WWE 2K25 is on everyone’s radar, and it’s not a question of if it’ll happen, but rather when. For those who missed it, Take-Two’s August financial briefing confirmed WWE 2K25 is set for release by March 2025, following its tradition of March launches like WWE 2K22 and WWE 2K23. With past releases following suit, it’s likely we’ll get updates by Royal Rumble if the pattern continues.
As another new year ushers in yet another WWE wrestling game, the excitement is palpable, especially with wrestling’s current surge in popularity. WWE 2K25 will undoubtedly play a role in this ongoing wrestling craze. With just about four months until its expected release, I’m sharing my top hopes for the new game.
WWE 2K24 Wish List for Each Game Mode
Showcase Mode – I’d love for WWE 2K25’s Showcase Mode to spotlight the Bloodline. Despite my disappointment—being a Cody Rhodes enthusiast—that WWE 2K24’s Showcase Mode ended with his WrestleMania 39 loss to Roman Reigns, it’s undeniable that the Bloodline saga is among the most compelling wrestling narratives of recent years, possibly ever. If we wait for the Bloodline’s current storyline to conclude, we might be looking at years; a typical-length Showcase Mode just won’t do it justice. Instead, I’m hoping for a Bloodline Showcase Mode that kicks off from Roman’s dramatic return at SummerSlam 2020, tracing his legendary run up until his WrestleMania 40 defeat against Cody Rhodes. Down the line, an Original Tribal Chief Showcase Mode could then cover the stretch from WrestleMania 40 to whenever this phase wraps up.
MyRise – As a fan of games driven by player choices, WWE 2K24’s MyRise was a bit of a letdown, offering mostly "which story next?" options. I long for a MyRise that’s richer in choice-making and storytelling, reminiscent of the older WWE titles. Bringing in more intricate plots with overarching paths and replayability incentives would tremendously enhance MyRise. While I did enjoy the nod to reality in WWE 2K24’s Men’s MyRise story, tying into Roman Reigns’ iconic reign, I wouldn’t mind fiction reigning supreme if it meant more engaging narratives.
MyGM – MyGM remains my absolute favorite mode, luring me back for play long after launch. Nothing matches the thrill of managing a roster with some chaos thrown in—think a lineup dominated by duplicate matches, like Undertaker vs. Undertaker. It’s hard to ask for more from this feature, but maintaining expansion and achieving parity with the rest of the game is key. Enhancements like making PLEs more distinct and tweaking the calendar might enhance it further. If there was one ambitious wish, it would be for scenario support in WWE 2K25’s MyGM Mode. Imagine scenarios ranging from supernatural takeovers to Unified Title pursuits or a ‘Road to WrestleMania’ as a wrestling GM.
MyFaction and Universe – I typically engage with these modes for achievements, then move on. Keeping these in line with other modes would work wonders. Plus, improving online match stability is crucial, as it’s been a recurring issue. Of course, any upgrades to the creative features are always appreciated too.
WWE 2K25: Beyond Game Modes
Crossover Content – With 2023’s TKO merger, introducing crossover content featuring UFC fighters in WWE games could be fantastic. However, given the quality of UFC games, keeping these crossovers limited and special would be ideal.
Fan & Crowd Interactions – If nothing else, the recent overseas PLEs have shown just how electrifying crowds get when they don’t receive constant WWE events. The audience’s role is pivotal in wrestling, and incorporating more fan interaction in games would add so much more than just signs. Perhaps integrating chants into gameplay for bonuses could be exciting. For instance, if the audience boos a player’s persona, like Bronson Reed, seizing a chance to throw them, as he did with Braun Strowman, could be thrilling. Or imagine earning a finisher by fulfilling a "We Want Table" chant. Enhanced interactivity, akin to WWE 2K24’s Trading Blows mini-game, would be a great addition.
Give Me The Samoan Werewolf – As with each year, WWE shakes up its roster. With several past superstars exiting to join AEW, like Ricochet, and an influx of fresh talent, changes are inevitable. WWE’s added numerous Legends and rising stars, among them the members of Solo’s Bloodline. I can’t express enough how much I’d love to see Jacob Fatu, the Samoan Werewolf, in WWE 2K25. However, his April signing and June debut might cut it close for inclusion in the base game. If not, he’s a must for the first DLC pack of WWE 2K25.
In an interview with Game Rant, Visual Concepts’ creative director Lynell Jinks mentioned they work on getting the game ready for first party testing and certification by fall, a process spanning about nine months. This timeline suggests anyone debuting post-summer might not make the cut. But with Fatu’s timing, I’m rooting for him to be part of WWE 2K25’s initial release.
