WWE 2K25: Release Date, Roster Analysis and Gameplay Preview

Gamers who purchase the Deadman or Bloodline Editions of WWE 2K25 will get their first taste of what this year's release has to offer on March 7 as part of the early release while those purchasing the standard edition will be able to play one week later.

What roster awaits them and what changes can they expect from the gameplay in this year's game?

Let's take a look.

Roster Analysis

It has become somewhat of a tradition for developers to greet fans with the deepest, most impressive roster in WWE gaming history each year and 2025 is no different.

Brimming with top stars from today, the Ruthless Aggression, Attitude, and Golden eras of WWE, gamers have the opportunity to play with nearly every top star from the last four decades of professional wrestling's most prominent promotion.

Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns top the roster of current men's stars, tied at a 96 rating, while Rhea Ripley slots in as the highest-ranked women's Superstar ever at the same number.

Bianca Belair, winner of the Elimination Chamber match and the No. 1 contender to the Women's World Championship, ranks just a notch below The Eradicator at 95.

Reigns' 2022 incarnation is tied with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin for highest-rated legend at 97.

NXT is represented in the form of one of that brand's deepest rosters to date, including fresh new faces (Je'Von Evans, Oba Femi, Kelani Jordan) and returning veterans (Roxanne Perez, Cora Jade, Shawn Spears).

The most notable omissions are newly signed talent, such as Penta, Giulia, and Stephanie Vaquer. As fans learned Wednesday, those Superstars will be part of the game's downloadable content, released in special packs monthly.

Overall, it is one of the most impressive rosters in WWE gaming history, with nearly every notable star one could want to play with and a quality mix of modern and classic Superstars to whet the appetites of fans of all ages and eras.

Gameplay Updates

Fans of chain wrestling rejoice!

Chain wrestling returns to the WWE 2K franchise this year, allowing players to out-wrestle their opponents. Per the game's official site:

"For the uninitiated, Chain Wrestling is a test of technical skill that often occurs at the start of 1v1 matches, with competitors trading holds back-and-forth to inflict damage and prove who is the most proficient wrestler. In WWE 2K25, wrestlers start the match with a Chain Wrestling buff which will trigger this mechanic from a Grapple."

The site also notes that it will not occur in non-standard match types or the new "Giant" archetype.

Also returning to the game is intergender wrestling, giving fans the opportunity to prove that Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Trish Stratus, Lita, or DLC addition Victoria can outlast any of their counterparts from the men's roster.

Barricade interactions, submission mini games, and ladder match updates are also to be expected from this year's monster release.