After the tumultuous release of WWEK 2K20, the world’s biggest wrestling company returns with WWE 2K22. A two-year hiatus has hopefully solved many of the problems that plagued the previous entry in the series. Here’s what we know including its release date and the return of GM Mode.

WWE 2K20’s release quickly turned into a nightmare for 2K. Numerous bugs, glitches, and issues spawned a myriad of YouTube compilations showcasing the game’s flaws. As a result, the backlash caused WWE 2K21 to be canceled, and 2K went back to the drawing board.

Now, two years on, and WWE 2K22 looks to make amends with a fresh release and the return of a beloved game mode.

From its concrete release date to a full look at the roster, here’s everything we know about WWE 2K22.

Contents

WWE 2K22 release date

An early access period begins on March 8 for those picking up the more expensive editions, but the game launches worldwide for everyone on March 11, 2022.

This deviates from the traditional October release period of older titles, in light of 2K21’s cancellation and subsequent delays.

A fresh release date could work wonders, however, as WWE fans will be able to get their hands on the new title ahead of this year’s Wrestlemania in April.

WWE 2K22 platforms

WWE 2K22 is expected to be a major release across the most familiar platforms including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.

It’s unclear how the last-gen and current-gen versions will compare. However, if recent examples of other franchises are anything to go by, then it’s safe to assume we’ll see a difference in visual fidelity, load times, and possibly included features too.

WWE 2K22 GM Mode & gameplay

2K released a trailer on November 19, 2021, detailing the biggest features in WWE 2K22, one of which is the standout return of GM Mode. A feature last seen in Smackdown vs Raw in 2008, the much-requested mode has finally…come home to the WWE franchise.

The renamed “MyGM Mode” allows the internet’s greatest fantasy wrestling bookers to build their own roster and create legendary storylines and feuds. Whilst balancing a budget, players need to make the most of their talent, create enticing rivalries and matches, and make their brand as dominant as possible.

A full deep-dive has been done into the mode, explaining what players can look forward to, including information and details explained by WWE’s Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon.

• Players can pick one of five different GMs — including Stephanie McMahon, Adam Pearce, Sonya Deville, Shane McMahon, or create their own
• The battle will take place across a 50-week period
• You can compete against the AI, or even battle a friend in local co-op
• There are many customization options for your GM
• Players must balance a budget to spend on wrestlers
• Free agents can be added if they are released or their contract expires
• Each show you put together is rated based on numerous factors including Star Power, Match Quality, Show Quality, and Rivalries
• Power Cards and Commissioner Goals provide gameplay boosts and guidance from management, like HHH, to put on higher quality shows
• Simulate, Play, or Spectate your matches, run the show in real time, contribute to production like camera angles, to create a compelling product
• Create the best brand possible so that you can put on the best Wrestlemania show

In addition to this, 2K have also advertised a ton of other general gameplay aspects:

• Redesigned Gameplay Engine
• New controls
• Stunning Graphics
• Immersive Presentation
• New 2K Showcase
• MyFaction
• MyRise
• Universe Mode
• Creation Suite

We were treated to the game’s first real deep-dive into the gameplay on February 2, 2022, where we got to see the game in action. WWE 2K22 Art Producer Christina Diem Pham claimed that the newest WWE game is “the best looking game yet.”

The game’s lighting and VFGX have been completely overhauled and the game boasts over 55 playable arenas — even the WWE Superdome concept that was introduced in 2021.

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In terms of wrestling action itself, animations have also been completely redesigned to all look smoother to make the gameplay flow more naturally. There are a multitude of grapple attacks that will be determined by a wrestler’s height, weight, amongst things, and light and heavy attacks will factor in risk and reward elements.

A new addition to the gameplay is new ‘Breaker’ moves where a player can press the corresponding prompt to counter and even reverse a move. Combatants can also dodge and block to help deal with a flurry of attacks from nimble wrestlers like Rey Mysterio for example.

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WWE 2K22 Cover Art

This year’s cover star is none other than Lucha libre expert Rey Mysterio and both the standard edition and the deluxe edition have unique covers featuring the high-flying legend.

