2K and Visual Concepts had a tough challenge for this year’s game.
WWE 2K26 has faced the unenviable challenge of surpassing last year’s game – and it’s another WrestleMania worthy addition.
The long-running wrestling franchise from publisher 2K and developer Visual Concepts has been on a real revival the last few years, but with every entry the task of beating what’s come before gets tougher.
This year, the team has focused more on smaller improvements to make everything real that much smoother and more natural, rather than sweeping new modes or overhauls.
From the very beginning, the changed is evident, with new ways to start one-on-one matches throwing you straight into the action, whether it’s a show of sportsmanship, posing for the crowd, or going into the trading blows or chain wrestling mini games.
The new stamina and reversal system has proven divisive with fans but feels like a great addition to force players to be more strategic about reversing or landing big moves which could leave you unable to defend yourself.
Weapon interactions and ragdoll physics add another layer of immersion this time, totally transforming how the wrestlers interact with objects and the wider environment.
The introduction of thumbtacks this time round forced the team into the new system, and it’s so satisfying slamming an opponent onto the steel steps and seeing their body react the right way.
In terms of new matches, the Dumpster match (essentially a reskinned Casket match) and Three Stage of Hell feel like smaller but welcomed additions, but the other two new bouts are where things really shine.
For Inferno, the visuals are top notch as you wear down your opponent until the metre reaches full, and the flames surrounding the ring burst into life.
As for I Quit, developers did well to introduce a new mini game rather than rehashing the submission mechanic, making this feel like something fresh and exciting as you try to make your opponent give up.
Also new this year is the Scrapyard brawl arena, which features in both The Island and the wider game, and gives you an utterly bonkers new map to fight in.
The Island, the WWE series’ answers to The City, is back this year with a new story featuring three factions battling for control.
The addition of actual voiceovers rather than static graphics and subtitles makes a world of difference here, and it’s clear 2K wants to put a lot into this mode.
Naturally, microtransactions and spending in general are prominent in by The Island and MyFaction, although the fact you don’t technically need to pay to play these modes is welcome.
MyRise is a lot of fun this year, with branching choices and stories depending on whether you want to play on the good or bad side of wrestling.
The men’s and women’s storylines are largely the same, featuring Bron Breakker and Jordynne Grace respectively, each other the guidance of Paul Heyman, who adds a lot to the mode.
One big boost this year is the ability to keep playing after the relatively short plot ends, as you’re either defending the WWE Championship or building yourself back up to challenge for it, which helps earn stars towards more unlockables.
CM Punk is this year’s cover star, and his Showcase mode is a fun journey through his career with some interesting Fantasy Warfare bouts against past legends, and a What If? scenario exploring how Punk’s career would’ve gone if he’d stayed with WWE over a decade ago.
Universe and MyGm have also had some boosts (particularly the former with the Draft, plus new promos and the Watch Show mode), and any fans of either will enjoy getting back in the action.
Finally, it’s time to talk about Ringside Pass, which is perhaps the biggest overall change this year, and replaces the previous DLC model in favour of a battle pass system.
These are always controversial, especially in an annual game, but 2K have done their best to make this value for money.
There’s a free and premium track across 40 tiers, with the latter costing £8.99 per season, which will include four new superstars.
The first season includes the likes of Mr Iguana and Psycho Clown, with later seasons promising the likes of the Hardy Boyz, Danhausen and Royce Keys, which are exciting additions along with various unlockable arenas, moves and more.
Although some will complain about having to grind to unlock content you’ve already played for, you can make your way through the tiers relatively quickly (if you win 6 matches or so, you’ll get to the next tier), and the game is so fun that it doesn’t feel like a chore.
Overall, 2K and VC have done a stellar job of building on last year’s incredible foundation and adding to what was already one of the greatest wrestling games of all time.
Rating (reviewed on Xbox Series S): 4/5
By Philip Hamilton
WWE 2K26 review: Another step forward for WrestleMania worthy game
