With Wrestlemania around 2 weeks away, I thought it was time that I brought the WWE 2K26 review out of the shadows. Just like Danhausen appearing on screen, the review has tormented me. It’s been both an absolute joy playing the game, but with the sheer amount of modes, it’s also been a difficult one. I always try to play through each mode to give a great indication of just what has changed, and I set out with the same plan.
You. Are. Cursed
As is standard for a lot of these reviews of the latest game in a series. I’ll just concentrate on what’s new for this year, and touch on some of the other bits and pieces that are worth a mention. So let’s see if CM Punk can be both the champ, and deliver a great story.
Gameplay
WWE 2K26 returns just in time for the run to Wrestlemania, and with it comes the largest roster of Superstars and Legends. With a staggering 400+ just to start with the game is ripe for some of those dream matchups. Add to that, the 200 Create A Superstar slots, meaning you can download some of the amazing community creations to expand your universe even more.
Talking about the create a superstar options. WWE 2K26 features an improved layer system, featuring 60 layers for your attire, and 40 for your head and body. Alongside that there are over 40 body templates so you can get a perfect starting point. Whether you are trying to re-create a high flying dynamo such as X-Pac, or a big beast such as Kane. You can also create two toned hair, which will allow you to create even more impressive hair stairs and facial hair. Just perfect for your superstar.
The Island returns with a new storyline. Find out the secrets of the island, all within one of three orders. Anarchy, led by CM Punk. Shadows, led by Rhea Ripley. Or Tradition, led by Cody Rhodes. Each have their own way to get to the bottom, sharing their own specific viewpoint. Have fun exploring the island and see what it has to offer. You can also enter The Scrapyard, these are fights that allows you to take to the vertical levels. Fighting through scaffold, over elevated platforms as well as knocking your opponents off.
Showcase Returns
WWE 2K26 brings CM Punk into the Showcase limelight, but with a slight difference. As described by Punk himself in the starting video, there are “What if” possibilities. Like, What If CM Punk wont instead of JBL. Recreating history, but with the Best In The World at the focus. Alongside are the Fantasy Warfare matchups, that allow us to see just what might happen if Punk went up against some of the legends. Imagine Punk Vs Stone Cold! Bliss.
Alongside the new Showcase mode, there have been some updates to plenty of other modes. In particular the WWE Universe mode. With one of the biggest features is the WWE Draft. Allowing you to trade superstars, and even bring superstars in from NXT. It really allows you to create your own Universe.
The usual modes, of MyFaction returns, with new added Team Chemistry. Matching up your fighters with a manager will give you a positive effect on their performance in the ring. Whereas the negative traits are clear for all to see. You can also have intergender lineups in WWE 2K26, meaning your team can be made up of male AND female superstars.
Ringtime
As well as all the added extras to the game modes, there is also a bunch of new stuff in the general gameplay of WWE 2K26. With I Quit matches, Dumpers Matches and Inferno Matches making an appearance. With an improved collision system, giving weight and heft to your attacks. Colliding and bumping with items around the ring and inside. New weapons also make an appearance. Just check out under the ring and you’ll see some of the options available to you. Thumbtacks, thats all i’m going to say.
The presentation has also been improved. Aiming to give a more realistic experience. Especially for immersion, this works great. With the visuals having an improvement, with the pyro moments that you can control, so you can really ramp up a superstars entrance. Oh, and did I mention that you can stack tables now? Yep, that’s a thing!
Graphics & Audio
Graphically, WWE 2K26 is incredible. I really enjoy the aesthetic of the game. How the superstars look, how they interact with the environments and even the environments themselves. All set up for a great experience within the game. Yes, there are a few bugs and glitches, and graphics anomalies. It thankfully didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the game. In places, they were just comical.
Soundwise, the game is brilliant. All the introductions you recognise are in there. all the sounds from the big hits are there to enjoy, and the commentary has been updated for this year. Booker T has some great lines!
Longevity
As with previous years, WWE 2K26 offers so much content you will be able to spend your entire year playing this. However, I found the best way to play the game was in short stints. It lengthens the enjoyment as well as keeps everything fresh. Unfortunately, if you get stuck into the MyFaction mode, you are probably not going to play another game this year. Sorry.
Final Thoughts
So with a lot of updates this year to the Franchise, do they refresh it enough for you to buy the newest version? I think so, especially if you are a wrestling fan. The QoL updates bring a nice added extra to the game and gives us a nice indication of how the future is with WWE 2K. Personally, I can’t wait for the next version of the game. Maybe we’ll get 500 superstairs in the opening roster? who knows?
WWE 2K26 receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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