Other online features, such as multiplayer and the ability to buy DLC, have also been disabled. The publisher had also taken the game offline from digital storefronts back in September, preventing players from buying it in favour of the more recent WWE 2K24.

Going by the release schedule of the yearly WWE titles, we will likely see a new game, presumably dubbed WWE 2K25, in the first half of this year. Were 2K to follow a similar pattern, WWE 2K24 will likely see its servers shut down next year. It seems to be part of a larger trend by the publisher to try and ensure that players can only play the most current version of the game.

For more details on WWE 2K24, check out our review. And for nostalgia’s sake, check out our review of WWE 2K23 while you’re at it.

Fellow new release, Vanillaware and Atlus’ Unicorn Overlord, also debuted in the top 10, finding itself in the No. 7 position. Vanillaware-developed titles haven’t generally been the biggest, most mass market sellers, so a debut in seventh place may have been a decent one for the fantasy tactics RPG. 60 percent of its physical launch week sales came on the Nintendo Switch, 34 percent on PS5, and 5 percent on Xbox Series X.

Meanwhile, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which saw a somewhat underwhelming physical launch debut last week, fell down to No. 2, with its sales dropping 89 percent week-on-week. Though a second-week drop is far from unusual, Dring says an 89 percent drop is “on the higher side of normal.” The action RPG also saw a relatively weaker launch in Japan last week, by the series’ usually high standards.

Unicorn Overlord is No.7 in the UK boxed charts. Granted, it doesn’t take much to get in there these days. But still!

WWE 2K24 is No.1, with launch sales up 26% on the debut of WWE 2K23. Nice!

FF7: Rebirth is down to No.2 with an 89% drop week-on-week.

All physical data.

— Christopher Dring (@Chris_Dring) March 10, 2024

It’s on the higher side of normal

— Christopher Dring (@Chris_Dring) March 10, 2024

60% Switch. 34% PS5. 5% Xbox. But digital differences between those could explain that

— Christopher Dring (@Chris_Dring) March 10, 2024

Showcase Modes

John Cena was the highlight of last year’s 2K Showcase, which highlighted his biggest matches, as players controlled his opponents and attempted to take the franchise down. However, with WWE 2K24 arriving to celebrate 40 years of Wrestlemania, it makes sense that, like WWE 2K14, we would get a collection of some of the biggest matches from the event in history. Andre vs Hogan from Wrestlemania 3; “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs The Rock from Wrestlemania X-Seven – you know the deal. Which wrestler you control remains to be seen, though.

New Match Types

Last year’s edition was a bit barren with new match types – it added WarGames with 3v3 and 4v4 options and not much else. By comparison, WWE 2K24 offers Ambulance matches, where players battle to shove their opponent into an ambulance; Casket matches, where they try to throw each other into a casket and close the lid; Gauntlet matches, which involve pinning or submitting an opponent to bring the next one out; and a Special Guest Referee match, where a Superstar can act as a referee to others’ bouts. That means slow counting, no counting and attacking the one you don’t like.

Rosters

When WWE 2K23 launched, it offered almost 200 Superstars, from wrestlers to managers, though there were quite a few secret characters unlocked through the 2K Showcase and other modes. WWE 2K24 will launch with over 200 Superstars, with Superstars like Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley and many more returning. How many secret characters it will offer remains to be seen, but fans can expect playable alternate versions of wrestlers to return and the addition of seven real referees.

Expanded Backstage Brawl

Backstage Brawl offered decent features in last year’s title, including the ability to fight backstage in certain match types. However, it’s limited to two players. WWE 2K24 opens things up by allowing four players to engage in backstage fisticuffs while implementing new options, like a vending machine with throwable soda cans. You can also throw opponents through real glass windows, and use an elevator to ascend to new heights before sending your enemies back down.

New Weapon Types

Whether it’s backstage or in matches with no disqualification, the weapon selection is also opening up. Players can fight with trash cans, microphones and guitars like good ol’ Double J. Also, it’s not just soda cans – you can throw other weapons, like stop signs, though the full list has yet to be confirmed.

Royal Rumble Supports 8 Players Online

The Royal Rumble is the WWE’s biggest yearly event, second only to Wrestlemania, so it makes sense for the mode to get some love. Unlike WWE 2K23, it supports up to eight players online in 30 Superstar matches. Not exactly noteworthy for solo players, but multiplayer fans – or those who like to watch chaotic multi-man matches – will probably have a blast.

Trading Blows, Diving onto Groups and More

Each year brings some new gameplay mechanics to the franchise, and this year is no different. Perhaps the most noteworthy is Trading Blows, a mini-game where Superstars exchange strikes back and forth in QTE fashion. Other new features include diving onto a group outside from the top rope (where they’ll hopefully catch you).

