WWE 2K25 looks like another quality entry in this series, albeit, with the usual copy-paste elements that fans are used to from the franchise. Aside from returning features like intergender matches and chain wrestling, 2K is trying to hype up The Island as the mode where players will be spending most of their time. However, The Island will only be available on PS5 and Xbox Series systems, leaving PS4, Xbox One, and PC owners in the dust.
It is a shame that this feature won’t be for all systems, which could be a sign that this is the final entry for last-gen systems, but I certainly don’t mind. As someone who plays the WWE games on their Steam Deck, not having The Island is fine so we can focus on the grappling.
Everything we’ve seen from The Island looks like a decent way to earn more cosmetics for your create-a-wrestler (CAW). Considering how some fans buy these games just to make their custom characters, this mode might be for them. Being able to unlock unique attires is a decent reward, though we hope they aren’t locked behind paywalls.
However, as someone who only uses Community Creations to download AEW wrestlers, I’m fine missing out on WWE 2K25’s The Island. Based on the previews we’ve seen so far, it looks like these last-gen versions will still have chain wrestling, intergender matches, and that Bloodline Showcase. MyRise also looks more interesting, since there are plenty of legends that can be unlocked through playing the game’s various storylines.
Focusing on the game’s grappling has always been my MO with these WWE games. I was always one of those gamers who would play various exhibition matches for no real reason. Sometimes I make storylines in my head, and other times Austin Theory deserves a GTS from CM Punk.
Admittedly, we don’t know if WWE 2K25 is going to run well on the Steam Deck, as 2K Games are pretty bad at optimizing their titles for handheld play. However, it’s worth noting that 2K24 runs pretty decently on the Steam Deck, as did 2K23 and 2K22, so we hope there are no issues there. In fact, the complete removal of The Island should ensure that it runs well on Valve’s handheld.
Regardless of what happens, it looks like 2K Games have outdone themselves and made another quality wrestling sim in WWE 2K25. The DLC roster is interesting, managing to get a TNA legend and semi-active AEW wrestler in there, though the presence of celebrities is still disappointing. We all know KSI is going to be one of them and that’s the definition of a wasted spot.