WWE 2K25 is official, brings in “The Island” experience, 300 character-deep roster, and more

It was only a matter of time, but 2K and Visual Concepts’ yearly WWE title is finally official for 2025, and it’s prepped for a title run.

Acknowledge me

The Big Dog is back, and once again gracing the cover of gaming’s premier wrestling series, as Roman Reigns will be on the standard cover of WWE 2K25. That’s not all though, as the Tribal Chief will be on the top shelf edition of the game as well, where he’ll feature with The Bloodline. But wait, as there’s a third option as well, and it stars the Deadman himself, The Undertaker.

“I am personally and professionally excited that the Original and Only Tribal Chief and the extended Anoa’i family are the focus of WWE 2K25,” said Roman Reigns. “We’ve been building toward this moment for generations and I challenge players everywhere to show me and my Wiseman, Paul Heyman, what they’ve got, and prove they’re worthy of the attention of their Tribal Chief.”

2K press release

We’ll get to all of that in a minute, as there’s a ton to talk about as goes WWE 2K25. And while much of what you’re about to read through be familiar if you’re a long time series fan, there are also some new additions for 2025, one of which you might not have seen coming.

WWE 2K25 officially launches on March 14th, 2025, with the Deadman and Bloodline editions granting purchasers a seven day early access period.

The Bloodline rules

As you might’ve guessed from the above, The Bloodline is the overall focus of WWE 2K25. Roman Reigns’ faction with be the biggest star of both the game’s 2K Showcase and a new mode called The Island. What kind of sounds like an open-world(ish) experience, The Island will allow players to explore a “series of areas built around different WWE themes”.

There they’ll get to partake in quests, challenges, and live events, plus take on other players in an effort to battle for an in-game “WWE contract”. Additionally, the mode will also allow for both the upgrading and customizing of MySUPERSTARS, as players make their way through “multiple storyline chapters”, according to 2K.

Those who prefer Solo Sikoa’s version of The Bloodline shouldn’t be too disappointed though, as it’ll be included on more than a cover. The sub-faction will play a part in the Showcase, which is officially subtitled The Bloodline’s Dynasty. Even better, fans will find what sounds like it might be a pretty complete Anoa’i family tree present, even including Yokozuna.

Here’s how the twin modes shakeout:

• 2K Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty: The all-new 2K Showcase, hosted by “The Wiseman” Paul Heyman, celebrates one of the most iconic wrestling family dynasties – The Bloodline and the extended Anoa’i family. Featuring Roman Reigns, The Rock, Yokozuna, Jacob Fatu, and more, players can relive historic showdowns or flip the script and change the outcome of select match-ups. Dream matches between members of The Bloodline and WWE Superstars and Legends offer a “what if?’ fantasy element to settle fan debates and start fresh feuds, in addition to some surprises in store;
• The Island: An interactive world made up of a series of areas built around different WWE themes, The Island offers players the opportunity to explore and challenge other players, while vying to earn a WWE contract by impressing “The Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns. By completing quests, taking on challenges, competing in live events, earning unlockables, and upgrading and customizing MySUPERSTARS through multiple storyline chapters, The Island allows players to step outside the ropes and “Rule Beyond the Ring.” Available only on PS5® and Xbox Series X|S;

2K Games press release

The showcase of the immortals

If you like the history of the WWE, and wrestling in general, you’re probably going to love what’s happening with WWE 2K25‘s roster. The collection of superstars and legends is set to be massive, clocking in at over 300 grapplers and including the likes of John Cena, Rhea Ripley, The Rock, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, CM Punk, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Jade Cargill, Diamond Dallas Page, Booker T, Ultimate Warrior, Trish Stratus, Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, Rey Mysterio, Bret “Hitman” Hart, Jacob Fatu, Rob Van Dam, Lita, LA Knight, Chyna, Batista, Nia Jax, and Becky Lynch, all of which have already been confirmed.

