WWE 2K25 brings unexpectedly big changes to the wrestling sim

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Table of Contents The details add up Experimenting with old modes

When I reviewed WWE 2K24 last year, I proclaimed that the series had reached the top of the mountain. The series officially completed its comeback arc thanks to tighter wrestling, tons of great modes, and an enormous roster of superstars. It was a major achievement for 2K Games, but one that left the series facing an existential question: Where do you go next once you’ve reached the top?

I’m starting to get a feel for that answer after playing a few hours of WWE 2K25. In many ways, this year’s simulator looks to maintain the status quo by lightly tweaking existing modes like MyGM while adding subtle tweaks to its core fighting foundation. There’s much more to it than meets the eye though, from its new open-world mode to the introduction of intergender wrestling. While I didn’t get to try every new feature, the bits I did get hands-on with felt improved enough to keep this year’s edition from feeling stale.

There are a few changes that may rock the boat with long-time fans, though, giving the revitalized series its first true test since its babyface return to form began in 2022. Winning a title is just one challenge; defending it successfully is another.

• You’ll never have to use the 2K Launcher for Steam games again
• TopSpin 2K25 serves up a fun, but safe tennis simulation revival
• WWE 2K24 makes one small change that goes a very long way

The details add up

My demo session let me toy around with a few different modes and match types. I could play three of this year’s Showcase matches, try a backstage brawl, and even simulate a Royal Rumble match ahead of the real thing later that day (for the record, Rhea Ripley won my match after throwing out Bubba Ray Dudley). Before diving into any of that, I started with a traditional one on one match between Jacob Fatu and Nia Jax.

Okay, so maybe traditional isn’t the right word there. WWE 2K25 introduces intergender matches, a