- Primary Subject: WWE 2K26 (Standard & Special Editions)
- Key Update: 2K is replacing traditional DLC packs with a seasonal, Fortnite-style "Ringside Pass" system featuring 100 tiers of rewards per season.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: February 2, 2026
- Quick Answer: WWE 2K26 introduces the Ringside Pass, a seasonal battle pass with 60 free and 40 premium tiers, replacing traditional DLC packs with gameplay-driven roster unlocks.
WWE 2K26 is officially shaking up the squared circle rewards system as it mimics one of the most successful free-to-play business models for the last decade, Fortnite. Moving away from traditional DLC packs, 2K has introduced the Ringside Pass System.
This new seasonal model changes how players unlock Superstars, gear, and legends, integrating progression directly into gameplay – adding purpose to every headlock, submission, and signature move.
Promising over 400 playable characters at launch, this year’s roster boasts the largest accumulation of talent in the history of the franchise, combining current top-hitters, NXT prospects, and Hall of Fame icons.
Whether you're a nostalgic booker or a create-a-wrestler enthusiast, here is everything you need to know about Ringside Passes to unlock the most complete roster available in the upcoming WWE 2K26:
What is the Ringside Pass?
The Ringside Pass is a seasonal reward system in WWE 2K26 featuring 100 tiers of content. By earning XP across almost all game modes (excluding online lobbies), players progress through two distinct tracks, Free Tier and Premium Tier.
This is 2K Games’ answer to a Battle Pass in Fortnite, progression-based gameplay behind a paywall to incentivize replayability and gameify player challenges.
How Do Ringside Passes Work in WWE 2K26?
Instead of simply downloading a pack and seeing it appear in your roster with previous years’ DLCs, you now earn content by playing the game and completing challenges through gameplay.
You can earn Ringside Experience Points (RXP) by competing in almost any mode, including MyRISE, MyGM, Universe, and Exhibition. The Tier Structure features a reward track with 100 total items each season.
60 items will be available to all players, while the remaining 40 items will require a paid pass to unlock high-value rewards like exclusive playable Superstars in a Premium Tier. Unlike other Battle Passes, however, these Ringside Passes do not expire.
You can have one pass active at a time and switch between them to finish old seasons at your own pace, as long as the WWE 2K26 servers are still up and running to track your progress.
How Much Do Ringside Passes Cost in WWE 2K26?
The cost of the Ringside Pass depends on how you choose to buy into the game. You can purchase seasons individually or get them bundled with special editions.
- $9.99 per Season Ringside Premium Pass
- $69.99 for the WWE 2K26 Standard Edition (includes only the Free Track for all seasons)
- $99.99 for the WWE 2K26 King of Kings Edition (includes Premium Pass for Season 1)
- $129.99 for the WWE 2K26 Attitude Era Edition (includes Premium Pass for Seasons 1–4)
- $149.99 for the WWE 2K26 Monday Night War Edition (includes Ringside Passes for all 6 Seasons)
With 6 seasons planned for the year and expected to be hitting WWE 2K26 players through scheduled updates, purchasing all six Premium passes individually would total approximately $59.94 – almost as expensive as a base copy of the game.
The first booking decision for wrestling enthusiasts will be how to unlock these Backstage Passes: either go all-in with upfront pre-order and exclusive-edition goodies, or play the long game and wait for more info to be revealed before making the call mid-match.
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