10 Greatest WWE 2K Games, Ranked (2024)

After 2K took over the World Wrestling Entertainment license, the WWE 2K series was born. The franchise has had its ups and downs, but regardless of criticisms, they are still some of the best sports entertainment titles in history thanks to the modern graphics and mechanics available to players.

Many fans will have nostalgia for the classic WWE games that went on to influence the 2K series. But when looking at the recent set of titles that brought the wrestling world to life on consoles, there is a lot to love about these hits. From Universe and Career Modes to the creation suites, 2K has been well-detailed in its approach. Both older and newer games have different features to offer fans, with both making it onto the WWE 2K games top ten.

Updated on January 26, 2024 by Hannah Grimes: the WWE 2K series still offers some of the best sports gaming experiences the genre has to offer, so we've updated this list to include more information about each title while adhering to updated CBR standards.

10 WWE 2K20 Has Intriguing Gameplay But Launched In An Unacceptable State

WWE 2K20

WWE 2K20's 2K Showcase mode revolves around the Four Horsewomen of WWE (Bayley,Becky Lynch,Charlotte FlairandSasha Banks), from Charlotte VS.Natalyafor theNXT Women's ChampionshipatNXTto a triple threat winner takes all match between Lynch, Flair andRonda Rouseyfor theRawandSmackDown Women's ChampionshipsatWrestleMania 35.

Franchise

WWE 2K

Platform(s)

Microsoft Windows , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One

Released

October 22, 2019

Developer(s)

Visual Concepts

Publisher(s)

2K

Genre(s)

Sports

ESRB

T

Mode

Single-player, multiplayer

As a concept, WWE 2K20 was largely serviceable. The elephant in the room is the way in which the game launched. With countless glitches and bugs that plagued gameplay throughout, without patches, the title was one of the most broken games on the market. Many review scores for WWE 2K20, especially from critics who tend to play early release or day-one copies with all of their broken parts, are incredibly low.

However, it continued to boast some of the intriguing gameplay elements of past releases, and considering the circ*mstances surrounding the production of the title, it is to be commended. With the return of Towers mode and a Showcase featuring the Four Horsewomen, there were some worthwhile reasons to pick up the game besides its packed roster. Its lackluster launch prevents WWE 2K20 from placing high, although it's still one of the best WWE 2K games.

9 WWE 2K15 Takes Full Advantage Of The Previous Generation's Hardware

WWE 2K15

WWE 2K15signifies as the start of a "new generation", which focuses on turning the franchise into a true wrestling game rather than "a fighting game withWWE Superstarsin it."

Franchise

WWE 2K

Platform(s)

PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , Microsoft Windows , Android , iOS

Released

October 28, 2014

Developer(s)

Yuke's , n-Space

Publisher(s)

2K

Genre(s)

Sports

ESRB

T

With WWE 2K15 able to take full advantage of the previous generation of consoles, it cemented what 2K was trying to achieve with its new line of games. Although it wasn't as revolutionary as 2K might have hoped, it continued to hone its visual style and make notable tweaks to the mechanics themselves, cementing itself as one of the best WWE 2K games.

A new graphics engine also launched with WWE 2K15, which would be perfected in later installments. The mechanics used in combat itself would become slightly more arcade-style too, but once again it wouldn't be until other entries evolved the system further that its full potential was revealed.

8 WWE 2K17 Has A Fleshed-Out Career Mode And An Authentic Feel

WWE 2K17

This is a wrestling simulation game in which players select real-world competitors from the WWE roster, compete in matches, and progress through multiple storylines.

Franchise

WWE 2K

Platform(s)

PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , Microsoft Windows

Released

October 11, 2016

Developer(s)

Yuke's

Publisher(s)

2K

Genre(s)

Sports

ESRB

T

Disappointingly, Showcase Mode was abandoned for WWE 2K17, but the upside was a more nuanced career mode. The visuals went from strength to strength, with the graphics system ensuring that scans of the superstars in the game really captured every detail of their appearance.

