WWE 2K has impressively rebounded after the disastrous launch of WWE 2K20. The franchise continues its annual releases but has justified them by introducing numerous optimizations and new modes. WWE 2K25 follows this trend. In terms of core gameplay, there isn’t much change—the wrestling mechanics remain solid—but the options available to players have expanded. New match types are included, more objects can be manipulated, and the roster has grown to over three hundred wrestlers, making it a great time for anyone looking to buy cheap games and enjoy a deeper wrestling experience. While I may not know all of them—give me the glory days of wrestling—the expanded roster is undoubtedly a welcome addition for fans.

Three hundred wrestlers is a huge number, but fortunately all the fan favorites are included. However, there’s one true star who appears throughout the game: Roman Reigns. The game centers on him and his manager, Paul Heyman, who introduces almost every mode and serves as a guide in tutorials. Reigns not only appears on the cover of WWE 2K25, but his storyline and history are also explored in a new version of the Showcase mode, subtitled "The Bloodline Dynasty." In this mode, players experience the story of the Anoa'i family, a long-running wrestling dynasty that includes The Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, Roman Reigns, and The Rock.

In the mode, you recreate historical matches, now without interruptions from live footage. While I appreciated seeing real footage in past installments, it’s understandable that players might want to keep the action flowing uninterrupted. This edition also introduces “What if” scenarios—what might have happened if you had defeated Hulk Hogan, for example—adding extra value to an already entertaining mode.

WWE 2K25 The Island and Customization: Visual Style, VC Grind, and Creative Freedom

If WWE 2K25 excels in anything, it’s in its modes. MyGM returns, now more comprehensive than ever. You compete against three other managers to put on the biggest and most spectacular shows with the largest roster yet. This can also be done online, letting you challenge friends to see who can produce the most epic event, making it an ideal pick for those looking to buy cheap PS4 games with extensive replay value.

There’s also MyRise, where you follow a new story with your own created character. Personally, this is the least impressive mode so far, as it mainly involves hopping from match to match with a playful plot, a few cutscenes, and fairly limited interaction. While making choices matters, the mode feels somewhat underwhelming. I would have preferred to see MyRise integrated with the brand-new "The Island" mode. In this mode, you visit a private island at Roman Reigns’ request to qualify for a WWE contract. The Island—essentially WWE 2K’s take on NBA 2K’s The City—has players completing missions to climb to the top.

WWE 2K25’s The Island is beautifully designed and packed with WWE references, but all conversations are handled through dialogue and static character images. If this had been combined with MyRise-style cutscenes, the mode would have felt much more engaging. With the introduction of an online environment also comes 2K’s Virtual Currency (VC). While the game provides some extra VC, the grind is still intense. Everything costs VC—not just character upgrades, but also new clothing from the Nike store, haircuts, or tattoos. And we’re not talking about small amounts, but a substantial number of digital coins, which hampers progression and takes some of the fun out of the new mode.

Beyond that, WWE 2K25 offers even more content. You can create custom matches, build a custom universe in WWE Universe, and collect trading cards in WWE 2K Faction. Nearly everything is customizable, from a wrestler’s entrance and appearance to ringside signs and arenas. Designers have a huge range of sliders, images, stickers, lighting effects, and other tools to get creative.

WWE 2K25 Modes: MyRise, Showcase, and Endless Options

WWE 2K25 takes many positive steps, but as a casual fan, I’d personally wait a year. The Island is a promising addition, but it needs further development in future installments. The push for VC in this franchise is disappointing. While The Island shows potential, the VC system detracts from an otherwise strong start. Thankfully, all content can be accessed without microtransactions, but it remains a frustrating element.

MyRise is entertaining but highlights that the mode could use more time and attention. Combining it with The Island could result in something truly engaging. Most of the new content comes from the roster of over three hundred wrestlers, the new match types, interactive items, and the revamped storyline in Showcase mode. MyGM delivers an excellent experience for strategy-minded players, and Faction mode is also very playable. Once you dive in, WWE 2K25 is highly entertaining. The gameplay is well-designed, and the options are nearly endless. For dedicated wrestling fans, WWE 2K25 is fantastic. However, if you’re like me and prefer the glory days of wrestlers like Macho Man Randy Savage, it might be worth waiting for WWE 2K26.