View source for Software:WWE 2K25

{{Short description|2025 professional wrestling video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = WWE 2K25
| image = WWE 2k25 cover.jpg
| caption = Standard edition cover featuring Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman
| developer = [[Company:Visual Concepts|Visual Concepts]]{{efn|Nintendo Switch 2 version ported by Shiver Entertainment.}}
| publisher = [[Company:2K|2K]]
| series = ''WWE 2K''
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]]|[[Engineering:PlayStation 5|PlayStation 5]]|[[Software:Windows|Windows]]|[[Engineering:Xbox One|Xbox One]]|Xbox Series X/S||Nintendo Switch 2}}
| released = {{ubl|'''PS4''', '''PS5''', '''Windows''', '''Xbox One''', '''Xbox Series X/S'''|March 14, 2025|'''Nintendo Switch 2'''|July 23, 2025}}
| genre = [[Software:Sports game|Sports]]
| modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
'''''WWE 2K25''''' is a professional wrestling [[Software:Sports video game|sports]] video game developed by [[Company:Visual Concepts|Visual Concepts]] and published by [[Company:2K|2K]]. It is the twenty-fifth overall installment of the video game series based on [[Company:WWE|WWE]], the eleventh game under the ''WWE 2K'' banner, and the successor to [[Software:WWE 2K24|WWE 2K24]]. It was released on March 14, 2025 for [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]], [[Engineering:PlayStation 5|PlayStation 5]], [[Software:Microsoft Windows|Microsoft Windows]], [[Engineering:Xbox One|Xbox One]], and Xbox Series X/S, and was released on Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, 2025.

The game received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising incremental improvements such as chain wrestling and other additions across its modes, although criticizing its new "The Island" mode (modeled after "The City" from sister franchise ''NBA 2K'') for being underdeveloped and overemphasizing character upgrades purchased via [[Finance:Microtransaction|microtransactions]].

== Gameplay ==
''WWE 2K25'' largely builds on the mechanics of its predecessor, including the "Chain Wrestling" mechanic, the new "Giant" class of wrestler (which have an additional [[Software:Health (game terminology)|life bar]] that must be drained before they are able to take damage), and new gimmick match modes such as "Underground" and "Bloodline Rules" (a no-disqualifications match inspired by the WrestleMania XL main event, which gives the wrestlers an ability granting up to three run ins who stay in the ring after they've been summoned).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jessey |first=Ben |date=2025-03-12 |title=WWE 2K25: Bloodline Rules Matches, Explained |url=https://www.thegamer.com/wwe-2k25-bloodline-rules-matches-explained/ |access-date=2025-06-16 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref> ''2K25'' is the first WWE game made by 2K to include support for intergender matches.<!--old thq had them--><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=WWE 2K25 Review - New World Order |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wwe-2k25-review/1900-6418343/ |access-date=2025-06-16 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Driver |first=Dale |date=2025-02-05 |title=WWE 2K25 Hands-On Preview |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/wwe-2k25-hands-on-preview |access-date=2025-06-16 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

The Showcase mode is themed around The Bloodline and the Anoaʻi family, highlighting members such as Rikishi, Roman Reigns, Tamina Snuka, The Usos, and Yokozuna. MyFaction, MyGM, and Universe mode also make returns, with GM adding support for online simulation matches, and Universe reinstating support for promos. The MyRise campaign mode follows a group of NXT wrestlers attempting to take over Raw and SmackDown.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> A new mode known as "The Island" is an online [[Software:Player versus player|PvPvE]] mode modelled after "The City" from recent ''NBA 2K'' games, which takes place in a Samoa-inspired setting and uses players' custom wrestlers.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Borger |first=Will |date=2025-03-13 |title=WWE 2K25 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/wwe-2k25-review |access-date=2025-06-16 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> The Island is only available on current gen systems; Xbox Series, PS5, and Switch 2. The PC version of the game is considered to be last gen, alongside the Xbox One and PS4 — with all three lacking the mode.

