In many ways, WWE 2K22 was a welcome addition, especially after the popular series took a year off in 2021. WWE 2K22 performed well — critically and commercially — and was regarded as a return to form, while also introducing fresh features and mechanics. So, what about a follow-up? While 2K hasn’t yet officially announced WWE 2K23, we do know it’s coming. What else do we know about the upcoming WWE 2K installment? Details are still a little sparse, sure, but we’ve gathered everything we know about WWE 2K23.
When is the WWE 2K23 release date?
WWE 2K23 is due out on March 17, 2023. You can actually play it three days early if you purchase the Deluxe or Icon Editions.
The WWE 2K series used to launch in the fall each year, but following the release of 2K22, it seems we’ll get new installments in March going forward. 2K evidently saw great success with 2K22, so it makes sense the company will want to mirror its release window with future entries.
Is there a WWE 2K23 trailer?
There is! It’s not necessarily the most detailed trailer, but it does give us a glance at the game’s visual style, along with several confirmed superstars including John Cena. That’s right, the champ is here (but you can’t see him!). Based on the trailer, it seems 2K23 will feature elements from the Ruthless Aggression era, including the iconic Smackdown fist from the mid-2000s.
Publisher 2K will no doubt release another trailer or two ahead of the game’s launch this March, possibly as early as the Royal Rumble 2023 Premium Live Event.
WWE 2K23 Roster
The game’s full roster has yet to be revealed, but so far, 45 superstars are confirmed for the upcoming WWE game.
The list is as follows:
- AJ Styles
- Alexa Bliss
- Asuka
- Austin Theory
- Bad Bunny
- Batista
- Batista (Leviathan)
- Becky Lynch
- Bianca Belair
- Bobby Lashley
- Brock Lesnar
- Brock Lesnar '02
- Bron Breakker
- Cody Rhodes
- Cruz Del Toro
- Damian Priest
- Drew McIntyre
- Edge
- Goldberg
- Hollywood Hogan
- Jey Uso
- Jimmy Uso
- John Cena
- John Cena '02
- John Cena (Prototype)
- Johnny Gargano
- Kevin Owens
- Kurt Angle
- Logan Paul
- Randy Orton
- Randy Orton '02
- Rey Mysterio
- Rhea Ripley
- Rob Van Dam
- Roman Reigns
- Ronda Rousey
- Sheamus
- Steve Austin
- The Miz
- The Rock
- Tommaso Ciampa
- Triple H
- Trish Stratus
- Ultimate Warrior
- Undertaker
What are the WWE 2K23 features?
The new installment will include the return of Showcase Mode, focusing on John Cena’s lengthy career. Much like 2K22, this mode will allow you to relive Cena’s most iconic matches, even down to specific spots within those bouts.
Additionally, 2K23 will feature WarGames, a match type that originated in NXT. This match type was featured during Survivor Series 2022, and throws superstars into two side-by-side rings surrounded by a steel cage. It’s just as chaotic as you’d expect.
Other modes such as MyGM, MyFACTION, MyRise, Universe, and the Creation Suite will return.
WWE 2K23 News mentioned that MyFaction Mode in WWE 2K22 generated “more revenue than anticipated” and expects it to return in 2K23. This is an in-game collectible card mode that heavily features microtransactions, and was criticized by players across the board.
What are the WWE 2K23 editions?
There are multiple versions of WWE 2K23, which we’ll detail below:
WWE 2K23 Standard Edition: $70 ($60 last-gen)
- Copy of WWE 2K23
WWE 2K23 Deluxe Edition: $100
- Copy of WWE 2K23
- 3-Day Early Access (on March 14)
- Bad Bunny Bonus Pack (Playable Bad Bunny Character and 1x Ruby Bad Bunny MyFACTION Card)
- Season Pass Access (5x DLC)
- MyRISE Mega-Boost
- SuperCharger
- 1x Ruby John Cena MyFACTION Evo Card
- 1x Emerald Bianca Belair MyFACTION Card
- 1x Gold Asuka MyFACTION Card
- 1x Gold Edge MyFACTION Card
- 3x Basic Premium Launch MyFACTION Packs
WWE 2K23 Icon Edition: $120
- Copy of WWE 2K23
- 3-Day Early Access (on March 14)
- Bad Bunny Bonus Pack (Playable Bad Bunny Character and 1x Ruby Bad Bunny MyFACTION Card)
- Season Pass Access (5x DLC)
- MyRISE Mega-Boost
- SuperCharger
- 1x Ruby John Cena MyFACTION Evo Card
- 1x Emerald Bianca Belair MyFACTION Card
- 1x Gold Asuka MyFACTION Card
- 1x Gold Edge MyFACTION Card
- 3x Basic Premium Launch MyFACTION Packs
- Playable Prototype Cena
- 1x Prototype Cena MyFACTION Card
- Playable Leviathan Batista
- Playable Throwback Randy Orton
- Playable Throwback Brock Lesnar
- John Cena Legacy Championship Belt
- WrestleMania 22 Arena
- 1x Emerald Paul Heyman Manager MyFACTION Card
- 3x Deluxe Premium Launch MyFACTION Packs
WWE 2K23 hits store shelves on March 17, 2023.
