WWE 2K23 is Coming! Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s almost that time of year to once again layeth the smacketh downeth, as WWE 2K23 is set for release on 17 March 2023. But, before you slap your spandex on and oil yourself up, we’ve got everything you need to know about 2K Sports’ latest entry so that you know what awaits you on the other side of the ring.

My time is now!

It’s been over 20 years since John Cena made his debut in the WWE, so it’s only fitting for this year’s game to give him a little love. However, instead of playing as John Cena, you’ll be taking control of all his greatest rivals throughout the years as they do their best to stop him on his rise to the top. Essentially making John Cena the boss is a great spin on the usual story-career mode and we can’t wait to check it out.

Who’s who in the zoo

Of course, WWE 2K23 features one of the widest and most diverse roster line-ups in history with over 170 wrestlers. From emerging NXT talent, to Legends, and Superstars of Raw and SmackDown, WWE 2K23 boasts a deep playable roster from the leader in sports entertainment. Alongside Cena, Bobby Lashley, Brock Lenser, Roman Reigns, Rey Mysterio, and Ronda Rousey, there are a bunch of newcomers on the scene, as well as the icons of the WWE, including the likes of Hulk Hogan, Stone Cold, Chyna, Kurt Angle, The Undertaker, Trish Stratus and Ultimate Warrior.

All fun and wargames

A brand-new mode to the WWE 2K franchise, Wargames -is set to become an action-packed fan-favourite that delivers heart-pounding 3v3 and 4v4 matches inside to side-by-side adjacent rings, surrounded by a double-steel cage. Throw in some multiplayer madness to the chaos, and you’ve got yourself a good time.

Universe in your hands

If you’ve wanted to craft your own WWE landscape and world, the Universe Mode will be your go-to. In this sandbox mode, you’re put in charge of the WWE from a top-down level, allowing you to take control of the Superstar rosters, feuds, champions, weekly shows, and Premium Live Events, and watch it all play out in glorious sweaty goodness.

Second-wind

WWE 2K23 also offers a new optional kick-out mechanic, which allows you to have a randomised and unpredictable timed-window to kick-out of a pin. This is done by a bar popping up for the pinned player during the 3-count, giving you a brief but do-able window to flick the right stick up and kick-out and keep the match alive. This window will get smaller as your player’s fatigue is increased, and is a far more realistic and fun way to capture the unpredictability and drama of the sport; as opposed to the button-mashing mini-game of past releases.

Which features are you most looking forward to trying? WWE 2K23 launches on 17 March 2023 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. You can pre-order your copy here.