Visual Concepts has made sure WWE 2K26 caters to every kind of fan. It was evident last year, but this year feels complete. Not just giving different wrestling fans a unique experience, but also players who want prefer different ways to play. The gameplay is excellent, but you don’t even need to actually wrestle to enjoy. After two hours without even stepping foot in a ring, I’d delved into the strategy side of WWE 2K26 first. There’s so much here that the whole value for money vs cost argument is irrelevant after hours and hours spent simply scratching the surface.
Whatever you want from WWE 2K26, it has everything a fan could possibly want. If it’s the gameplay in the ring you love, Visual Concepts has refined and improved the flow of matches. If it’s controlling WWE superstars like HHH from Gorilla, you don’t even need to step foot in the ring to have fun. With so many modes all full of options and improvements, the potential to sink days into this year’s entry hits you like an RKO. I’ve been a wrestling fan for over 30 years, and while the product has had its ebbs and flows, this year I’m spoiled for choice in how I enjoy the sport.
Let’s dive into the gameplay. The focus on building matches theatrically is noticeable from the start. Taking control of entrances to add pyro and Superstar-specific taunts and animations looks awesome. At the start of matches, choosing how to act before and after the bell is new. You can stare down opponents; shake hands for sportsmanship; launch into a barrage of strikes; or land a cheap shot. Each time you can harness your character and go full heel if you want. As for the wrestling, it feels the most organic its felt since the series began all those years ago.
Reversals are now tied into stamina. If you’re tired, reversals might not come off and you risk doing more damage to your Superstar. Energy is everything, and as matches go on the risk and reward becomes more of a factor. Simply hitting a finisher too early will likely lead to a reversal. Making sure you wear down your opponent in the right way is more effective. For those who like it dirty, thumb tacks can be spread across the mat; tables can be double-stacked on the outside; and weapons physics feel more responsive and realistic regardless of what you use.
Matches flow organically. Other simple additions like rushing your opponent into the corner by holding left trigger to push them while running is awesome. Movement is exceptional. When it comes to hitting moves wherever you are, WWE 2K26 gets it right almost always. There’s the odd animation that might look off, specifically when in a tight spot or crowded area. 8-person matches are incredibly chaotic, but even when you’re against multiple superstars, it still gives you a good level of control over your actions.
To those who appreciate variety, new match types have been added. I quit was a staple of the Attitude era. While you’re not shoving a mic in your opponent’s face, a circular gauge appears where you need to stop in certain green areas to not give up. The dumpster match feels similar to the casket match, but it’s still cool. The inferno match sees you beat your opponent until the fires grow higher on the apron until you can set them on fire. My favourite is the three stages of hell match. Choosing three stipulations and surviving each for the victory highlights the tweaks to how controlling stamina makes such a difference.
2K Showcase is often the staple of each entry. Last year it was The Bloodline. This year, it is all about the best in the world. CM Punk talks through some of his defining moments and you get to relive some of his biggest matches. I won’t spoil them here, but there’re some great choices. Not only do you get to play through these classics, there are also matches he never had, yet might of done if he had never stepped away after that infamous pipe bomb. The option to unlock all rewards by bypassing the showcase in favour of a 20-man gauntlet is available, but it’s tough as hell.
MyGM has added five, six, and eight-person matches, along with more weeks per season. This is my favourite mode, and I rarely take part in matches but watch them unfold through simulation. I love how other GMs can try to screw you over. I adore the chance to do the same. Trading superstars, building incredible match cards, and watching over every element of my brand’s success is so exciting. Trying to keep your roster happy through various requests, building your fanbase, and making money are constant goals, but I always had fun doing it.
The storylines in MyRISE focus on a fall from grace and the choices you make on your way back to the top. I didn’t enjoy it as much as last year, but there are still some cool moments. I chose the path of redemption on my way back to the championship, and by doing so I felt more freedom in how I presented myself against various talent from across the world. The writing feels a little silly and sometimes the performances are wooden, but there’s still plenty to love. It’s also a great mode to earn XP towards the new Ringside Pass.
Universe is another mode where I spent most of my time. You are given the keys to the castle by having control over every single element of your own personal WWE universe. Perhaps my favourite part of the mode comes from the newly included WWE Draft. It’s always an exciting thing to watch, but when you get to see it happen on both RAW and Smackdown is cool. The option to choose where you start your universe is also great, and having all of those new match types and additional promos make it feel even bigger than last year.
The Island was a big new feature last year. This year, the storyline carries on after a power vacuum forms because of the fall of the Tribal Chief. Now, three orders have emerged and you get to choose which one you’re a part of. There’s more of a focus on team-based matches this year, with a newly designed island that I can’t wait to see more of as the months roll on and more people are playing upon release. It’s good to know a lot of attention has been put into improving The Island as opposed to it being a novelty that will eventually fade out. It is no doubt here to stay.
MyFaction has received intergender matches, much like MyGM. This is where I spent a lot of my time last year. You can now swap out cards during matches which adds a new layer of strategy to the mode. Building chemistry amongst your team and building the perfect line-ups is going to be something I pay close attention the more I play throughout the year. WWE 2K26 has made small but important changes to every mode. It caters to every kind of player and the work put in pays off wherever you choose to spend your time.
While WWE 2K26 boasts a huge roster, some of these stars are locked inside the new Ringside Pass. Traditional DLC is no more. Instead, grinding across the modes unlocks XP to earn rewards in both the free and premium pass lines. The first season will unlock stars from AAA. However, there are also other Superstars from WWE’s history that are also included like Andre the Giant. Competing challenges across different modes and winning are the best ways to earn RXP. Levelling up feels more of a grind than in games like Fortnite, but if you’re playing daily, it shouldn’t take forever.
WWE 2K26 is the total package. Whether you prefer playing online on The Island or want those single-player experiences, Visual Concepts has you covered. The gameplay is superb. The visuals are more improved than last year, with character animations and matches looking so good. The addition of new commentators like Booker T, new weapons and match types, and more intergender options proves the developers have their fingers firmly on the pulse of modern day WWE. There’s a lot to enjoy this year, and there’s something for every type of player.
