- Primary Subject: WWE 2K26 Review
- Key Update: Predatory battle pass and DLC monetization system.
- Status: Published
- Last Verified: 2026-03-23
- Quick Answer: This review criticizes WWE 2K26 for its overly greedy monetization practices, specifically its battle pass system, which locks content behind a frustrating grind or additional payment.
So I’ve finally had some time with WWE 2K26. The one yearly game I have picked up religiously since the Smackdown VS Raw era on the PS2. Each year, I look forward to the updated roster, new entrances and outfits, and hopefully improved gameplay.
Last year, we had The Island mode debuting, and it was a mixed bag, a grindy mode that had some cool moments but wasn’t quite there. I still racked up 200 hours of gameplay in 2K25 and enjoyed every minute of it.
This year, I hoped for a better island, more up-to-date characters and factions, and an all-around better experience. Boy, was I in for disappointment.
So, as always, I love to start up a Universe mode where I can set up the roster the way I see fit and play through a “season” of Raw and SmackDown. Usually, this involves me grabbing my childhood favorites like Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels, slapping the two top titles on them, and then watching the newer stars try to topple their reigns of dominance. I then like to do trades between the rosters and debut new characters via the DLC packs throughout the year.
As a frequent buyer of the top edition of the game (this year we have 4 versions), I instantly see the value in the unlocked legends and the drip-fed DLC packs throughout the year, giving me some “new signings” for my Universe gameplay.
But this year, 2K has thrown a major spanner in the works and messed up the whole damn thing. They have gone and added a season pass more akin to a battle pass on Fortnite, and locked the DLC characters that normally come as packs behind one of the most grindy and frustrating battle passes I have ever seen.
I want to get some of the good out of the way first before we swing back to this awful decision.
WWE 2K26 has some fantastic improvements in store. New ragdoll physics lead to hilarity in matches unseen in years, especially in the backstage brawl modes. Allowing you to add extra Community Creations as an outfit for a character instead of taking up a whole slot is something the community has begged them to add for years. The CM Punk showcase mode is genuinely quite fun, and the added gauntlet to skip the objective-based matches is amazing.
Even the new storyline we get on The Island is really a huge step up from last year's attempt. But the looming shadow of greed sours each and every one of these improvements, and it’s a crying shame.
Locking regular gameplay characters behind My Faction (the card mode) was something I didn’t like when it started, but I ended up accepting it. Then came The Island, and some more characters were locked here (like Robot Cody). And now the regular DLC packs that we have always paid extra for to unlock require an additional grind to gain access. Enough is enough.
There comes a breaking point when companies start not just asking for your extra coin but demanding it to have anything close to an enjoyable experience. The grind you need to go through to access what, up till last year, was given to us in exchange for payment is ridiculous. They have taken what we have already bought and then put it out of reach behind a silly battle pass that has no place in a WWE game.
Now, you might think I am being overly critical, but the sheer audacity of them trying to rinse even more money out of players already paying a premium is disgraceful. And it gets worse, believe it or not! Fans found that adjusting sliders and fighting Eric Bischoff would let you power through the levels fast and let you get your characters quickly.
2K saw this, and THEY PATCHED IT OUT.
Yup, they made a Twitter post about people doing just that saying “We know you’re enjoying making Eric Bischoff tap out, but let’s give poor ‘Eazy E’ a breather", and they changed the requirements to pay out the RXP (the in-game points that let you level the pass for completing matches) so that you have to grind longer. This is just unacceptable. They even had the cheek to say that it was a way to skip the intended gameplay… they are now dictating how we play the game.
This would not be fine remotely by itself, but here’s the kicker - they sell tier skips for their pass.
Yep, they said we shouldn’t beat matches that fast and locked up the RXP because it wasn’t the way they wanted us to (grind) play. But if you do want to skip the grind, you can pay more money to access the content you already paid them for.
To say I am disappointed would be an understatement. Sure, companies have to get their money as development costs are ridiculous in 2026, but with the monetisation already behind The Island and My Faction, surely that brought in a bit of extra for them? Charging for deluxe/ultimate editions and then locking my content behind a grind-or-pay system is beyond predatory.
I will be sticking to Play Now modes and maybe dabble in the showcase, but outside of that, I am sickened by the blatant, greedy tactics from 2K, and those responsible for the decisions should be ashamed.
The WWE 2K26 code was provided to us by 2K, and they generously sent over the Monday Night Wars edition, the priciest version of the game. I was provided with it for coverage, and yet I still feel ripped off.
Avoid this game until a heavy sale arrives - or just stick to playing a previous year and utilise Community Creations for new wrestlers.
I think it is time they went back to the drawing board and really had a good look at what they are doing to what could be one of the best franchises in all of gaming. In a year when we have already had GOTY contenders like Resident Evil Requiem and Pokemon Pokopia, WWE 2K26 and its predatory nature stick out like a sore thumb.
Shame on you 2K. Do better.
