WWE 2K26 is coming in March, and after revealing the covers for its particular Perspective Period and King of Kings editions, we lastly know who the first cowl famous person is. That may be The Finest within the World and present World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, who graces the quilt of a WWE recreation for the primary time since 2012.
In a digital preview occasion with developer Visible Ideas, we realized all about what the subsequent WWE 2K recreation has in retailer. Along with being the primary WWE 2K recreation this era to go away PlayStation 4 and Xbox One behind, it additionally boasts extremely requested new match sorts and weapons, reworked gameplay mechanics, its largest famous person roster but, and far more.
The Roster
WWE 2K26 boasts over 400 superstars, each present and legends, at launch, the largest day one roster to this point. Whereas we solely know of a small handful of names at present, the roster features a host of latest expertise. Listed here are the confirmed superstars to this point:
- Andre the Large
- Bret Hart
- Blake Monroe
- Bron Breakker
- Charlotte Aptitude
- CM Punk
- Cody Rhodes
- Drew McIntyre
- Eddie Guerrero
- Iyo Sky
- Izzi Dame
- John Cena
- Kane
- Liv Morgan
- Logan Paul
- Myles Borne
- Naomi
- Penta
- Randy Orton
- Randy Savage
- Rey Fénix
- Rhea Ripley
- Roddy Piper
- Roman Reigns
- Rusev
- Seth Rollins
- Stephanie Vaquer
- The Undertaker
Moreover, former TNA World Champion and up to date WWE signee Joe Hendry shall be included as a pre-order bonus.
When requested if Lucha Libre AAA, which WWE acquired in 2025, would have any illustration in WWE 2K26, Visible Ideas coyley replied, “Perhaps. Keep tuned.” It’s value noting that the sport’s web site contains a teaser of a desk laden with WWE easter eggs and one suspiciously outstanding photograph of an iguana, probably a nod to AAA star Mr. Iguana.
New Match Varieties And Gameplay Updates
WWE 2K26 will introduce 4 new match sorts: Inferno, I Give up, Three Levels of Hell, and Dumpster. Like 2K25, each match could be contested underneath intergender guidelines, so female and male wrestlers can compete towards one another. The commentary groups now embody Wade Barrett and Booker T as nicely.
Earlier than the match begins, you may boost and have extra company throughout introductions due to extra interactive entrances. As superstars make their method to the ring, now you can toggle one among three pre-set particular animations and interactions based mostly on famous person face/heel alignment (corresponding to providing/rejecting pre-match handshakes). You may equally set off pyro on the stage or within the ring. Gamers also can now select to start out matches in numerous methods, corresponding to hyping the group earlier than initiating contact or speeding an opponent earlier than the bell rings.
As for gameplay updates, thumbtacks and purchasing carts can now be used as weapons. Tables will also be stacked on prime of one another in one other much-requested addition. Visible Ideas touts improved reactability to falling/getting slammed on weapons, the place superstars behave extra realistically and take extra harm from weapon offense.
Additionally they tout smaller touches, corresponding to how thumbtacks will visually stick with the our bodies of characters to show harm. 2K26 additionally options improved and expanded crowd and barricade fight options. Different presentational touches embody the addition of championship belt podiums at ringside throughout title matches.
The reversal and stamina methods have been revamped, and physics interactions have been upgraded. Visible Ideas in contrast 2K26’s physics as being akin to Smackdown vs. Uncooked 2011, for reference.
Ringside Move
Visible Ideas is ditching its normal DLC pack mannequin to introduce its model of a standard battle go. Known as the Ringside Move, it consists of 60 free tiers and 40 premium (paid) tiers the place gamers can earn XP to unlock new content material just by taking part in the sport.
The staff describes this as an “added worth improve to DLC” in that gamers can pay the identical amount of cash they usually would for the outdated DLC packs, however the Ringside Move rewards extra content material. Gamers earn XP throughout all recreation modes, and gamers who attain tier 40 of the Ringside Move Premium Season can unlock Superstars, cosmetics, customization gadgets, VC, and extra.
Visible Ideas additionally confirms that unlockable DLC superstars can be found within the first part of the Ringside Move, so it seemingly gained’t take as lengthy to achieve new faces. The studio factors out that Superstars and Legends that was once a part of the Supercharger, which is now not a factor in 2K26, will as an alternative be obtainable within the Season 1 Ringside Move’ free tier.
