Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 59
  2. Negative: 0 out of 59
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Mar 13, 2023
    95
    Overall, I love this game and – apart from Wargames – I can see myself playing this for hours upon hours without getting bored of it. The days of button-bashing your way through a WWE game are definitely over.
  2. Mar 13, 2023
    95
    Visual Concepts has been able to make one of the best WWE games to this date. WWE 2K23 has the chemistry players have been waiting for a long time thanks to its amazing graphics and great optimization. On PS5 it runs pretty well but they could have done a better job with the DualSense compatibility, the soundtrack could have been much better. This does not take away all the good work done in the game. John Cena is the gold card along with WarGames which is the icing on the cake.
  3. Mar 20, 2023
    91
    WWE 2K23 makes all the right moves and improves on the great foundation 2K22 set out to establish following some rocky years (no Rock pun necessary). Some of the entrances and visuals this year really rival the on-screen product and really make other products look absolutely terrible, despite them not even being released yet (cough—AEW Fight/Delayed Forever—cough). With the already announced DLC plans, the roster (when all is said and done) is the most complete it’s been in a very long time and it’s damn impressive. Pair that with the creation suite and your dream match options are only limited by your imagination. As you can see, I’m really smitten with this year’s release and I highly recommend it.
  4. 90
    WWE 2K23 sits at the head of the table as the best sports simulation game on the market. Fine tuning last year's entry to an impressive level of detail, and adding a layer of realism that is needed in a simulation game. With an array of modes, including the highly addictive MyGM, the introspective MyRise, the improved Showcase, and an extensive creation suite, wrestling fans will find themselves spoilt with WWE 2K23's offerings.
  5. Mar 20, 2023
    90
    WWE 2K23 is without a doubt the best the series has been in years, with solid gameplay and tons of fantastic modes to enjoy.
  6. Mar 19, 2023
    90
    WWE 2K23 might not be perfect, but the series trajectory continues to evolve into one of the best wrestling video game franchises there ever was, then, now and forever. Simply put, WWE 2K23 is a must-buy for fans of the squared circle.
  7. Mar 19, 2023
    90
    As wrestling games go, there’s little to fault about WWE 2K23. There’s still room for a touch of polish and tweaking of mechanics, and perhaps some actions and features remain a little convoluted. On the whole, though, a WWE 2K game has never looked or played better. And with all the usual modes making a return with some solid tweaks and additions, this is a must-have for any wrestling fan.
  8. Mar 16, 2023
    90
    All in all, WWE2K23 is a great game with something to offer to every WWE fan past and present, no matter what your playstyle. With branching storylines and multiple sandbox modes that let you book and play whatever the hell kind of cards you can come up with, the replayability factor is off the charts. If anything 2K and Visual Concepts have shot themselves in the foot, because it's not going to be easy to top this entry in the series once the next installment rolls around.
  9. Mar 13, 2023
    90
    2K and Visual Concepts continue to show commitment to this franchise in WWE 2K23 by making necessary gameplay changes and additions to an already-strong core that was established last year. WWE 2K23 then pushes the graphical fidelity forward to the point that it possibly surpasses its NBA 2K counterpart in the grand spectrum of things. The big help coming with cleaning up previous nuisances with the gameplay are a big help while making MyGM and MyRISE deeper will be much appreciated by the community. The Wargames match is going to be popular as everything about it works and the match itself is extremely fun. The new design for Showcase Mode is also a success, but the biggest improvements come in the technical depart of WWE 2K23. While some modes are left lacking, the others that saw more options are great and nothing needed to be sacrificed along the way.
  10. 90
    Watching the rise of John Cena was electrifying, and the general gameplay improvements have made this the most competent Wrestling game to come out in decades. With an almost overwhelming amount of content in this entry, it's going to be hard to find time for many other games coming out this year.
  11. Mar 13, 2023
    90
    If you’re itching for some satisfying wrestling action that has never looked as good as it does here, then don’t hesitate to pick up WWE 2k23, as it truly is championship material.
  12. Mar 20, 2023
    87
    Video game wrestling hasn't been this dynamic and fun in a long time.
  13. Mar 27, 2023
    85
    WWE 2K23 continues the benchmark set by last year’s game, and this time much more attention is paid to the core gameplay and animations. I think it is safe to say that the WWE 2K series is back on the right track.
