WWE 2K25

WWE 2K25 is about as good as it gets. From the plenty of modes to its staggering presentation, Visual Concepts has not only made the best entry in the series, but one of the best games of the year so far.

WWE 2K25 is certainly not without its glitches (of course not on the level of the dumpster fire that was 2K20), and for the most part they’ve already been improved via patches. In my opinion, 2K25 is a must buy for a current or lapsed wrestling fan. It’s better than last year’s release, which is still saying a lot, and it’s miles better than the AEW release which feels like an eternity ago.

WWE 2K25 is an exceptionally good video game. It’s chock full of well-realised modes and is an absolute blast to play. Whether you want to duke it out against the NXT Mutiny brand in MyRise or experience the rise of the Bloodline Dynasty in Showcase mode, there’s something here for every kind of wrestling fan.

Like its predecessors, it's a shame that WWE 2K25 shoves its microtransactions in your face so much, because as a package it's rather excellent. All the usual modes make return with some nice upgrades, intergender matches are finally in, and the in-ring action is better than it's ever been. Basically, it's the best wrestling game there is.

As a whole, WWE 2K25 feels like a small but impactful step up from its direct predecessor, and an overall better game. So, the good streak of Visual Concepts and 2K continues.

The work of WWE 2K25 is simply outstanding. An experience that knows how to attract new players and convince the most veteran ones with a surprising evolution in the saga. Epic comebacks like Wrestle Chain go hand in hand with new intergender matches, game modes for all tastes and a wide catalog of gameplay offerings to create what is undoubtedly the best chapter of the series in years. The presence of mythical fighters and names, the entertainment possibilities and control improvements such as the new third-person over-the-shoulder camera manage to paint a smile on the player's face as he flies over the barriers towards the opponent or enjoys some of the many craziness of The Island. A great job that proves, now yes, that in this wrestling few know as much as Visual Concept.

Visual Concepts has surpassed WWE 2K24 with this new release. Thanks in part to small gameplay and presentation additions and extensive game modes, it is a true pleasure to play for the WWE fan. Unfortunately, in some modes you are bombarded with attempts to earn extra money from you through microtransactions, which does detract from the experience. WWE 2K25 does almost everything right, but wants you to pump extra money into it just a little too much. As a result, the game misses out on a Gold Award.

This is the most polished and content-rich WWE game in years, with refined gameplay, improved animations, and a new open-world mode, The Island, adding fresh challenges. While Showcase mode lacks engaging match choices, the game excels in variety, technical execution, and depth, making it a must-play for wrestling fans.

WWE 2K25 is a good wrestling game and, to some extent, the best wrestling title currently available. If you're a fan of wrestling, or wrestling in general, you'll enjoy this title.

The additions and improvements made in WWE 2K25 more than justify the series’ annual cadence, but new mode The Island shows us a potentially grim future of monetisation and pay-to-win practices.

Every game mode and feature in WWE 2K25 isn’t going to be for everyone, and that’s okay. Regardless of whether you’ll spend your time battling through the campaign, taking a Bloodline history lesson or strolling around the micro-transaction-riddled The Island, what’s included here is almost everything a wrestling fan could dream of. Packed with an epic roster, new match types, unbelievable creation options and smart gameplay tweaks that continue to prove the in-ring action is the best it’s ever been, it’s undisputed: WWE 2K25 is the best wrestling game available today. Put your ones up; because that’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler.

WWE 2K25 continues the series' upward trend, with significant gameplay improvements and welcome tweaks to existing modes, including an excellent Showcase that somehow surpasses last year's. The problem is that its only setback is a pretty big one: the highly dispensable The Island.

But what matters most is when the bell rings, and taking control of this massive roster and mixing it up – regardless of gender – across a now-impressive selection of stipulations is a blast. Although it’s the only real game in town, WWE 2K25 retains its title as the best and most substantial pro wrestling sim fans can buy.

WWE 2K25 is arguably the best WWE game of recent years, with its large roster of wrestlers and good visuals. However, it loses some of its appeal due to its focus on microtransactions and the weak The Island mode.

An installment that improves on its predecessor in practically every way: the new types of combat and the return of chain wrestling increase the possibilities in the ring, while outside of it we will enjoy the hours we want thanks to the expansion and expected changes in the already known modes, including a great Showcase.

As the game has updated visuals, new additions to modes, and more microtransactions than a Prime advertisement, WWE2K25 has some bright spots. But it just feels like a superstar that dominated NXT and then was snuffed out when they joined the Main Roster. Better than last year's, but not by much. WWE has a credo: Then, Now, Forever, Together. I want now, now.

My time with WWE 2K25 is one of mixed emotions. So much of the game is great, but it’s the same stuff that has been great for some time. It’s a worthy addition to 2K25’s redemption arc, but one that may see the crowd turn if we see more of the same next year.

