WWE 2K23 was revealed, and for some strange reason, 2K decided the cover art would feature a blank canvas instead of a wrestler. I’m kid, of course. This year’s cover superstar is 16-time world champion and master of stealth, John Cena.
As for features, by far the biggest new addition is the WarGames match type (WWE’s version). Doubles, duels can be played in 3v3 or 4v4 single player mode or online. 2K also introduces a “unique new show” in a documentary-style 2K Intro mode, which, of course, highlights Cena’s career. MyGM is back in expanded form, MyFaction is getting online multiplayer, and the story-driven MyRise, Universe and Creation modes are back. For the Creator Kit, the custom arena is now playable online, and the entrance has more customization options. The first trailer revealing gameplay will premiere on tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw.
As for the roster, here’s a short list of confirmed superstars so far:
- Bad Bunny (pre-order bonus, see below)
- Brock Lesnar
- Cody Rhodes
- John Cena
- Ronda Rousey
- Roman dynasty
- “Ice” Steve Austin
WWE 2K23 comes in three versions, each with an exclusive cover art, as you can see in the gallery above. The Standard version runs for $69.99 on the current-gen console and $59.99 on the previous-gen. You can also get a Polygenic version 69.99 gives you both versions of the game in the same console line. In addition, those who pre-order the Standard Edition and Multi-Generation Digital Bundle will receive the Bad Bunny Bonus Pack, which includes:
- Playable Bad Bunny character
- Ruby level Bad Bunny MyFaction card
Doctor of Thuganomics has a taste Deluxe version sets you back $99.99 and includes the standard version plus the following extras:
- Bad Bunny Bonus Pack
- Season Pass for five post-launch DLC packs
- MyRise Mega-Boost and SuperCharger
- Ruby John Cena’s MyFaction Evo Card
- MyFaction card with gold border
- MyFaction Card Emerald Bianca Belair
- Asuka MyFaction Gold Card
- Three Basic Premium Packs Launch My Faction Card Packs
- Three Days Early Access (launching March 14)
final Icon version runs for $119.99. It boasts artist Rob Schamberger’s original cover art and boasts everything in previous editions plus:
- Cruel Attack Pack: features early development versions of superstars like John Cena’s “Prototype” character “Leviathan” Batista, along with rookies Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton
- John Cena Heritage Championship
- WrestleMania Arena 22
- Emerald Paul Heyman Card MyFaction Manager
- Three packages of MyFaction cards launch Deluxe Premium
WWE 2K23 will be available on PlayStation and Xbox consoles as well as PC, and the full release date is set for March 17. You can read our review of last year’s game, WWE 2K22, here.
