WWE 2K22 is officially in the hands of players now that the early access release date has passed!
However, there could be some trouble in paradise between 2K Games and the WWE. We'll cover a bit of that below.
Here's what you need to know about WWE 2K22 from the release date to its game modes, roster, preorder info, our review of the game, and more.
Latest - Superstar removed
WWE 2K22 has been rolling strong since launch with the continued release of DLC bringing new superstars to an already expansive roster.
However, the upcoming Stand Back Pack has officially gotten a bit lighter as one recently released superstar was removed from this WWE 2K22 DLC.
Read more about the superstar removed from upcoming Stand Back Pack DLC here.
WWE 2K22 Release Date
It's been more than nine months since WWE 2K22 was first confirmed at WrestleMania 37 in April of 2021, but now you won't have to wait.
The official and final WWE 2K22 release date was Friday, March 11th.
Players who pre ordered the Deluxe Edition or nWo 4-Life Edition also gained 3-Days Early Access.
WWE 2K22 Cover Star: Rey Mysterio
After a long wait and heavy speculation about who might get the nod this year, the WWE 2K22 cover star was revealed to be Rey Mysterio.
The legendary luchador will add a new accolade to his extensive multi-decade career now as he gets to be the face of the Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition of WWE 2K22, as well as the Cross-Gen Bundle that uses the same Standard Edition art.
This is the first cover appearance on a wrestling game for Rey Mysterio, though he's been featured in the games as far back as WCW vs nWo: World Tour.
Mysterio succeeds previous choices Seth Rollins on WWE 2K18, AJ Styles on WWE 2K19, as well as the dual-pairing of Roman Reigns and Becky Lynch on WWE 2K20.
Trailer, Platforms, Editions, Pre Order & Price
WWE 2K22 started off with three teaser trailers, kicked off by a very short announcement one at WrestleMania 37.
Following another short teaser in August 2021 that confirmed a release window of March 2022 and a Feature Reveal Trailer in November 2021, this was the official trailer for WWE 2K22.
We'll get more trailers and in-depth reveals in the coming weeks, but as WWE 2K22 pre order listings go live we've finally learned many of the title's official details.
WWE 2K22 will be released on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. There is no news of a possible Nintendo Switch version, and it's worth noting that only Xbox Series X|S and PS5 will be considered "current-gen" for this title while all three other platforms are "previous-gen."
Here are all the details on editions and the price each will cost you:
- WWE 2K22 Standard Edition (PS4, Xbox One, PC) - $59.99
- WWE 2K22 Standard Edition (PS5 & Xbox Series X|S) - $69.99
- WWE 2K22 Cross-Gen Bundle (PlayStation or Xbox) - $79.99
- WWE 2K22 Deluxe Edition (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) - $99.99
- WWE 2K22 nWo 4-Life Edition (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) - $119.99
Looking to purchase WWE 2K22 check out our links below!
Read over all the WWE 2K22 preorder info you'll need here, including all of the rewards for each edition.
Features & Game Modes Revealed
After a long stretch of relative silence by Visual Concepts about what's actually planned for WWE 2K22, we're finally learning details about the game.
Ahead of their planned announcements in January 2022, a new Feature Reveal Trailer was released in late 2021 that highlighted ten major changes on the way.
While some are upgrades and new features affecting the entire game, such as the new gameplay engine, controls, graphics, and presentation, we've also got all-new game modes.
MyGM revives the fan-favorite GM Mode for a new era, MyRISE replaces the former MyCAREER mode, and MyFACTION makes a franchise debut with a new single player experience building a legendary faction.
Ringside Report #2 MyGM
With the game almost here, Visual Concepts has dropped their second Ringside Report, and this time all eyes turn towards MyGM.
The cult classic GM Mode is finally back, but it's going to do things a bit differently this year than it has in the past.
We also got a chance to try WWE 2K22 MyGM for ourselves in a limited preview of the game, and we've got more details here on that experience.
MyRISE Features Revealed
One of the latest Ringside Report showed off MyRISE, bringing a ton of choices and 50 hours of gameplay in the story mode. Whether you're the heel or the face, the choice will be up to you.
You'll also be able to play specifically in the WWE Women's Division and you'll decide your background as well. We'll cover a few of the available backgrounds below.
Here are three of the four available backgrounds and their perks in WWE 2K22:
- MMA
- Arm Power +5%
- Leg Power +5%
- Technical Submission Defense +10%
- Indie Talent
- Aerial Offense +10%
- Grapple Reversal +5%
- Finisher +5%
- Pro Athlete
- Agility +5%
- Body Durability +10%
- Grapple Offense +5%
There's also another background titled "Actor" but the perks haven't been revealed for that just yet. To learn more about the MyRISE mode, follow this link.
Career Mode is the highlight of MyRISE
Fans' excitement was at an all0time high when 2K revealed that MyCAREER would be no more and the new Career Mode replacement would be dubbed MyRISE.
The developers for WWE 2K22 have done a brilliant job with MyRISE, making some excellent adjustments to the previous MyCAREER mode.
As fun as the somewhat simplified but ultimately replayable MyGM mode has been, and despite others like Universe Mode and Showcase offering their own excitement, nothing has been more enjoyable than MyRISE this year.
Check out our full MyRISE Review right here.
Trouble with WWE and 2K
With WWE 2K22, the agreement ends between the WWE and 2K Games. Now, it could be renewed, but we'll have to wait and see.
A recent report by Mike Straw with Fightful Select noted that the contract originally was signed in 2016 and was on a six-year term.
Apparently, the WWE hasn't taken the step to activate an extension, but they might see how well the game goes.
For now, players can enjoy WWE 2K22 and we'll keep you updated with everything in the future.