WWE 2K26

The PC version of WWE 2K26 shines with its excellent stability, superior graphics, and great immersion. Although its initial menu is overwhelming and the visual options are somewhat limited, the decision to play it safe and lock it at 60FPS guarantees flawless, well-optimized gameplay so that any system can run it without issues.

WWE 2K26 builds on the success of the previous version, which was already excellent. The main addition is The Island mode, which, however, still feels undeveloped (and a bit of a money-drainer). The rest of the game has seen some refinements and adjustments that raise the bar even further. Unfortunately, a few bugs are currently undermining stability, and most importantly, the crowd experience in the arenas isn't up to par with the rest of the simulation.

WWE 2K26 may not reinvent the series, but it refines it in ways that matter, resulting in one of the strongest entries the franchise has delivered in years.

With a staggering amount of content, the series’ most complete roster, and a revamped physics engine with some excellent new features, WWE 2K26 is a must-have for fans and, at the same time, the best starting point for those new to the series. The move away from previous-generation consoles has allowed developers to make significant strides in gameplay: the result is much more believable and enjoyable wrestling, although the gameplay mechanics still need some refinement to shake off the series’ signature flaws.

WWE 2K26 delivers in spades. While some questionable decisions around progression hamper the overall experience, alongside a litany of microtransactions invading some modes, there’s so much to sink your teeth into - whether it’s the excellent CM Punk Showcase or the ever-brilliant Universe mode. It’s a game for every type of wrestling fan, and continues to be one of the best annualised sports titles out there.

There's still plenty of room for improvement going forward, with the creation suite in need of an overhaul and far too many animations that have gotten stale after years of use. However, after a lackluster WWE 2K25 and no alternatives on the horizon, WWE 2K26 is the wrestling game we need right now--one where we can trigger fireworks while we walk to the ring, dump our opponent face-first onto a pile of thumbtacks, and then set them on fire in an Inferno match. It's still not a meaningful evolution of the series, but there are enough incremental updates stacked together to make it worthwhile. It works well, has a seemingly unlimited number of gameplay options, and with the various upgrades introduced, this is the most enjoyable a WWE game has been at release in years, even if it still feels largely familiar.

I enjoyed WWE 2K24 and WWE 2K25, especially the Bloodline-driven Showcase mode in last year’s entry. But WWE 2K26 stands tall over them. Even though some elements are recycled from last year’s (and the year before that, and the year before that), 2K26’s fun Showcase mode, compelling MyRise story, and strong presentation and gameplay systems make this my new favorite installment.