The NWO 4-Life Edition has a unique cover, too.

WWE 2K22 Showcase Mode

With Rey Mysterio as cover star, he’ll also be the centerpiece of Showcase mode.

This time around, players can step into the ring as Rey Mysterio, taking part in his legendary clashes with ‘HBK’ Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and the memorable encounter at Wrestlemania 21 against the late great Eddie Guerrero.

WWE 2K22 Soundtrack

Along with the roars of the crowd and critical commentary, the game’s out-of-ring time needs some tunes to keep the vibe of the game alive and well. Thanks to Machine Gun Kelly, WWE 2K22 has a hand-picked soundtrack to make the game feel even more alive and kicking.

Here’s every officially licensed song you can expect to hear in WWE 2K22:

• Asking Alexandria – Final Episode (Let’s Change The Channel)
• Bad Bunny – Booker T
• Bring Me The Horizon – Typhoons
• KennyHoopla & Travis Barker – hollywood sucks//
• Machine Gun Kelly – concerts for aliens
• Machine Gun Kelly – body bag (feat. Bert McCracken)
• Motorhead – Iron Fist
• Poppy – Say Cheese
• Wu-Tang Clan – Protect Ya Neck
• The Weekend – Heartless
• Turnstile – I Don’t Wanna Be Blind
• Typhoons – Royal Blood

🎧 CRANK IT UP! The #WWE2K22 soundtrack, curated by Executive Soundtrack Producer @machinegunkelly Hits Different.

Give it a listen now on @AppleMusic: https://t.co/Ie9M7vzeGM pic.twitter.com/t5GJdzYvKh

— #WWE2K22 (@WWEgames) February 23, 2022

WWE 2K22 trailers

So far, 2K has released two different trailers for the upcoming WWE game. One is the previously mentioned gameplay features “hit list” trailer, and the other was its anticipated reveal trailer. After the controversy and uproar caused by WWE 2K20, fans were eager to see what time and development had done for the new game.

Here is WWE 2K22’s debut trailer.

If you want to see the new gameplay features in action, check out the hit list trailer below.

For a quick look at what to expect in the returning GM Mode, renamed ‘MyGM’, 2K released an informative trailer.

WWE 2K22 editions and pre-order bonuses

No different from previous years, WWE 2K22 is set to feature a number of unique goodies as part of pre-order incentives and premium edition upgrades.

Although nothing has officially been confirmed just yet, early leaks appear to have revealed everything on the way.

WWE 2K22 Deluxe Edition

The Deluxe Edition of WWE 2K22 comes with a handful of extra content. First and foremost, players who purchase this edition gain three days of early access, beginning on March 8.

This edition also includes the first Season Pass along with the Undertaker Immortal Pack, more on that below.

WWE 2K22 Undertaker Immortal Pack

The Undertaker Immortal Pack is reportedly this year’s pre-order bonus. This unique addition “includes three Undertaker personas: Phantom Mask Undertaker, Lord of Darkness Undertaker, and the Boneyard Match Undertaker.”

On top of that, the bundle also comes with MyFaction EVO card for the Undertaker, along with an assortment of Perks and Bonuses.

WWE 2K22 nWo 4-Life Edition

If all of the above doesn’t take your fancy, then there is one more edition for you to consider — nWo 4-Life Edition. It will tempt potential buyers by offering “nWo versions” of its OG members: Kevin Nash, Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, along with later members X-Pac and Eric Bischoff.

Not only that, but the edition features two bonus wrestling arenas, the classic nWo Wolfpac Championship, plus other special content too.

WWE 2K22 roster & ratings

From Hall of Fame legends to current WWE champions, the 2K22 roster is stacked full of superstar talent. Unfortunately, a good chunk of this year’s roster includes released superstars like Keith Lee, Jeff Hardy, or even Shane McMahon to name a few. While some have since gone on to other companies such as AEW or Impact, they’re still playable in the latest WWE release.

Below is a full look at the confirmed WWE 2K22 roster.

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