  14. Mar 27, 2023
    85
    From undesirable to undeniable, WWE games have come a long way in just a few years, and WWE 2K23, with its plethora of models and solid gameplay, is a strong contender for “GOAT” status.
  15. Mar 22, 2023
    85
    Refining, tweaking and improving on every aspect of last year's iteration while introducing a number of worthwhile new features, WWE 2K23 continues to build series momentum, managing to be the best wrestling game in years.
  16. Mar 22, 2023
    85
    WWE 2K22 set the foundation and WWE 2K23 pushes the series forward with another great wrestling game. My Rise is fantastic, War Games is a ton of fun, GM Mode has been updated, and created wrestlers look better than ever. If 2K keeps up this momentum, WWE 2K24 could be up there along side Here Comes the Pain and No Mercy as one of the all time greats.
  17. Mar 20, 2023
    85
    I have and will continue to enjoy my time with WWE 2K23. It’s nowhere near the overall improvement 2K22 was when compared to 2K20. But it didn’t need to be. 2K23 is a fantastic follow-up to last year’s game. If Visual Concepts continues in this direction, it won’t be long before the WWE series stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the giants of the sports game genre.
  18. Mar 14, 2023
    85
    WWE 2K23 takes everything that worked from last year's installment, updates the superstar lineup, and doesn't make any adjustments that take any real risk. In other words, if it works, there's no need to fix it. The game mechanics are still entertaining, and playing with friends will provide guaranteed fun. However, the campaign modes did not offer any extra to differentiate themselves from what was seen in previous years. It could have been better, but Visual Concepts did not even try.
  19. Mar 13, 2023
    85
    Ultimately, WWE 2K23 has something for everyone. Whether you’re a casual wrestling fan looking to jump into the squared circle for a quick match, or a die hard WWE fan looking to create and brand your own WWE Universe, each game mode brings something new and exciting to the table – even if the depth is somewhat lacking. The gameplay and combat is the best the franchise has seen for over a decade, the customization suite offers near endless possibilities, and the community content portal is incredible. All this, but I still can’t help but feel the game was so close to something more.
  20. Mar 13, 2023
    85
    Even better than last year, WWE 2K23 shows the rising return of the series, building on last year's already solid foundation. With an excellent Showcase mode, an even better MyRISE and many additions to MyGM, it is a must-have for wrestling fans and capable of providing players dozens of hours of fun.
  21. Mar 27, 2023
    84
    A nice step-up from WWE 2K22 and with oodles of gameplay options, WWE 2K23 is the best modern console wrestling title to date.
  22. Mar 22, 2023
    84
    WWE 2K23 is another step forward fort he wrestling-franchise. 2K Games and Visual Concepts literally worked on every department and delivered a game that surpassed it already successful predecessor. Despite it's flaws, WWE 2K23 is great fun and the perfect game for the Road to Wrestlemania.
  23. Mar 19, 2023
    82
    WWE 2K23 takes everything that was good in WWE 2K22 and improves it in every respect, eliminating some rough edges in the gameplay and adding substance to some modes that were beginning to feel the weight of the years.
  24. Mar 19, 2023
    82
    Another step ahead for a franchise that finally found its way to a bright future.
  25. Jun 23, 2023
    80
    WWE 2K23 takes the huge improvements made with last year's game and adds all manner of polish and tweaks. The game modes are each enhanced, while superstar and custom wrestler models look better than they ever have before. You won't find as many changes in the ring itself, but the sheer amount of content and the addition of the WarGames match should prove more than enough for fans.
  26. Apr 18, 2023
    80
    WWE 2K23 offers a great amount of content for every WWE fan, no matter what mode will chose to enjoy. Technically above average and with a profound but affordable gameplay, its easy to have a great time with this game, although it has some aspects to improve yet.
  27. Apr 10, 2023
    80
    After taking a year off to refine the formula, WWE 2K23 is back with a bang. Graphically impressive, filled to bursting with wrestlers and content, it’s a fitting continuation for long-time fans. It’s just that little bit too overwhelming for lapsed fans that are coming in fresh, but it does at least try to accommodate.
  28. Mar 27, 2023
    80
    If 2K22 was the series face turn, this year's game is its first major push, with more polished gameplay mechanics, great stories with the MyRise mode and a better MyGM mode. The Cena showcase could've been better, but the creation tool more than makes up for it.
