Players are in luck after 2K announced sweeping changes to the Ringside Pass feature which replaced its previous DLC model.
WWE 2K26 is introducing sweeping changes to its controversial Ringside Pass feature.
The newest game in the wrestling simulation franchise introduced a new battle pass style model which features both free and premium tracks allowing fans to unlock superstars, arenas, moves and more by playing the game.
Ringside Pass replaced the old DLC model, which sparked backlash from players who didn’t like having to grind to unlock new characters which would previously have been available the day a new pass dropped.
Now, 2K has confirmed: “Starting with Season 2, all four DLC characters in future Ringside Pass Premium Seasons will be available in Tier 1, and automatically available to unlock in the Ringside Pass Menu for Premium Pass players when those respective Seasons launch.”
Meanwhile, the require RXP to complete a tier “will be reduced from 800 to 625 RXP for Season 2”, while the required RXP per tier will not be increased for future seasons.
Also, they confirmed “the values of consumable RXP Boosts will also be increased”.
Ringside Pass Season 2 will launch on April 15, featuring legends Ax, Smash and Crush from Demolition, plus Kelly Kelly.
2K revealed that in a tie-in to WrestleMAnia season, fans will be given the “opportunity to catch up” as the second Ringside Pass season also approaches.
They explained: “Starting today (30.03.26), all current and future players will be granted enough RXP for Ringside Pass Season 1 to unlock 20 tiers.
“Please allow 24 hours for this RXP to be added to your Ringside Pass Season 1 progress after logging in.
“All players who have installed, linked a 2K account, and played the game prior to April 14, 2026 at 11:59pm PDT will also receive enough RXP for Ringside Pass Season 2 to unlock 20 tiers when Season 2 launches.”
The team has also dropped Patch 1.07, with gameplay improvements and more.
For the new Stamina Meter, the stamina costs have been adjusted “to increase more gradually over the duration of a match so players are less likely to become Winded early on”, while reversals “now cost less stamina when you are fighting more than one opponent”.
Other updates include “an increased damage threshold to avoid instant DQ as a result of attacking a referee”, and the addition of new moves including Chelsea Green’s Cradle Flatliner, and Blake Monroe’s Glamour Shot finisher.
2K previously made other tweaks to Ringside Pass, including removing a block on custom matches awarding RXP, which meant adjusting rules or even just the types of weapons under the ring would prevent you from earning points.
The RXP earn rates for matches was given a 20 percent boost, going from 25 to 30 for completing a match, or from 85 to 105 for winning.
However, the team did put a stop to a workaround fans spread on social media which saw players picking Eric Bischoff (one of the lowest rated stars in the game) as their opponent, adjusting the sliders and making him submit immediately, allowing them to get through the tiers much quicker than intended.
2K quipped: “If a match is completed faster than 60 seconds, players will receive completion RXP, but not additional win bonuses.
“We know you’re enjoying making Eric Bischoff tap out but let’s give poor ‘Eazy E’ a breather.”
WWE 2K26 gets welcome update making Ringside Pass much fairer on players
