WWE 2K25 | 13 details you need to know

We recently participated in a Question-and-Answer session with the creators of WWE 2K25, and they shared some fascinating insights about the upcoming game. Although they discussed several features that have already been announced, there were also some intriguing tidbits of information that fans are going to be thrilled to learn about. With this in mind, here are 13 details about WWE 2K25 you’ll definitely want to know.

The Island is bringing wrestling to video games

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! Andrea Listenberger, Senior Narrative Designer at Visual Concepts and a previous writer for WWE Smackdown, is the lead writer for the upcoming game mode in WWE 2K25. Although specifics about the plot are scarce, she hinted that it’s unlike anything we’ve experienced in MyRISE so far. While MyRISE remains a crucial part of WWE 2K25, this new story revolves around introducing wrestling to the realm of video games – a fascinating twist! We can’t wait for you to uncover what that entails, but she did mention it’s essentially the opposite of MyRISE, which has always been about integrating video games into the world of wrestling.

The soundtrack is getting some “deeper cuts” this year

Over the last few years, the WWE soundtrack has produced some fantastic tracks, and this year seems to be no exception. Al Stavola at 2K hinted that this year’s soundtrack will feature some “lesser-known” songs from WWE’s music catalog, which leaves us curious about whether we might hear some Jim Johnson classics or perhaps tunes associated with iconic WWE promos like ‘My Way’ by Limp Bizkit. The anticipation is thrilling! It’s important to note that custom soundtracks are not included in the game as of yet, a decision that isn’t within 2K’s control, and it’s a decision far beyond their authority level.

The Underground match type involve a lot of reworked mechanics

As a passionate WWE fan, I’m thrilled about the innovative additions in WWE 2K25! One of the standout features is the introduction of unique match types that transform the in-ring experience. For instance, the Underground match offers a ring devoid of ropes and ring posts, a first in this series! Derek Donahue, Lead Combat Designer at Visual Concepts, shared an exciting insight: “The absence of ropes has fundamentally altered the combat mechanics in the game, and you’ll instantly feel this shift when you step into an Underground match. The interactions near the ring edge have been meticulously redesigned, which not only enhances Underground matches but also adds a new layer to brawls outside the arena.” Additionally, the crowd’s reactions during these matches will be more intense, with fans pounding on the mat, creating an electrifying atmosphere that heightens the chaos in the arena.

What exactly is involved in the Bloodline Rules match type?

In WWE 2K25, the Bloodlines Rules match – remember, it was the grand finale at last year’s WrestleMania – operates a bit differently from regular matches. Unlike traditional bouts where there are no disqualifications and count-outs, this one allows each Superstar up to three interferences during the fight. These interferences are represented by a Payback ability. As you progress in the match and fill certain gauges, you can summon help for your Bloodlines Rules match.

There’re exclusive titles for Intergender Wrestling

In addition, Derek shared that there will be contests where both male and female characters can vie for titles, an exciting twist since this feature isn’t typically seen even in WWE. Furthermore, as you progress in gameplay, you’ll discover more possibilities involving Intergender Wrestling; however, specifics about these elements have been kept secret.

Barricade dives have their own allocated move sets

For fans eagerly anticipating performing daring moves from the barricades in WWE 2K25, here’s a sneak peek: Superstars will each have unique jump-off maneuvers when leaping from the barricades. Additionally, the LED screens surrounding the ring will start to show signs of damage as players are thrown into them, enhancing the realism of in-ring action even further.

MyGM getting cross-brand PLEs and trading

myGM has made significant progress since its debut, and during the Q&A session, Alan Flores, Design Director at Visual Concepts mentioned they’re also incorporating Cross-brand Player Lobbies (PLEs), which adds an element of rivalry because now you can pit your favorite players from different brands against each other. He also hinted at new game modes with more internal conflicts, such as backstabbing and trading among superstars. This means there will be plenty of competition, complaints, and attempts to trade players in the upcoming version.

2K Showcase is getting rid of Slingshot technology and bringing back full cutscenes

Feedback for the mix of playing 2K Showcase and real-world videos has been both positive and negative since its start. However, this year, they’ve chosen to eliminate Slingshot tech to let players experience full matches instead. Dino Zucconi, a Designer at Visual Concepts, stated, “This year, we aimed to make the Showcase more about playing compared to watching. It seems like that’s what people were asking for in recent years, so this time around, we want to return control back to the player.

There will be three outcomes for matches in 2K Showcase

In the realm of excitement as a devoted fan, Dino delved deeper into the tantalizing aspects of the 2K Showcase mode in WWE 2K25, centered around The Bloodline. He shared that this three-tiered approach offers an immersive experience: reenacting real-life match conclusions, altering outcomes by outsmarting opponents, and even staging dream matches involving superstars from the expansive Anoa’i family tree. Though we haven’t received a complete roster list yet, I can’t help but fervently wish for the return of Haku to WWE 2K. Oh, how I regret not inquiring about that earlier!

Many match types will include Intergender options

Experience the thrill of R-Truth entering the Royal Rumble once more! In this game, all Superstars are free to participate in any match type, but it’s entirely up to you who competes where. If you fancy seeing women battle it out in men’s matches or men taking on roles in women’s matches, feel free to do so. However, there is a specific rule set for Mixed Tag Team matches.

Backstage Brawls can now have 8 players involved

Previously, the number of superstars participating in backstage brawls was capped due to certain limitations. However, now, up to eight superstars can be involved, leading to an abundance of chaotic scenes unfolding simultaneously on-screen.

The third-person cam is going to be revolutionary

To start with, 2K introduced the third-person camera perspective this year to accompany Superstars as they entered, and it has since been incorporated into virtually every match scenario, ranging from backstage fights to Hell in a Cell encounters. Derek stated that “when you’re scaling the top rope, when you’re sprinting along the ringside, when you’re ascending a Hell in a Cell, being able to follow the character all the way up there and truly feel like you’re becoming one with them, rather than the traditional broadcast view or the classic grand cam broadcast view we’ve had before.

He went on discussing how the changes in controls affect the gameplay. “Basically, it’s a fresh approach to playing and experiencing the game. There have been some control issues, yes, but we’ve managed to find a good balance. The right stick primarily controls the camera, but it also performs other functions within the game and gameplay. To access these additional actions, you need to press a new button, although generally, the right stick will manage your camera. It might take a moment to get accustomed to, but once you grasp the concept, it’s like playing the game as you usually do, only from a different perspective.

The new ‘Giant’ archetype adds a brand new way to play

Previously, there were four types of wrestling characters; the introduction of a new colossal one opens up fresh playing and challenging experiences for players. This character has an extra health meter, but lacks the ability to perform high-flying stunts, and will require more stamina to execute combos, as they are limited in number due to increased energy consumption.

WWE 2K25 is scheduled to drop on March 14, 2025, and it will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and personal computers.

2025-01-28 16:16