  29. Mar 24, 2023
    80
    Visual Concepts has once again come up with a game that follows the formula of plenty of content & enjoyable gameplay, and it's a good thing. Sometimes it's best not to break the formula that works. Aside from some minor issues, WWE 2K23 is a game that WWE fans can give a chance with peace of mind.
  30. Mar 24, 2023
    80
    It's very clear to see that WWE 2K23 comes from a team that's rediscovered something within itself. Like a comeback victory, the road has been paved with crushing lows, but WWE 2K23 is the closest the company has come to a Hall of Famer in years.
  31. Mar 22, 2023
    80
    WWE 2K23 is the first major work born on the foundations laid last year. Curious to understand what Visual Concepts will offer us next year (the third year is always the most substantial), and and despite the small uncertainties found in the Showcase mode and in the nature of the MyFaction mode, we are enjoying the return of Wrestling towards the top of the sports video games.
  32. Mar 22, 2023
    80
    WWE 2K23 took everything that filled 2K22 with promise and expanded on it, making them better than before. The time and effort put into things like MyGM and WarGames are evident. And the quality of MyRise can not be understated. Interesting stories filled with self-aware jokes and storylines directed toward 2K and WWE in a refreshing manner that hasn't been seen before. Though there are still issues and kinks to be worked out that prevent the game from being as great as its potential.
  33. 80
    It’s fun, mostly fluid and packed with content… as long as you ignore the money-making My Faction mode entirely.
  34. Mar 20, 2023
    80
    In pushing forward into the realm of narrative storytelling, WWE 2K23 makes a memorable, well-earned mark. It’s loaded with polish and personality, and should rightfully be considered one of the best wrestling video games of the modern era.
  35. Mar 20, 2023
    80
    These misgivings aside, WWE 2K23 sees the series build on its immediate predecessor and return to form after hitting rock bottom (pun intended) with the infamous 2K20. Almost every mode has been improved--with the exception of Showcase and MyFaction--while the in-ring action is as polished as ever. WarGames is a fun and chaotic new addition, and the likes of Universe, MyGM, and MyRise are endlessly playable to the point where they could keep you busy by the time next year's WrestleMania rolls around.
  36. Mar 19, 2023
    80
    WWE 2K23 makes a modest effort to improve on its predecessor, and the results are pretty bloody good. Some of the modes have received some genuine love and attention, while others could use a bit of a revisit in future versions. Regardless, what these modes and updates are building on now is an incredibly solid foundation that continues to impress, and once the bell rings, the quality of gameplay and the feeling of taking part in a bona fide WWE match looks like it’s ripped right from a TV broadcast, and as a wrestling fan, that’s still what counts the most.
  37. Mar 17, 2023
    80
    Though the Showcase mode isn’t as super as its subject, John Cena, the sharp focus on refinement instead of reinvention helps keep WWE 2K23 as the gold standard of wrestling sims.
  38. Mar 17, 2023
    80
    WWE 2K23’s more incremental bells and whistles means it’s technically an overall stronger package than 2K22. However, unlike last year, it doesn’t benefit from the rose-colored excitement of getting to play a big wrestling sim again after a years-long absence. The similarities to its predecessor means 2K23 feels more formulaic than special, but it still continues the series’ overall positive trajectory. Like watching a returning legend perform their greatest hits night after night, the novelty has faded, but I’m still pleased to have them back – for now.
  39. Mar 15, 2023
    80
    Even it still far from perfect, this year we get a polished game, with loads of content and solid gameplay, becoming one of the best wrestling game we’ve played in the last few years.
  40. Mar 15, 2023
    80
    If they’re still making these in 20 years, there’s gonna be a hell of a Showcase mode about it.
  41. Mar 15, 2023
    80
    WWE 2K23 successfully builds upon the foundations laid down by its predecessor. While it’s still far from the best pro-wrestling game out there, it’s the only one we really get with a modern roster anymore. With that caveat in mind, however, WWE 2K23 remains a blast to play. It’s got a great roster, a host of new features and match types, and its new take on the MyRise career mode is incredibly fun.
  42. Mar 14, 2023
    80
    WWE 2K23 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it proves that Visual Concepts has learned from past mistakes. Meaningful improvements in several different areas build on the foundation laid by the previous game, and make WWE 2k23 a stellar addition to the roster.
