WWE 2K22: DLC Details, Latest Game Trailers and Roster Info

It's comeback season for the WWE 2K series from developer Visual Concepts and publisher 2K Sports, with WWE 2K22 launching March 11.

The release is the first in the series since WWE 2K20, which launched back in October 2019 with a multitude of issues. The series took a hiatus, and like WWE itself over the past year or so, it has undergone some massive changes during that time frame.

One thing that hasn't changed is the rollout of multiple editions and planned DLC packs.

This year's game will feature five DLC packs within its season pass. Each will include additional Superstars for the roster. One of the first we know of will include musician Machine Gun Kelly, which makes sense given his heavy involvement with the game's soundtrack.

According to Michael Straw of Sports Gamers Online, other packs will add NXT 2.0 stars like Bron Breakker to the roster.

The season pass that loops in all five DLC packs is purchasable separately but also included in pre-orders of the nWo 4-Life Edition or Deluxe Editions of the game. Going with one of those premium versions instead of the standard edition will also permit players early access on March 8.

The nWo 4-Life Edition loops in various era-specific Superstars and arenas related to that theme, while the Deluxe Edition includes the Undertaker Immortal Pack and the Starrcade '96 Rey Mysterio pack.

Rey Mysterio himself is on the game's cover. The roster, like WWE's own over the course of 80-plus cuts and releases in recent months, has undergone some major changes.

The game's official website provides the full roster list, though these are some of the most notable who boast the highest overall ratings:

• AJ Styles: 91
• Becky Lynch: 92
• Braun Strowman: 90
• Brock Lesnar: 94
• Demon Finn Balor: 90
• Hollywood Hogan (nWo 4-Life Edition): 92
• John Cena: 92

Would-be players will note that somebody like Strowman, no longer with the company, apparently still makes the cut on the roster for now.

The WWE 2K YouTube account has also spent some time unveiling parts of the roster:

No matter what the roster ends up looking like or how it morphs post-release, 2K22 has its sight set on a major rebound given the extra time off and the power of next-generation consoles now backing the experience.

One gameplay deep dive from the developer showed off a ton of new info for what the game calls a reworked gameplay system:

Notable in there is the removal of archaic-feeling controls and the implementation of a system based on combos that will remind some players of actual fighting games, be it 2D fighters or otherwise.

Not only that, but the combat will also feature blocking, dodging and breakers. The latter will create a stalemate if opponents press the same strike button instead of arbitrarily (if not unfairly) deciding who gets the win. All of these new elements, as seen in the video, make gameplay more diverse and natural—and it's pretty great for viewers, not just players.

Another deep dive zooms on the big-ticket item that is the return of MyGM, something players have been begging to get back since its last appearance in a 2K wrestling game back in 2007.

While it takes a big-time investment to see whether this feature will match the fond memories players have of the mode, the ability to manage rosters and entire shows while getting feedback in the form of audience reaction—in the arena and via television ratings—would seem to offer a can't-miss gameplay loop.

Plotted with plenty of post-release support until the next edition, WWE 2K22, on paper, looks to have what it takes to match the hype.