WWE 2K25 Review: All Pros and Cons

WWE 2K25 has finally dropped, and with WWE’s current heat heading into WrestleMania 41 (thanks to jaw-dropping moments like John Cena turning heel), all eyes are on the game. Expectations are high, and 2K has done a great job meeting the hype.

This year’s game isn’t just about the wrestling; it’s about the whole experience. Let’s dive into the WWE 2K25 review.

Graphics/Gameplay

WWE 2K25’s graphics? Straight-up gorgeous. The character models look real, with wrestlers sweating, bruising, and bleeding in the ring. You can see the wear and tear of the match on their bodies, and the arenas look amazing, too. The whole thing just feels more polished than ever before.

When it comes to gameplay, 2K25 continues to improve the action in the ring. Chain wrestling, which makes you play minigames to gain an advantage, is back. Outside the ring? More fun than before, with wrestlers now able to climb onto barricades and jump off them for extra impact.

WWE 2K25 Modes

There’s a ton of stuff to do in WWE 2K25 and we are going to cover everything in our WWE 2K25 Review. Here’s a breakdown of the main modes you’ll want to check out:

MyRise

MyRise is the career mode of WWE 2K25, and this year, it’s more engaging than ever. Gone are the long, slow cutscenes that dragged down past versions. This time, you’re thrown into the action right away. The story is fun, with wrestlers from NXT moving up to the main roster, leading to a mix of familiar faces and fresh rivalries.

One of the coolest aspects of MyRise is how player choices impact the story. You’ll make decisions that shape your wrestler’s journey, and the mode offers enough twists and turns to keep things interesting.

What’s great about MyRise this year is how it feels more dynamic. In previous versions, the mode could feel like it was just checking off boxes, but in WWE 2K25, you feel invested in your wrestler’s career. If you’ve never been a fan of MyRise, this might just be the year that changes your mind.

Showcase

This year, Showcase mode puts the spotlight on The Bloodline. This is a great pick, considering how much drama and intrigue this stable has brought to WWE. You’ll play through some of their most significant matches, and the cool part is that the game lets you relive these moments with a twist.

There are “what-if” scenarios, like imagining a match between 3 Minute Warning and The Authors of Pain, or even what would’ve happened if Rikishi had defeated Stone Cold at No Mercy 2000. These “what-if” scenarios are a nice change of pace from just replaying real-life moments, and it keeps the mode fresh.

The major improvement this year is the lack of forced cutscenes. You get to control the action more, and there’s less micromanaging of objectives. However, there are a few timed objectives that can be frustrating. Sometimes the clock runs out too quickly, and if you miss one part, you’ll have to redo the whole match. That said, these are minor annoyances in an otherwise fantastic mode.

The Island

The Island is a completely new mode that’s exclusive to next-gen consoles. It’s an online hub where 50 players compete for a WWE contract, all under the watchful eye of Roman Reigns. Think of it like a WWE theme park—players create custom wrestlers, participate in quests, and earn rewards while exploring the Island. There are special themed arenas and even an exclusive WWE store to spend your VC (virtual currency).

Now, here’s the catch: The Island relies heavily on VC, and the grind to earn it can be slow. For example, a simple haircut for your custom wrestler costs 9,000 VC, and you earn a small amount per match.

If you’re trying to get everything, expect to spend a lot of time grinding or, more likely, spending real money. While this can be frustrating, it’s entirely optional. You can enjoy The Island without diving into the microtransactions, but if you care about cosmetics, get ready for a grind.

MyFaction

If you like card-based games, you’ll like MyFaction, but it’s not the highlight of WWE 2K25. It’s all about collecting cards to build your ultimate faction, but honestly, it’s not as exciting as some of the other modes. It’s fine for what it is, but it doesn’t stand out in a big way.

Universe Mode

This is the mode where you get to create and control your own WWE shows. You can build rivalries, book matches, and basically run your own version of WWE. With the ability to customize rosters and promos, it’s a pretty solid mode for fans who want to control every part of the WWE universe.

MyGM

MyGM is a huge highlight in WWE 2K25. If you love the idea of running a brand and booking shows, this mode will keep you busy for hours. The improvements this year make it the best version since its return.

Now you can compete against other GMs in cross-brand pay-per-views, and there’s even online multiplayer for up to four players. You’ll book rivalries, manage superstars’ contracts, and keep an eye on health and morale.

Creations

If you love creating stuff, you’re in for a treat. WWE 2K25’s creation suite is bigger than ever, letting you design your own superstars, championships, arenas, and more. The tools are easy to use, so you can get creative and make your own dream WWE experience.

WWE 2K25 Vs WWE 2K24 Comparison

Comparing WWE 2K25 to WWE 2K24 shows clear improvements. The graphics in 2K25 are much more detailed, and the gameplay feels smoother, while the modes have been refined, and there’s just more to do overall. MyGM is a major standout, as it has grown into a much deeper and more fun experience. While 2K24 was solid, WWE 2K25 feels like a bigger, more polished package with more content and features that really make it stand out.

WWE 2K25 Pros and Cons

Let’s jump on to the pros and cons that we have gathered so far in the WWE 2K25 review:

Should You Buy WWE 2K25?

If you’re a WWE fan, WWE 2K25 is definitely worth picking up. As mentioned in our WWE 2K25 review, the game delivers everything you’d expect from a wrestling title and more. The in-ring action is top-notch, the graphics are stunning, and there’s enough content to keep you entertained for months.

Sure, the grind for VC and microtransactions in The Island can be a drag, but that doesn’t take away from the overall fun. Whether you’re into MyGM, MyRise, or just want to create your own superstars, WWE 2K25 has something for everyone. If you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, WWE 2K25 is one of the best wrestling games out there.