Promo segments were added to the game to allow the world to feel more alive and a lot of great new moves were perfected. Perhaps the best feature was the use of additional in-game animations that added authenticity to matches. Minor movements, rolling out of the ring, and better selling of moves helped to craft more entertaining fights as well as make WWE 2K17 one of the best WWE 2K games.

7 WWE 2K16 Has Less Content But Feels Highly Polished

WWE 2K16

2K announced on their social media accounts thatWWE 2K16will feature the "largest roster in the game's history", featuring over 120 unique playable characters, nearly double the 67 that were in last year's game.

Franchise

WWE 2K

Platform(s)

Xbox 360 , Xbox One , Microsoft Windows , PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4

Released

October 27, 2015

Developer(s)

Yuke's

Publisher(s)

2K

Genre(s)

Sports

ESRB

T

Mode

Single-player, multiplayer

WWE 2K16 was all about ironing out the problems that had surfaced in previous installments. The foundations of multiple features that are included after this release can all be clearly identified. A deep creation suite returned to the title, while the graphics stuck to their impressive overhaul and next-gen loading speeds were installed.

What's more, the violent video game ensured players felt the effects of the moves with a new stamina system. That would play into multi-man matches especially, limiting the chaos somewhat and helping to avoid glitches. Unfortunately, the modes were limited compared to later entries, but WWE 2K16 makes up for this by refining the content it does offer and becomes one of the best WWE 2K games.

6 WWE 2K Battlegrounds Is A Big Departure From The Main Series

WWE 2K Battlegrounds

This is an arcade-style fighting game in which players engage in wrestling matches using custom characters and WWE Superstars. Characters punch, kick, and throw each other during matches; players can also attack opponents by using chairs, poles, alligators, exploding barrels, and falling cars.

Franchise

WWE 2K

Platform(s)

Microsoft Windows , Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , Stadia

Released

September 18, 2020

Developer(s)

Saber Interactive

Publisher(s)

2K

Genre(s)

Sports

ESRB

T

WWE 2K Battlegrounds was a huge departure for the franchise and one that has split audiences. It cannot be compared to any of the other 2K games in the series, because it is not designed with simulation elements in mind. Instead, this is an arcade brawler through and through.

The game had a packed roster of old and new superstars and was slightly simpler in its controls. The less-than-real sports-based video game made wrestling titles fun again, by simply leaning into the absurdity of some of WWE's most prolific characters. It's unique, memorable, and a great deal of fun. WWE 2K Battlegrounds is one of the best WWE 2K games, and lands in the middle of the pack because it's a big departure from the main series that won't appeal to everyone.

5 WWE 2K18 Had Lackluster Ports But A Large Roster And Much-Needed Upgrades

WWE 2K18

WWE 2K18is aprofessional wrestlinggame and for the first time sinceWWF SmackDown! Just Bring It, eight wrestlers are able to be in a match at once, instead of six (the Nintendo Switch version only supports six wrestlers in the ring, due to design considerations).

Franchise

WWE 2K

Platform(s)

Microsoft Windows , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , Nintendo Switch

Released

October 13, 2017

Developer(s)

Yuke's

Publisher(s)

2K

Genre(s)

Sports

ESRB

T

WWE 2K18 featured one of the worst ports for the Nintendo Switch, but this would teach 2K quite a few lessons. The title was a lot more well-rounded, taking many of the previous modes and gameplay features and elevating them, elevating WWE 2K18 to one of the best WWE 2K games despite the rough launch for certain platforms.

Road To Glory was a well-received addition, the roster was even bigger and the creation suite showed positive signs of development. It was the game that began 2K's steps to moving to the next stage of their WWE evolution and is well-rounded, but not groundbreaking aside from its Universe Mode rivalry upgrades.

4 WWE 2K19 Takes What 2K19 Did Right And Improves On It

WWE 2K19

WWE 2K19features many different returning and new game modes, including the 2K Showcase Mode, focusing on the career ofDaniel Bryan.