  43. Mar 14, 2023
    80
    I feel in some ways I’m echoing my sentiments from one year ago. The gameplay is near-perfect and the presentation and delivery of a worldwide sensation are engrossing and captivating. Better still, one of the game’s most promising game modes is fully realizing its potential. There’s just the odd gripe that lingers just enough to bog down its joyous moments. If 2K can avoid MyFaction from hogging the spotlight and eliminate those tiny faults, all the while concentrating on MyGM, Showcase, and MyRise, then a perfect rating could beckon next year.
  44. WWE 2K23 does what any annual sports series should do. It gets the roster as up-to-date as it can, expands on the game modes that are already there, and refines gameplay little by little. In a year when the WWE games will finally have a big competitor in the upcoming AEW: Fight Forever, this is a solid entry to remind everyone who the king of the mountain is.
  45. Mar 13, 2023
    80
    If you are a WWE fan, don't look for many excuses: although WWE 2K23 is a tremendously continuist game with very few new features, those incorporated are more than enough reason to enjoy it for hundreds of hours.
  46. Mar 13, 2023
    80
    Whereas WWE 2K22 was a rebuilding year for the franchise, WWE 2K23 is all about building on that foundation, offering players more bang for their buck and taking everything a step forward. There is still plenty of room for improvement for sure, but WWE 2K23 is easily one of the best WWE games of the past decade.
  47. Mar 13, 2023
    80
    Enjoyable in almost every department, WWE 2K23 serves up joy for wrestling fans young and old, dedicated or casual. There really is so much to love here.
  48. Mar 13, 2023
    80
    WWE 2K23 is like watching a follow-up to a spectacular match between two wrestlers the week before — it crackles with the same energy, but you’ve seen this fight before. Fortunately, the game stands as a solid sequel that offers an intriguing 2K Showcase retrospective on John Cena, an intuitive timed kick-out mechanic, and two separate stories in MyRISE. While it still struggles with several flaws carried over from past games in the series, the game has plenty of ways to send you hurling toward one of its numerous modes and then holding your attention there for days on end. WWE 2K23 doesn’t risk going for a high-flying splash from the top rope, but it still packs a mighty haymaker.
  49. Mar 13, 2023
    80
    After a tumultuous few years of WWE releases, 2K and Visual concepts have finally been able to begin building on the solid foundations of last year’s game. WWE 2K23 isn’t a huge step up from 2K22 with long load times and a surprisingly unpolished Showcase Mode for John Cena, but the series has still shown growth, considering War Games is pure chaos and MyRise is much improved. The future is once again bright for WWE and 2K, and so WWE 2K23 should be celebrated by fans as though they’ve just won their first world championship.
  50. 80
    WWE 2K23 stumbles slightly with occasional glitches and a mode or two that doesn't quite hit the mark, but it ends strong with stellar gameplay, a captivating MyRise/GM Mode one-two punch, and a brutal, chaotic inclusion of WarGames that simply says, "Acknowledge Me."
  51. Mar 15, 2023
    75
    My prevailing feeling on WWE 2K23 on the whole is that it’s a welcome, if small, step up. Nobody who is coming over from WWE 2K22 will really be wowed by anything here, but the cumulative minor updates, iterations, additions and improvements are all very good and very welcome. Your mileage will vary depending on how worthwhile an overall modest update to last years title is to you, but for my money the few dozen hours of excellent sports entertainment that the pair of new MyRise stories and the Cena Showcase provide are worth the price of admission on their own, and WarGames is the juiciest possible cherry on top.
  52. Mar 13, 2023
    75
    WWE 2K23 is the best entry this long-suffering franchise has put out in nearly a decade, offering mechanically-sound action, a pair of satisfying MyRise career mode storylines, and a handful of other well-executed, if limited, additions like WarGames. WWE 2K23’s gameplay and presentation could still use some further polish and not all of its modes are must plays, but for the first time in a long time it feels like this series’ star is on the rise, even if it hasn’t achieved main-event status yet.
  53. Instead of bringing a huge innovation to the series with WWE 2K23, 2K preferred to present what it has by polishing and improving it.
  54. Apr 7, 2023
    70
    WWE 2K23 is an average game that does not show much improvement from the previous entry of the franchise. It is pretty fun and the fans will enjoy it, because it has a huge roster and many different ways to play with the same atmosphere of the WWE events. But it could have a better gameplay, improved visuals on the career mode and a MyTeam mode with better features.