==Development==
During the ''Raw'' premiere on Netflix on January 6, during a segment with Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman, ''WWE 2K25'' was teased after Reigns told Heyman of his plans of having a massive platform to "acknowledge" the entire world as the "Tribal Chief", following his victory over Solo Sikoa in a Tribal Combat match, on January 27.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/roman-reigns-and-paul-heyman-drop-wwe-2k25-teaser-on-wwe-raw-on-netflix-premiere|title=Roman Reigns And Paul Heyman Drop WWE 2K25 Teaser On Raw; X-Box Releases First Images|magazine=Sports Illustrated|first=Rick|last=Ucchino|date=December 19, 2024|access-date=January 6, 2025|archive-date=January 7, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250107100429/https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/wwe/roman-reigns-and-paul-heyman-drop-wwe-2k25-teaser-on-wwe-raw-on-netflix-premiere|url-status=live}}</ref> On that aforementioned date, on an episode of Raw, Heyman revealed that Reigns would be the cover star for ''WWE 2K25''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://x.com/WWE/status/1884072578425159793 |title=We ACKNOWLEDGE #WWE2K25! ☝️☝️☝️ @WWERomanReigns x @HeymanHustle |access-date=January 28, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://x.com/WWEgames/status/1884072135460585652 |title=The Head of the Table, the OTC, YOUR Tribal Chief, and #WWE2K25!  COVER STAR, ROMAN REIGNS!  Please join his #Wiseman, @HeymanHustle, and ACKNOWLEDGE HIM! ☝️ |access-date=January 28, 2025}}</ref> [[Company:2K|2K]] then released a trailer the following day showcasing gameplay, special edition game covers, and upcoming dates for pre-orders.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Togonon |first=Michael Paolo |date=January 28, 2025 |title=Roman Reigns and Undertaker Star on WWE 2K25 Game Cover |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2025/01/28/roman-reigns-undertaker-featured-in-wwe-2k25-game-cover |access-date=January 31, 2025 |work=Daily Tribune}}</ref>

On February 6, IGN released the first full gameplay trailer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Driver |first=Dale |date=February 5, 2025 |title=WWE 2K25 Hands-On Preview |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/wwe-2k25-hands-on-preview |access-date=February 6, 2025 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=February 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250206214156/https://www.ign.com/articles/wwe-2k25-hands-on-preview |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Release ==
''WWE 2K25'' was released on March 14, 2025; pre-order bonuses included a digital copy of ''[[Software:WWE 2K24|WWE 2K24]]'', and five Wyatt Sicks persona cards for MyFaction. Two deluxe versions were also announced: the "Deadman Edition" includes the pre-order bonuses and additional content and cosmetics related to The Undertaker,<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE 2K25 Preorders Are Live At Amazon - Get 5 Bonus Wrestlers For MyFaction |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/wwe-2k25-preorders-are-live-at-amazon-get-5-bonus-wrestlers-for-myfaction/1100-6529068/ |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref> while the "Bloodline Edition" is a superset of the Deadman Edition that includes additional The Bloodline and WrestleMania 41-themed content, and provided early access to the game beginning March 7.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WWE 2K25 Release Date Announced, Adds Open-World Mode And Bloodline Showcase |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/wwe-2k25-release-date-trailer-news/2900-6171/ |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref>