Players will be able to field their favorite heroes and villains of sports entertainment in the usual wide variety of matches too, and even in inter-gender action. WWE 2K25 will be the first time since Smackdown vs Raw 2009 that we’ve seen option. It’s also not the only element that’s returning, as chain wrestling is back as well this year, plus there’ll be a few more special match-types like the Bloodline Rules Match and the Underground Match.

This will all be arriving along with MyGM’s online multiplayer, plus the MyFACTION, MyRISE, and Universe modes.

Break it down:

• A Roster for the Ages: WWE 2K25 brings an unparalleled lineup of current Superstars from RAW, SmackDown, and NXT, plus Legends and WWE Hall of Famers. The stacked roster of over 300 playable characters, spanning multiple generations, features Cody Rhodes, Liv Morgan, Rey Mysterio, Bret “Hitman” Hart, Jacob Fatu, Rob Van Dam, Lita, LA Knight, Chyna, Batista, Nia Jax, Becky Lynch, and more;
• New Match Types and Improvements on Gameplay: Intergender wrestling makes its long-awaited debut in the WWE 2K franchise! WWE or player-created Superstars from the men’s and women’s divisions can now compete against each other to set up limitless matchups across all game modes. Additional features include the return of Chain Wrestling, Bloodline Rules Match, Underground Match, and new barricade diving! More details on each new match type will be shared soon;
• MyGM Online Multiplayer: Intrepid GMs can take their show on the road and challenge general managers worldwide in the enhanced MyGM for WWE 2K25, now with online multiplayer for up to four players. Players draft WWE Superstars and Legends to their weekly show’s roster and lead their brand through multiple-week seasons with a bigger selection of General Managers, cross-brand Premium Live Events, and more;
• MyFACTION: The collectible, card-battle mode is back with updated features, new content, and more ways to play. Faction Wars now features new node types, and 50 new stages. World Tour replaces Proving Grounds, enabling players to travel to different locations in a non-linear approach, while additional match-type support for live events and online matches, and new community events offer enhanced replayability. New themed card packs and goals will continue to roll out regularly throughout the year with seasonal content refreshes*;
• MyRISE: Players guide their MySUPERSTAR from the women’s or men’s division in a singular, multi-gender MyRISE storyline where Bayley, Kevin Owens, and other Superstars infiltrate NXT in an attempt to take control of the entire WWE. Featuring new personality choices that lead to specific storylines, as well as brawl environments, unlockable arenas, characters, useable objects, and more, plus new ally storylines involving Jey Uso, Bianca Belair, Seth Rollins, and other WWE Superstars;
• Universe: WWE 2K’s sandbox mode receives new upgrades to give players greater control over their Universe experience, including the long-awaited return of Promos! The new system includes multiple promo types and outcomes with new cutscenes and branching choices;

2K Games press release

Get creative

What would a modern wrestling game be without a robust creation suite? Well, we could actually name a few titles, but we won’t get into it. Instead, we’ll focus on what WWE 2K25 will be bringing to the table… and we’ve got one big question when it comes to that.

For its part, 2K Games didn’t get too deep into creation just yet, but did actually name “Superstars, GMs, referees, arenas, entrances, move sets, championships, crowd signs, and more” as all being included in the suite. That’s awesome, as the above is all stuff that fans will have expected to see. However, we don’t see a mention of Community Creations anywhere in the press release.

We’re hoping that was just an oversight when it comes to this first dive into what the game will offer up, so we’ll definitely be staying tuned for a more detailed look at what creations will include, when it comes to WWE 2K25.

Choose your version

Along with the first detailing of the game itself, 2K has also unleashed a complete look at the trio of versions that’ll be hitting. As mentioned above, the game will be offered as standard, Deadman, and Bloodline Edition formats.

While the standard is exactly what you’d think, with The Deadman Edition will be going deep on ‘Taker-specific bonuses. The Bloodline Edition will be doing the same, but with the dominant WWE faction(s) taking the spotlight instead of Undertaker.