  55. Mar 30, 2023
    70
    WWE 2K23 continues on a safe and secure path after the revival of the series last year, building on the new system introduced by the previous game with only a few minor changes. The John Cena Showcase and the very different MyRise story are the best parts of the package, and everything else is business as usual.
  56. Mar 24, 2023
    70
    Despite some performance issues that are difficult to ignore, WWE 2K23 builds upon WWE 2K22, further cementing a return to form for the series with fun gameplay, an excellent My Showcase, and an enjoyable online experience for all.
  57. Mar 22, 2023
    70
    You can dig deeper and appreciate mechanics and ratings all you like, but for the first time in years I can boot this baby up with my friends and feel like a kid again. John Cena is all over this thing too, subverting his once polarising fan reputation to cement himself as the wrestling icon he is and always will be. The Champ is Here.
  58. 70
    WWE 2K23 doesn't move the needle much from last year but it does at least stay the course. With a massive roster of talent and a wealth of modes, fans should be happy enough. The presentation remains top notch with Showcase and MyRise being enjoyable modes to plough through. Problems do persist with pacing and multi-person scraps can descend into chaos. Compared to other fighting games, it's a clunky experience but, within the realm of wrestling games, this is an acceptable step forward.
  59. Mar 15, 2023
    70
    WWE 2K23 is another successful chapter in the wrestling series' comeback story, but the red flags of annualization are starting to appear already.
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 109 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 109
  2. Negative: 26 out of 109
  1. Mar 15, 2023
    0
    Why is 2K so lazy?!? They have no problems subtracting superstars that left the company a few months ago, but they can't change the gimmicksWhy is 2K so lazy?!? They have no problems subtracting superstars that left the company a few months ago, but they can't change the gimmicks and storylines to be more current. Nothing carries over to this game from 2022, so get ready to make your characters and collect card sets ALL over again. This game totally feels like a patch to the last game, and they are charging insane prices again. If you have 2022 already, don't bother! It's a shame it's not on game pass, because it is NOT worth full price by any means. Full Review »
  2. Mar 15, 2023
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. nice graphics and all but these are basic things that shouldn’t be really used as an uplift for the rating, so many basic things in the wrestling world that can easily be implemented in the game are just not, don’t know whether the devs are just lazy or lack common sense but it’s pretty disappointing for fans to have to drop 60+ for this mediocrity. Full Review »
  3. Mar 19, 2023
    4
    The John Cena Showcase in this game is much better than last year's showcase. Unlike Rey Mysterio's showcase, they didn't waste spots onThe John Cena Showcase in this game is much better than last year's showcase. Unlike Rey Mysterio's showcase, they didn't waste spots on mid-tier and no-name wrestlers. The commentary is very dynamic. Aside a few new improvements and additions, this game is about the same as the last for $70. That is too expensive. The developers were too lazy and greedy for more improvements. Let me wrestle in more backstage areas, outside the arena or something. While the customization remains biblical, the stage creator has some glitches. WWE had a 50 man Royal Rumble match in real life, but I can't even do that in a video game.

    The ratings in this game are once again incredibly stupid. Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair have higher ratings than Hulk Hogan. I'm sick to death of these garbage feminist ratings. Well let me tell you something brother, I heard that Becky Lynch was in the main event of the lowest-viewed third hour Raw in history. You can't just have someone of that caliber get a rating higher than a legend who was in the most viewed WWE episode in history. I don't care if you can edit the ratings, I do not like to have my intelligence insulted by some feminist developers who are desperately trying to make these newer wrestlers relevant by inflating their ratings. Jesus Christ are the WWE so obsessed with Roman Reigns, but surprisingly he isn't the highest rated wrestler. It is a John Cena skin that has the highest rating, and it is a stroke of genius. WWE needs to make that a Fortnite skin.

    The new pin system improves the online multiplayer experience, but it's about the same as the last game. For goodness sake, why are unskippable cutscenes still a thing in 2023? Enough already. I can't skip the cringeworthy cutscenes in MyRise. I don't want to watch a stupid movie about wrestling. I just want to punch wrestlers. Even with unskippable cutscenes, there's too many loading screens. I can only skip the dialogue cutscenes, which have horrible lip syncing. I only recommend this game until it is $15-20. This is not worth the outrageous price of $70.
    Full Review »