. The core gameplay, which is honestly the meat and potatoes of these releases, is on another level this year. The combat flows better than ever. Grapples, strikes, counters – everything feels slicker than The Rock’s oiled-up back. The moves are tight, the animations are smooth, and it’s easier than ever to look like a total beast in the ring. Whether you’re swinging a chair or tossing your opponent into the turnbuckle like a ragdoll, everything feels so fluid. You’re not just mashing buttons anymore; you’re pulling off some next-level stuff that’ll make you feel like a certified wrestling pro. The Performance Center tutorials will walk you through everything, but if you’re returning from previous years, this is going to feel very familiar and allow you to jump back in almost immediately.

The real magic happens within the momentum mechanics of the match. You know that feeling when you’re getting beat down but then you pull off a crazy comeback? Well, that’s what the game offers in a constant back and forth style, that won’t leave you laying on the matt for too long. It lets you turn the tide of a match, just like Roman Reigns when he’s about to hit you with that spear outta nowhere. It’s all about button timing, stamina management, and knowing when to drop that sweet finisher on your opponent. But get it wrong, and you’re the one looking up at the lights for the 3-second tan.

Cody Rhodes...I want your soul! - The Rock (The Final Boss)

Now, let’s talk about the Bloodline Dynasty Showcase mode. This is where things get real juicy. If you’ve been watching WWE, you know The Bloodline has been running things like it’s their personal kingdom. In 2K25, you get to jump in the ring as Roman Reigns, Jey and Jimmy Uso, and The Rock, as the game lets you step into the chaos of their rise to dominance.

Hosted by "The Wiseman" Paul Heyman, you’ll get a little mini documentary of each family member, ranging from the earliest appearances of the Wild Samoans and Yokozuna, to more recent superstars like Nia Jax and Solo Sikoa. And this isn’t just a couple of matches thrown together. Oh no. This is a full-on soap opera of family drama, betrayal, and dominance. Think of it like watching an entire season of WWE, except you’re controlling who wins (spoiler: it’s usually the Bloodline). The choices you make throughout the match actually change how things play out, so if you wanna switch up the storyline or add some wild drama, you can totally do that. In fact, Paul will instruct you to change the outcome of certain matches, making sure the Bloodline always stays on top throughout WWE’s history.

You want variety? WWE 2K25’s got you covered. Hell in a Cell? Check. Ladder Matches? Check. Royal Rumble? Big ol’ check. But hold up, it gets better. There’s a brand-new match type called Bloodline Rules, where chaos reigns supreme. Here you gotta fight your way through a gauntlet of Bloodline members, where the odds of victory are slim at best (but never not-fun). More classic arenas from WWF, WWE and WCW’s past are here, as well as some overseas locations from Japan. And if you wanna take the brawl to the parking lot, you’ll have an open-sandbox of destruction to play in, with interactive areas that make you feel like you’re controlling a live WWE Pay-Per-View (or PLE as they’re called now).

Customization? To quote the Macho Man….Ooohhh yeeeaaah! You can create everything from new superstars to your very own arenas, belts, entrances and more. As in the past, it’s like you’re the booker of your very own wrestling promotion. Want to relive your dream match version between The Rock and Stone Cold (but this time make it a casket match)? Boom, done. Want to create a faction of all the weirdest characters you can think of (pairing the Boogeyman with Booker T and Andre the Giant)? No problem! These modes lets you get as creative as you want. With one of the most in-depth create-a-wrestler modes across ANY video game in history, you’ll spend hours making copies of yourself, friends, family and any character you can dream up. Or don’t waste time and simply download to your hearts content in the Community Creations section, where new uploads are frequent (by the thousands…and we’re not exaggerating).

These creations can also be taken into MyRise, which is 2K’s version of a story mode. Start from the bottom and work your way up through the ranks. But be careful, the choices you make will directly affect how things play out in a multi-path scenario (which you can go back and replay to see how things would have branched off differently). Allowing for a fun, unique experience over multiple play throughs. It’s also essential, as both MyRise and the Bloodline Dynasty Showcase have many important unlockables that can only be acquired by completing these objectives (even if you use the SuperCharger to unlock content in advance, which comes with the Deadman and Bloodline premium editions). For those looking for a more cerebral, fantasy-football type option, you'll find that in the return of the MyGM mode as well. Honestly, this game has something for everyone, and it shows.

WWE 2K25 isn’t just about stepping into the ring and throwing hands. It’s also got the deep MyFaction mode, where you can build your own faction of superstars and manage them like you’re running an actual wrestling stable. This mode is basically WWE meets Magic: The Gathering. You collect superstar cards of various rarities, and then use them to create your dream faction. You’ve got your Bronze-tier Roman Reigns, your Silver-tier Seth Rollins, and then maybe you pull a Diamond-tier John Cena! These help you win matches, so you’re always striving to get the most powerful squad. It’s like playing an RPG, but instead of grinding for loot, you’re grinding in the ring. The best part? You can unlock legends, alternate gimmicks along with current-gen superstars to throw them in your faction and make everything even more epic.

You know how half the fun of watching wrestling is the wild entrances and the dramatic commentary? WWE 2K25’s sound design brings that same hype straight to your living room. From the thundering sound of steel chairs smashing over people’s heads to the crowd losing their minds when someone hits a finisher, the sound in this game is straight-up YEET! Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton are back in the booth, but this year, they’re sharper than ever. Their commentary feels just as natural as a live broadcast, and they’re constantly riffing on the action, talking about wrestlers’ past feuds, and calling out the crazy moves you pull off. It’s like having your own personal hype crew, and it’s so much better than the robotic lines we used to hear during the early years of PlayStation and Xbox. If there’s one thing that makes you feel like you’re watching a real WWE show, it’s the commentary. We also have small, incremental improvements to the graphics (but it's hard to improve on what was already looking great from 2024). But even more lighting and graphical enhancements, including better crowd implementation around the ring is also at play here. Seeing wrestlers now come through the crowd during their entrance was also a real treat.

But what would a wrestling game be without taking the smackdown to real-life opponents? You wanna show the world you’re the EST? WWE 2K25’s online modes are ready for you. Whether you’re going one-on-one with a buddy or hopping into a free-for-all Royal Rumble with 16 players, the servers are tight and the matchmaking is faster than ever. Also new to the game this year is “The Island” where 2K is attempting for the first time to create an open-world side to their yearly release. Here you can compete in matches, but also perform quests and earn XP. It’s broken up into distinct areas, also featuring an online shop where you can acquire new swag for your character. Think of GTA Online or Red Dead Redemption, but with a pro-wrestling twist. It’s yet to be seen if this will be successful enough to become a mainstay of future releases, but so far it’s a fun new addition that adds something fresh to the normal one-and-done match types. And naturally, you can expect lots of future DLC packs as the seasons progress, bringing new wrestlers to the fray.

WWE 2K25 is one heck of a ride and it’s clear this game isn’t just about slapping people around (though that’s definitely part of it). It’s about creating your own epic wrestling universe, diving into wild stories, and feeling the hype of being a wrestling champ in your own way. For fans like us, this is our Madden, that keeps us busy long after launch and all throughout the year. Whether you’re here for the drama, the matches, or just to throw down with other fans online, WWE 2K25 delivers in every single way. So go get in the ring, and let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to be the next big thing! Is the champ here? We think so!