Franchise

WWE 2K

Platform(s)

Microsoft Windows , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One

Released

October 5, 2018

Developer(s)

Yuke's

Publisher(s)

2K

Genre(s)

Sports

ESRB

T

Bugs and glitches aside,WWE 2K19 took the strengths of WWE 2k18 and only improved upon them, easily earning it a spot as one of the best WWE 2K games. The movesets kept getting more nuanced, and the Universe Mode was packed with features that pleased long-term players. Plus, Daniel Bryan was the focus of a returning Showcase Mode.

It's incredible that so much went wrong with 2K20 considering the groundwork 2K19 provided to build upon. The Tower Mode made its debut here which was a fantastic move that only provided further gameplay options. A few arcade-style changes also provided a good balance between a sim title and something more palatable for mainstream audiences, showing a well-rounded approach to the experience.

3 WWE 2K14's Potential Can't Be Denied

WWE 2K14

2K14is primarily an update ofWWE '13, featuring various changes to modes and mechanics, along with new several features.

Franchise

WWE 2K

Platform(s)

PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360

Released

October 29, 2013

Developer(s)

Yuke's

Publisher(s)

2K

Genre(s)

Sports

ESRB

T

When compared to the most recent games, WWE 2K14 just doesn't measure up due to the brand being in its infancy. But as a way to launch the 2K concept and what it would eventually become, its impact cannot be denied. Unfortunately, its graphics are somewhat dated, but it still holds its own as one of the best WWE 2K games available.

But from the promising creation suite to the vast number of modes, and overhaul of the gameplay system, there was so much potential here. With the Undertaker's Streak becoming the focal point of the Showcase Mode, the game truly honored the legacy of the sport. Considering the cross between studios it's amazing it is as good as it is.

2 WWE 2K22 Makes Full Use Of Current Generation Consoles

WWE 2K22

WWE 2K's MyCareer was rebranded as MyRISE and focused on separate stories for both male and female wrestlers. Using created characters, players can form alliances, make enemies, and branch into subplots based upon the players choices.

Franchise

WWE 2K

Platform(s)

PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Windows , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S

Released

March 11, 2022

Developer(s)

Visual Concepts

Publisher(s)

2K

Genre(s)

Sports

ESRB

T

With no more need to worry about bad Nintendo Switch ports, WWE 2K22 marked a proper move to current-gen consoles with a graphics system that truly capitalized on what was on offer. After taking a year off, 2K reconfigured the plan entirely, which goes to show in the product and makes WWE 2K22 one of the best WWE 2K games out there.

It's such a well-polished game, with new commentary, entrances, moves, and an undeniable roster of talent. Previous modes were fine-tuned and newcomers like the favorite GM Mode demonstrated how much 2K respected the fans. It's hard to top WWE 2K22 due to its sheer quality and scale.

1 WWE 2K23 Is A Perfect Mix Between Simulation And Arcade Brawling

WWE 2K23

WWE 2K23features arcade and simulation wrestling gameplay. WarGamesis featured for the first time in a WWE 2K game, and theRoyal Rumble matchnow supports online multiplayer with up to eight players.

Franchise

WWE 2K

Platform(s)

PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Windows , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S

Released

March 14, 2023

Developer(s)

Visual Concepts

Publisher(s)

2K

Genre(s)

Sports

ESRB

T

It seems impossible, but 2K has recently made waves again with the release of WWE 2K23, which might just be the perfect wrestling title. It capitalized on the sim and arcade balance, with a new pinning system that has revolutionized gameplay. The series has never looked graphically more vibrant either.

Modes like GM have been given a deeper range of options and fun inclusions from the likes of UpUpDownDown indicate that 2K are listening to the fans. A John Cena showcase has switched things up thanks to players operating from the perspective of his opponents, while Universe Mode feels more chaotic and organic than ever. If 2K22 set the bar, 23 pushed it a little further, and it easily deserves its spot as the best WWE 2K game as of early 2024.