Six Seasons of Ringside Move shall be launched all year long, with the Season 1 go launching alongside the sport.
Showcase Mode
2K26’s Showcase Mode will middle on the profession of canopy star CM Punk. Narrated by the champ himself, this interactive documentary lets gamers relive Punk’s largest matches and moments in addition to interact in “What If?” type fantasy matches. For instance, Visible Ideas says Showcase will discover the feuds and matches that might have occurred if Punk hadn’t left WWE for practically a decade in 2014.
The Island
The Island, the explorable quest-filled hub that debuted in 2K25, makes its return in improved kind. This mode is on the market on all platforms this 12 months (together with PC, the place it was absent final 12 months). The mode’s story builds upon final 12 months’s iteration, with a participant selecting one among three factions battling to fill the ability vacuum left after Roman Reigns’ fall because the tribal chief.
The Island’s development system has been reworked, and it contains a new atmosphere: Scrapyard Brawl. It additionally options extra immersive quests with cutscenes and dialogue screens. The Island boasts new Towers, outlets, and branded gear for gamers to buy utilizing in-game and paid forex.
My Rise
The story-driven marketing campaign is again with two new division-based storylines, and Visible Ideas says the babyface/heels selections have a bigger affect this time. My Rise can be extra replayable, as gamers can proceed participating with the mode after wrapping up the principle story to earn further unlockables and achievements.
My GM
The favored common supervisor simulation mode options extra match sorts, extra potential matches, and extra outcomes. Gamers can e-book intergender matches in addition to bouts pitting 5, 6, and eight superstars towards one another. My GM now has extra exhibits per season, the choice to play a 50-week season, extra cross-brand PLEs, and new administration challenges to check would-be showrunners.
My Faction
WWE 2K’s collectible card recreation has new intergender lineups and the flexibility to “Fast Swap” playing cards throughout battles for extra instantaneous and strategic play. New My Faction chemistry permits gamers to spice up card efficiency and run-in assist. In fact, now you can gather new card designs and revel in a daily launch of latest themed card packs and seasonal content material all year long.
Universe & Creation Suite
The simulation-based Universe Mode options the WWE Draft as the massive new addition. Cash within the Financial institution cash-ins have been improved, and extra promo sorts have been added. Moreover, Universe Mode has a brand new Watch Present Mode.
The Creation Suite fulfills a long-time fan request by doubling the variety of customized famous person slots from 100 to 200. The identical goes for Create An Picture slots, which have been elevated from 1,000 to 2,000. Physique and face-morphing sports activities deeper instruments, and two-tone hair shade mixing have been carried out.
As for cross-platform creation sharing, Visible Ideas remains to be wanting into whether or not this may be made potential, however doesn’t make any guarantees.
The Editions
WWE 2K26 launches on March 13 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Collection X/S, Change 2, and PC. Those that pre-order or buy the dearer editions can play early, beginning on March 6.
For the primary time, WWE 2K26 is available in 4 completely different editions as an alternative of its normal three. This is what every model has to supply:
Normal Version – $69.99
King of Kings Version – $99.99
- Joe Hendry Pack
- Ringside Move Premium Season 1 + 32,500 VC
- King of Kings Pack (Triple H ’98, Stephanie McMahon ’00, Triple H signature taunt for The Island)
Perspective Period Version – $129.99
- King of Kings Version content material
- Ringside Move Premium Season 1-4
- Perspective Period Version Pack (The Rock ’99, Kane ’98, Chyna ’97, Stone Chilly Steve Austin “Rattlesnake” and The Rock “Folks’s Champ” MyFaction EVO playing cards, Uncooked is Battle ’98 area, Undertaker “Thumb Throughout the Neck” and Shawn Michaels “DX Crotch Crop” emotes for The Island)
- Celebrity Mega-Enhance (200 MySuperstar attribute factors for MyRise)
- 100,000 VC
Monday Evening Battle Version – $149.99
- Perspective Period Version Content material
- Ringside Move Premium Seasons 1-6
- Monday Evening Battle Version Pack (Shawn Michaels DX, Macho Man Randy Savage ’98, WCW Thunder ’98 area, Diamond Dallas Web page “Bang” emote for The Island.
- Entitlement for the WrestleMania 42 Pack, which incorporates the WrestleMania 42 area and three WrestleMania 42 Celebrity Persona Playing cards
