I’ve been reviewing the annual entries in the WWE 2K series for the past five years, and I’ve witnessed the former show-opening franchise make its way back up the card and into the main event spot. Having destroyed its reputation with the heavily maligned mess that was 2K20, developer Visual Concepts has rebuilt trust with its fanbase by refining the simulation gameplay and adding worthwhile content back into the series. Now that the train is officially back on track, we’re faced with a whole new issue in the form of monetisation and stagnation. Last year’s release was something of a warning shot, with the new mode, The Island, giving us a glimpse into the 2K land of expense we could be heading towards. While WWE 2K26 is undoubtedly the best wrestling game to date while you’re on the sticks, it’s also the most transparently greedy.

The backbone of the modern WWE 2K games is the excellent combat system, which remains largely untouched here. Moment-to-moment gameplay is still dictated by the fluid combo and grapple-based systems that allow you to execute moves and sequences without needing a degree in Thuganomics. While this already smooth system hasn’t been overhauled, there are a few new tweaks that make it feel even more crisp.

First and foremost, Visual Concepts has greatly improved the game’s collision detection and physics. Now, when you suplex your opponent into steel stairs or a barricade, they’ll realistically collide with and bounce off the object, largely eliminating those awkward moments of video game goofiness where the models used to clip all over the place. A nice little pinch of ragdoll physics has also been squeezed into proceedings, leading to some downright hilarious moments if you’re up high enough to witness them kick into gear.

Get used to seeing Punker win

Another small but mighty addition comes in the form of pre-match interactions. Before the bell rings, you now have the option to play to the crowd, approach your opponent for a handshake, or launch into a surprise attack. These options don’t have a profound impact on the outcome of the match, but it adds another hint of realism to an already impressive presentation. Entrances also get some extra shine this year, with the player able to manipulate stage and ringside pyro, as well as the crowd’s reaction to the current Superstar, just like WWE’s production team, am I right?

The more tangible new features come in the form of stackable tables and those pesky thumbtacks. Stacking tables and sending your opponent through them is satisfying, especially with the improved physics, but the thumbtacks are the standout. Unlike all other weapons, these sharp little bastards create a permanent damage-inflicting area, which can alter the flow of a match dramatically. They also highlight just how excellently dynamic the wrestler’s models are, as they progressively get sweatier and more bloodied as a match wears on. Visually, the package is sharper, thanks in part to Visual Concepts ditching last-gen consoles, but the last few games have been lookers, so it’s not a gigantic leap.

Four new match types accompany the other tweaks and changes: Three Stages of Hell, Dumpster, Inferno, and I Quit. Three Stages of Hell is essentially just three matches played out back-to-back in a best-of-three series, with almost no bells and whistles tacked on to make it feel impactful. You do have the freedom to choose the stipulations, however, so this will make die-hard Universe players happy.

Stephanie Vaquer’s entrance is a different beast now that Booker T is on commentary

The Dumpster match is a reskin of the Ambulance and Casket match, albeit with a slightly less dignified vessel to pop your rival in. Again, it’s nice to have for those who want to run their own shows. The Inferno match is a gimmick that’s fun on paper, and it’s visually appealing, but I won’t be coming back time and again. Effectively, it’s a normal match, capped off with the Royal Rumble rule of putting your foe over the top rope once the blaze has reached a crescendo.

The I Quit Match is undeniably the best of the bunch. Instead of being another Submission match, this bout has you hitting big moves and making memorable moments to earn a blocker. Then, when you’ve dealt enough damage and have the ref ask the all-important question, you’ll use the blockers to make it harder on your opponent to play the minigame that will allow them to stay in the match. It’s difficult, it’s oddly cinematic, and it’s a heap of fun.

Cover star and World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk, is the focus of this year’s Showcase mode. Much like the last few entries, this mode will have you playing through various matches from throughout the Second City Saint’s career, as well as a few dream matches of his, and some fantasy booking that looks at a timeline where he didn’t pack up and leave the Fed back in 2014. Ditching the live-action scenes remains a great decision, with the Slingshot moments playing out in-game, but timed objectives remain tied to unlockables, and that still rubs me the wrong way.

WellPlayed

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