While not groundbreaking, the newest WWE 2K boasts stunning visuals, arguably the best wrestling sim currently available. Yet, the series struggles to evolve, with annual releases often feeling incremental rather than transformative.

WWE 2K25 is the most content-rich and up-to-date entry in the series yet, but the unnecessary The Island mode and microtransactions keep it from claiming the championship title.

WWE 2K25 is undoubtedly the best wrestling simulation available right now, taking over from its predecessor, which it largely builds upon. This year’s Showcase mode is less engaging than last year’s edition but still works well, just like the rest of the package, which remains mostly unchanged. For wrestling and gaming fans, the series remains a key reference point (and the only option on the market), but the annual release model is showing its cracks—especially with the increased focus on microtransactions this year.

The beginning of a dynasty? The Samoan Bloodline has ruled the WWE for over half a century: Dwayne Johnson, Roman Reigns' Fatu and Anoa'i families can attest. With The Island and an interesting open world, WWE 2K25 aims to revive its family tree. It's a milestone, but with significant room for improvement for this ambitious mode. Despite its richness, the latter lacks a map, shaky matchmaking, and a near-essential need for VC (virtual currency) to be competitive online. It's a first step toward the heights already reached in terms of lifespan: the game modes and customization options are still gargantuan enough to impress newcomers. A good omen for the future of the violent saga.

WWE 2K25 offers the best MyGM we've had to date. It's a shame that 2K's microtransactions plague its online modes.

WWE 2K25 is one of the biggest leaps in the series so far. While the Island is disappointing, the sheer amount of content in this game is unmatched. You have over 300 wrestlers with more DLC on the way, plenty of fun modes like the highly improved MyGM and the story-focused MyRise, and gameplay that still feels satisfying to pull off, even if the animations can be weird at points. It’s just the microtransactions that really pull this game down.

All things considered, the 2025 edition of WWE 2K picks up where its illustrious predecessor left off, continuing to build on the solid foundations laid last year. The gameplay system, despite some historical issues related to multiple matches, is even more robust and fun than usual; the content endowment is, as per tradition, mammoth and generally of a good level, apart from some small qualitative declines in the selection of matches included in the Showcase or in the drafting of the dialogues of My Rise; the visual realization alternates genuinely impressive moments with others in which the need for extra refinements is evident. In essence, if you are passionate about this spectacular sport-entertainment or are simply looking for a title in which to brawl with your friends in the name of fun, WWE 2K25 may be the right choice. So, lace up your boots: the belt will not be won alone!

WWE 2K25 is the best wrestling game of the modern era, with the improvements made to the gameplay and the 2K Showcase mode being fantastic additions and My Rise featuring the best storyline yet. But it’s let down by modes like The Island and MyFaction that feel tailor-made to get players to open up their wallets and purchase VC.

While Visual Concepts hasn't hit a home run with The Island and the Bloodline Rules match, there is something new for the studio to build on going into next year and beyond. Inside the squared circle, WWE 2K25 is not only the absolute best pro wrestling game today, but it’s arguably the best pro wrestling game ever.

WWE 2K25 looks fantastic, still feels good to play, and is full of welcome updates both big and small.

WWE 2K25 is a great game, despite some unfortunate missteps such as the new Island Mode. An awesome My Rise campaign that focuses on intergender wrestling, and a decent array of other refinements across the board do enough to ensure WWE 2K25 remains at the head of the table.

WWE 2K25 shows two faces in our review: On the one hand, it's a highly enjoyable wrestling-game with tons of content and great fanservice. The heavily implemented microtransactions and an uninspired The Island harm the overall experience. However, in the end the positive aspects outweigh the negative ones, so that we can still recommend the wrestling game.

WWE 2K25 is a healthy year-over-year improvement from last year's game. The core in-ring action flies better thanks to the revamped technical wrestling mini-game and the meaty showcase and MyRise modes encourage playing through new additions like Bloodline rules and intergender matches naturally so you're used to them for exhibition play. The new PS5 and Xbox Series Island is a fun way to explore a virtual WWE city and engage in unique matches in unique settings. The graphics are a minor bump over previous games, while the commentary as a whole is better and included for the Showcase mode to breathe new life into it.

Mechanically, 2K25 is a very similar game to 2K24, just as 23 was before that… Normally, it would be hard to get that thrilled about an annual update, but this definitely captures the excitement of the new Triple H era with its Showcase mode, and that is enough to make it the best WWE game since 2K started developing them. So, even if you have 2K24, you won’t want to miss wrestling with Roman Reigns this year.

For the fourth year running, 2K and Visual Concepts have produced a high quality wrestling game that's absolutely overflowing with content. While not every change sticks the landing and The Island is a potentially worrying omen for the future of the series, it's the inclusion of intergender wrestling, other new features and match types, and strong Showcase and MyRISE modes that cement WWE 2K25 as a must-play for any wrestling fan.