All three of those versions will come with a pre-order bonus as well, in the form of the Wyatt Sicks Pack, which’ll include Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan for all platforms. In what we think might be a first too, the pre-order bonuses and special editions of the game include some items that are exclusive to “Gen 9” platforms.

So take a look though, and see which one strikes your fancy.

• The Standard Edition will offer Dual-Gen entitlement, available for $69.99 on both Gen 9 consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S) and Gen 8 consoles (PS4, Xbox One consoles) and PC;
  • Pre-Order Bonus Offers**: Players who pre-order the WWE 2K25 Standard Edition will receive the Wyatt Sicks Pack, a bonus pack of content including five playable Superstars – Uncle Howdy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan – plus for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, Uncle Howdy and Nikki Cross mask cosmetic items for The Island. Players who pre-order the Standard Edition (digital) will also receive the WWE 2K24 Cross-Gen base game (digital);***
• The Deadman Edition will be available for $99.99 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. The Deadman Edition includes the Standard Edition and Wyatt Sicks Pack, plus the Deadman Edition Bonus Pack which includes Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Undertaker**** and Original Undertaker (‘90) Persona Cards and playable Superstars, a useable Urn object, Undertaker ‘95 Mask cosmetic item for The Island on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, and Brother Love Manager, plus a Season Pass to all five post-launch DLC character packs and 15,000 VC. The Deadman Editionwill be available from March 7, 2025 – seven days ahead of Standard Edition. Players who pre-order Deadman Edition will also receive the WWE 2K24 Cross-Gen base game (digital);
• The Bloodline Edition will be available for $129.99 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. In addition to the Standard Edition and all bonus content included in the Deadman Edition, The Bloodline Edition includes the Ringside Pass (Season Pass plus Superstar Mega-Boost), The Rock Nation of Domination Pack, which features a Rock Nation of Domination Persona card and playable Superstar, and will only be available as part of The Bloodline Edition, plus The Bloodline Edition Bonus Pack, which features Mattel Elite Series 114 Jey Uso and Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Roman Reigns Persona cards and playable Superstars. For Xbox Series X|S and PS5® only, this pack includes a Family Above All Hoodie, OTC Shirt, Yeet tank Top and Yeet Sunglasses cosmetic items for The Island, while for Steam only, it includes an additional 32,500 VC. Also included is the WrestleMania 41 Pack which features the WrestleMania 41 Arena, two WrestleMania 41 Main Event Superstars Persona cards and playable Superstars, and a new Superstar Persona Card (TBA), which will all be available Summer 2025.***** The Bloodline Edition will be available from March 7, 2025 – seven days ahead of Standard Edition. Players who pre-order The Bloodline Editionwill also receive the WWE 2K24 Cross-Gen base game (digital);

2K Games press release

*WWE 2K25 and internet access required to play MyFACTION content. Online Account (13+) required to access online features. See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details.

**Pre-order bonus offer available through March 13, 2025. The Wyatt Sicks Pack is included with Deadman and The Bloodline editions. For digital pre-orders, items will be automatically entitled in-game. For physical pre-orders, items will be redeemed in game via code provided in-box. Terms apply.

***Pre-order offer available through March 13, 2025. Digital copy of WWE 2K24 Standard Edition will be automatically entitled to the platform account used to pre-order WWE 2K25 and available to download within 24 hours following pre-order. Offer is non-transferable and not available to platform accounts that already own WWE 2K24 on the same platform. Canceled pre-orders will result in removal of digital copy of WWE 2K24 from platform account. Terms apply.

****Exact release date of the Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Undertaker to be announced post-launch and subject to change.

*****Exact release date of the WrestleMania 41 Pack content to be announced post-launch and subject to change. For digital orders, post-launch WrestleMania 41 Pack content and DLC will be automatically delivered on release for PC users, available for download in the PlayStation store/Library tile for PS4 and PS5 users, and available for download in Microsoft Store for Xbox users. DLC will also be available for purchase separately.