On July 1, 2025, 2K announced that a Nintendo Switch 2 version would be released on July 23, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-07-01 |title=WWE 2K25 Hits Nintendo Switch 2 on July 23, New Trailer Released |url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-2k25-hits-nintendo-switch-2-july-23-new-trailer-released/ |access-date=2025-07-01 |website=411Mania |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| align = left
| MC = (PS5) 80/100<ref name="MCPS5">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k25/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=WWE 2K25 for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=Metacritic |accessdate=March 6, 2025}}</ref><br>(XSXS) 84/100<ref name="MCXSXS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/wwe-2k25/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=WWE 2K25 for Xbox Series X Reviews |website=Metacritic |accessdate=March 6, 2025}}</ref>
| Destruct = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Penwell |first=Chris |date=March 17, 2025 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-wwe-2k25/ |title=Review: WWE 2K25 |website=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]] |accessdate=March 17, 2025}}</ref>
| DT = 3.5/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Colantonio |first=Giovanni |date=March 12, 2025 |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/wwe-2k25-review-ps5-pro/ |title=WWE 2K25 review: rock solid wrestling sim teases its heel turn |website=[[Company:Digital Trends|Digital Trends]] |accessdate=March 12, 2025}}</ref>
| GI = 8.25/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Stewart |first=Marcus |date=April 4, 2025 |url=https://gameinformer.com/review/wwe-2k25/banger-after-banger |title=WWE 2K25 Review - Banger After Banger |website=Game Informer |accessdate=April 4, 2025}}</ref>
| GSpot = 8/10<ref name="gamespot-review">{{cite web |last=Delaney |first=Mark |date=March 12, 2025 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wwe-2k25-review/1900-6418343/ |title=WWE 2K25 Review - New World Order |website=GameSpot |accessdate=March 12, 2025}}</ref>
| GRadar = 4/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ben |date=March 10, 2025 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/wwe-2k/wwe-2k25-review/ |title=WWE 2K25 review: "A colossal package even if you never go anywhere near Virtual Currency" |website=GamesRadar |accessdate=March 10, 2025}}</ref>
| HCG = 4/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Peeples |first=Jeremy |date=March 11, 2025 |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/review-wwe-2k25/ |title=Review: WWE 2K25 |website=Hardcore Gamer |accessdate=March 11, 2025}}</ref>
| IGN = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Borger |first=Will |date=March 13, 2025 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/wwe-2k25-review |title=WWE 2K25 Review |website=IGN |accessdate=March 13, 2025}}</ref>
| PSQ = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Potter |first=Ben |date=March 10, 2025 |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/wwe-2k25 |title=WWE 2K25 Review (PS5) |website=Push Square |accessdate=March 10, 2025}}</ref>
| SN = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Craddock |first=Dave |date=March 6, 2025 |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/143355/wwe-2k25-review-island-of-relevancy |title=WWE 2K25 review: Island of Relevancy |website=Shacknews |accessdate=March 6, 2025}}</ref>
| VGC = 4/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Scullion |first=Chris |date=March 6, 2025 |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/wwe-2k25-review/ |title=WWE 2K25 review: A solid annual improvement despite its cynical new game mode |website=Video Games Chronicle |accessdate=March 6, 2025}}</ref>
}}

''WWE 2K25'' received "generally favorable reviews", according to review aggregator website Metacritic.<ref name="MCPS5"/><ref name="MCXSXS"/> 

''IGN'' felt that the game was improved over ''2K24'', noting that "it looks fantastic, still feels good, and there’s a lot of it, including small but welcome updates like intergender matches or bigger updates like the new MyRise and Showcase modes"—with the latter being complimented for presentation improvements (such as in-engine [[Software:Cutscene|cutscenes]] for in-match scenes that had used archive footage in ''2K24''). The Island was considered to be a "cool idea" with possibilities, but was criticised as being "mostly quiet, empty, and boring" in execution, and containing multiplayer PvP fights that were largely pay-to-win and dominated by "[[High roller|whales]] who will spend inordinate amounts to make their customized wrestlers beasts off the bat."<ref name=":2" />

''GameSpot'' was similarly positive, noting that changes such as chain wrestling allowed matches to play out more like those seen in actual shows, felt that the "Giant" archetype (which was compared to heavily-armored enemies seen in shooter games such as ''Destiny'' and ''[[Software:Tom Clancy's The Division|The Division]]'') demonstrated Visual Concepts' "keen understanding" of the differences between wrestling, other sports games, and traditional [[Software:Fighting game|fighting games]], and praised Paul Heyman's performance as host of the Showcase mode. It was noted that the MyRise storyline "awkwardly exists with a foot both in and out of kayfabe, telling a story that doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense if you look past the surface", while The Island was criticized as "simply awful" for being underdeveloped and emphasizing upgrades made with microtransactions.<ref name=":0" />

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{official website|https://wwe.2k.com/2k25/}}

{{WWE video games}}

[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]

{{Sourceattribution|WWE 2K25}}