WWE 2K25 offers a lot of new possibilities for fans of wrestling entertainment with an impressive roster and various improvements and additions. Some problems from earlier games remain however, and with the egregious microtransactions in The Island, the game is held back from the same greatness as its coverstar Roman Reigns.

A truly wonderful wrestling experience, hampered by the determination to drive fans into parting with even more cash. Maybe that's just the way sports sims are now – but it's still a huge shame.

WWE 2K25 makes solid improvements with new match options, over 300 wrestlers, and an expanded Showcase mode, but some features still need refining. The Island has potential but feels underdeveloped, and VC integration slightly dampens the experience. Hardcore wrestling fans will enjoy it, but casual players might be better off waiting for WWE 2K26.

WWE 2K25 is a banner year for the franchise. It’s easily the most refined entry yet, bursting with ways to play and the series’ largest roster to date, which is sure to please virtually everyone no matter which era of wrestling you prefer. (And if your favorite character is missing, you’ll be able to expand the roster once fans start uploading their custom creations.) The Island is hit or miss, but the rest of the package is sure to tide wrestling fans over until 2026.

After years of steady growth, Visual Concepts-branded wrestling is slowing down. The main new features of the 2025 season are not entirely convincing: the Showcase dedicated to the Bloodline stable does not involve as much as those dedicated to Cena and Mysterio. That's too bad, because Visual Concepts offers the largest roster ever and introduces numerous improvements to the main game modes, perfecting wrestling in the ring even more.

In the end, I can easily recommend WWE 2K25 to new players and fans. This is a gigantic entry in a venerated franchise that won’t steer you wrong. For more familiar fans, I can’t be so certain. Hopefully, my outsider’s viewpoint is still a useful one.

WWE 2K25 remains a good game, but the cracks are beginning to show. The addition of Chain Wrestling is awesome, but the increased prevalence of Trading Blows slows down the game greatly. The large roster is great, but we could do without the multiple variations of wrestlers taking up spots. The graphical presentation has quite a few blemishes that should be fixed, but it's generally good, and the same can be said for the audio if you can ignore the generic entrance music. MyRISE and the 2K Showcase are splendid, but The Island is too much of a cash grab when MyFACTION already does this. If you can ignore some of the microtransaction-heavy elements, you still have a very good wrestling game with enough content to last until the next WrestleMania season. It'll be interesting to see if WWE 2K will suddenly become the next NBA 2K in that it's a decent game that tries to bleed you of every cent.

Despite having amazing core gameplay, 2K25 offers half-baked content that brings down the experience, with The Island being an egregious example of a predatory mode designed to make players spend even more money than they already did for a full priced game.

As befits a good game in this franchise, WWE 2K25 is packed with modes, wrestlers, atmosphere, innovations and more. In that respect, it is a fine addition to the franchise, but there is some room for improvement. For example, the voice-acting could be better, the gameplay is somewhat shallow and the micro-transactions remain somewhat annoying.

WWE 2K25 has innovative features and offers a visually impressive experience. However, in-game purchases and the lack of depth in some modes can sometimes detract from the overall gameplay experience. If you're a gamer interested in the world of WWE, WWE 2K25 is definitely worth your time and investment. However, for more casual gamers or those who are concerned about in-game purchases, this game may not live up to expectations.

WWE 2K25 is without any difficulty a the must-have for wrestling game lovers. Everything is there with plenty of contents and with decent attempts of innovation in the player's experience. However, 2K seriously needs to look at the form and the technical engine that always does wonders, but sometimes is a lackluster on important elements on the ring.

While WWE 2K25 tries to be more than just a yearly roster update thanks to its new features, the game tends to trip over itself with its ambitious new stories, while also hamstringing the PC release with strange decisions like hard-capped frame rates and locking cutscenes to 30 FPS.

WWE 2K25 ensures the series remains the ultimate way to enjoy the most electrifying of sports entertainment, but the microtransaction fleecing is becoming harder to swallow, with an entire game mode built around it that is impossible to enjoy. It's a shame because otherwise, there's so much to do and its gameplay remains top notch. Just don't go to The Island. Yikes.

Despite capitalism rearing its ugly head, WWE 2K25, like the WWE itself, is in a stable place, a leader worth acknowledging.

WWE 2K25 could be the series' last babyface moment before a heel turn in 2026.

WWE 2K25 doesn’t manage to build on the momentum created by the last few entries in the series. For every step forward, such as online MyGM or the varied Bloodline 2K Showcase, there’s a step back, like the lifeless MyRise career mode and some questionable changes to core gameplay. The biggest blemish is The Island hub, which excels at separating players from their money and not much else. There’s certainly still fun to be had with WWE 2K25, but the series risks dropping back to the midcard if it continues on this new trajectory.