WWE 2K25 Rule Beyond the Ring!

WWE 2K25 Rule Beyond the Ring!

Its the Bloodline Front and Centre, Celebrate the LARGEST Wrestling Dynasty,

Among the many sports titles available, combat sports like MMA and Professional Wrestling seem perfectly suited for successful video games. As a passionate wrestling fan, I've been playing WWE games since before they were known as WWE, starting with WWF WrestleMania on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1989, followed by 1998's WCW VS NWO Revenge on the Nintendo 64, the early versions of RAW on PC in 2002, and the popular SmackDown vs. Raw games that began in 2011, leading up to the WWE 2K Series, which started in 2013 with WWE 2K14. I even endured the challenging WWE2K2020. On Friday, March 14, 2025, WWE2K25 will be released, featuring the largest roster yet, including wrestlers from Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and Legends.

2K25 brings everything from last year and more, with enhanced graphics, smoother gameplay mechanics, and a roster of 300. Current gen users can also explore the new free roam "The Island," a feature absent from the last gen release (PS4 and Xbox One) and, for some reason, PC. Although early access is no longer available, there are still three versions of the game to purchase, each with its differences. I personally recommend the "Bloodline Edition" for the extra assistance it provides with My Faction (more points to spend).

The Game as usual, offers the Ability to Create your own Wrestler (CAW), Arena's and Championships. with a Variety of ways to play the game. Chain and Intergender Wrestling make their welcome return along with fresh brawl environments, Unlockable arenas, Characters and More!

MY GM

• MY GM, which now includes Online Multiplayer, is a part of the game that has experienced a few changes this year. In this mode, you can select from a variety of new General Managers, such as CM Punk, Miss Elizabeth, and Mr. Fuji. PLEs (the new term for PPV) are now cross-branded, meaning players must choose a wrestler to compete against a rival brand when major events occur every few weeks. You begin this mode by selecting the GM and Brand you want to manage, such as Raw, Smackdown, ECW, and this year, WCW. The goal of this game mode is to RUN the Show. As the GM, you compete against other brands to make your show the biggest and best, select your matches and Promos, and aim to earn the most money in the financial year.

MY FACTION

• In my opinion, MyFaction is unfortunately the worst aspect of this game and can easily become a cash grab. Essentially, it's a trading card system where you also play matches. If this mode were removed, I wouldn't mind at all. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I have friends who love this mode more than any other, so it's up to you to decide. Basically, you collect wrestler cards to form a stable of 4 men and 4 women each, but you can swap them with other cards you own and even evolve some to the next level. You then complete challenges to obtain more cards. In 2K25, we have the option to unlock wrestlers in MyFaction for use outside the mode through Persona Cards, allowing us to use characters like Elite Rhea Ripley in other game modes.

  Another downside of MyFaction is how grind-heavy the mode is. Until this year, I never played it. Being open and honest, I'm only participating for CM Punk's old Persona card for the Killswitch Engage music and some of the other Persona Cards.

• In MyFaction there are also Locker codes that you can enter for free stuff, this is what is available at time of posting so may not work later (21/325)

  
  

  

  
  

UNIVERSE MODE

• Since its introduction in Smackdown vs. Raw 2011, Universe mode has been a staple in the WWE game series. While some versions were better than others, unfortunately, 2k22 to 2k24 fell into the latter category. Despite having some impressive new features, they often felt like a disjointed experience. Now, with 2k25, I was initially anxious due to the lack of news, aside from the return of promos. However, the quality of life updates, such as the improved calendar and easier roster setup, are excellent additions. It seems they truly listened to the fans and made significant improvements. Rivalries now make more sense, allowing you to track them after each match and in the news, ending on your terms. Essentially, you are in control, and this is your Wrestling Universe!

THE ISLAND

The Island.

• For the first time in Franchise history, Step outside the ropes and onto the Island. in this immersive WWE-Themed world, complete quests, take on challenges, compete in live events and upgrade and customize your MYSUPERSTAR through multiple Storyline chapters. Fight to join "THE Original Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns at the Head of the Table and earn your self a WWE Contract.

  
  

• WWE 2K25 presents The Island, a groundbreaking multiplayer mode where players undertake quests, gain rewards, and participate in ranked matches. This mode includes multiple districts and PvP opportunities, striving to maintain a careful balance between entertainment, progression, and microtransactions. (as i have yet to play THE ISLAND i have included a google quote)

THE BLOODLINE'S DYNASTY

Showcase Mode

• The brand new Showcase, presented by "The Wiseman" Paul Heyman, honours one of the most legendary and powerful wrestling family dynasties - the Bloodline. It features Roman Reigns, The Rock, Yokozuna, Jacob Fatu, and others. Relive historic confrontations or alter the outcomes of certain match-ups. Additionally, enjoy dream matches between members of the Bloodline and WWE superstars and legends.

MY RISE

• Take charge of your CAW (Create a Wrestler) from both the women's and men's divisions in a unique multi-gender MYRISE storyline where Bayley, Kevin Owens, and other Superstars along with NXT try and seize control of the entire WWE universe. It features new brawl environments, unlockable areas, characters, and much more—plus new ally storylines involving Jey Uso (YEET), Bianca Belair, Seth "Freakin" Rollins, and many other WWE Superstars. This is always my favourite part of the game, with the ability to import/export your CAW for use in Universe mode or general gameplay. I personally really enjoyed this storyline and wished it was on TV more than in the game, with a few retries needed to unlock everything.

WWE 2k25 Upcoming DLC packs

DLC Pack 1: New Wave Pack,

Release Date: May 14th 2025.

• Alex Shelley

• Chris Sabin

• Giulia

• Stephanie Vaquer

• Special Celebrity Guest TBA (*-read more on my thoughts later)

Pack 1 DLC

DLC Pack 2: Dunk & Destruction Pack (REALLY not happy here :( )

Release Date: June 25th 2025

• Abyss

• The Great Khali

• Three NBA stars TBA (this is wrestling not basket ball!!! )

Pack 2 DLC

DLC Pack 3: Fearless Pack

Release Date: July 23rd 2025

• Bull Nkano

• Jordynne Grace

• New Jack

• Penta

• Special Celebrity Guest TBA

Pack 3 DLC

DLC Pack 4: Attitude Era Superstars Pack

Release Date: September 17th 2025

• Billy Gun (WTF he's an ACTIVE AEW Wrestler, this is AWESOME news)

• D'Lo Brown

• Mark Henry

• Road Dogg

• Victoria

Pack 4 DLC

DLC Pack 5: Saturday Night's Main Event Pack

Release Date: November 12th 2025

• Jesse Ventura

• Junk Yard Dog

• Mr. Wonderful

• Sid Justice

• Tito Santana

Pack 5 DLC

I enjoy creating a faction or team with my daughter, designing our Titantrons, and editing the entrances to bring our creations to life. Phoenix and Emily Black have been with me for many years but have evolved over time. My biggest issue, once again, is the unnecessary DLC. There are so many more active wrestlers in NXT and on the main roster that could be included, or even legends. A prime example of another great idea would have been a TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling) pack, as WWE signed a deal with them this year for crossover events. One of the packs already includes Abyss (TNA never in WWE, but the person behind the persona now works in production). We could have gotten the likes of Nick and Ryan Nemith, Moose, Joe Hendry, and the Hardys (the last three would have been eager to join), but just like last year, we get celebrities or other sports figures, which feels like such a waste. Overall, this is an amazing game, and I'm glad I own it. It's also a decent step up from 2K24.

Later on I will be doing a review of the CAW system for your enjoyment.