MyGM Changes and Additions

MyGM in WWE 2K23 was pretty straightforward – select or create your own general manager for a brand, create a roster, sign free agents, manage different aspects of the production and attempt to beat the competition. Much of that carries over into WWE 2K24 with the expected additions, like new GMs, match types, Dramas and more to choose from. However, players now have the option to trade Superstars between brands and scout talents. Wrestlers can also train, earn XP and level up from matches, which unlocks some “new benefits.”

MyFACTION Additions

Similarly, MyFACTION builds on last year’s online play by offering more real-world factions, match types, themed card packs and goals. A reward shop geared specifically towards Faction Wars (which has seen a revamp) is also being introduced with WWE 2K24.

Universe Mode New Features

Universe Mode is often the place for those who want to simulate their version of the WWE with all the feuds, Championships and Premium Live Events they desire. Alongside new Special Referee matches, the Rivalry actions are expanded to include Money in the Bank cash-ins and different scenarios with new cutscenes. You can also have Double Title matches and add a Loser Leaves Town condition to matches for even more drama.

What’s New with MyRISE

MyRISE is where players take custom wrestlers through unique stories for male and female Superstars. The new campaigns are “Undisputed” and “Unleashed” – the former involves a male Superstar claiming the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship when Roman Reigns mysteriously vacates it. It seems like a dream come true, but the Tribal Chief looms like an ever-present threat.

The latter involves an indie female wrestler ascending to the big stage, creating an uproar in the hierarchy and establishing herself. With six hours of cutscenes, first-time voiceovers from Superstars like Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Dominik Myserio and Mick Foley, 80 Rewards to unlock and the return of William Regal as Raw general manager, MyRISE could be the best it’s ever been.

Villainous Route in MyRISE

The “Undisputed” path in MyRISE is all the more interesting because you can ally with The Miz, Smackdown’s GM. This unlocks a path with different cutscenes, plotlines and rewards with a more villainous edge. Visual Concepts also confirmed MyFACTION cards unlocked exclusively through MyRISE, including fan-favorites like Cole Quinn, Slade, Tavish, and more. You can even unlock Zero, Xavier Woods’ alter ego.

Create-A-Referee and Create-A-Sign

WWE 2K23 offers the usual Create-A-Wrestler, Create-An-Arena and Create-An-Entrance modes, but WWE 2K24 throws in something new – the option to create referees. It’s meant for the new Special Referee matches, but this could potentially imply unique stats for refereeing, which sounds interesting. You can also Create-A-Sign for the first time, which should please (and potentially concern) those who watched the Attitude Era.

Camera Improvements

The ramp and dive cameras see some improvements, meaning any high-risk maneuvers should look better. However, WWE 2K24 also allows for moving the camera during live gameplay, providing even more freedom in its presentation.

Playable Co-Hosts (and CM Punk)

Regarding post-launch DLC, WWE 2K24 will have one advantage over its predecessor – the return of CM Punk as a playable Superstar (and also Post Malone as a DLC character). However, even more interesting is that with the arrival of commentator Pat McAfee on July 24th, playable co-hosts will be added to the title (alongside co-host manager cards). More details are yet to be revealed, but it could be possible for other commentators to become playable.

30. WWE 2K23

It’s easy to forget the slump that the WWE 2K series saw, especially with how much WWE 2K20 was rightfully panned, but that’s why subsequent entries, like WWE 2K23, are even more impressive. It builds on the polish and combat systems in WWE 2K22 while improving the visuals further and adding new features like War Games, a new Showcase and updates to existing modes. Plus, the Royal Rumble now supports up to eight players online.

For PS5 players, action hack and slash title Soulstice will be available. PS4 players can look forward to Tacoma, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Killing Floor 2. A game trial for WWE 2K23 will also be available, though this is more than likely exclusive to PS Plus Premium.

It’s worth noting that several other titles like ELEX 2, Redout 2, MX vs ATV Legends, PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay, My Friend Peppa Pig and DC League of Super-Pets: The Adventures of Krypto and Ace for PS4 and PS5 are mentioned in a recent PlayStation Access video. You also have The Talos Principle: Deluxe Edition, Lonely Mountains: Downhill, Vampire: The Masquerade – Coteries of New York, A Hat in Time, Carto, Forager, Dodgeball Academia, The Wild at Heart and Thief coming to PS4.

Classics coming to PlayStation Plus Premium include Killzone: Liberation for the PSP and Worms and
Herc’s Adventure on the PlayStation One.

Quick Time Events

There was a time when Quick Time Events or QTES were in nearly everything. What was it about hitting the right button at the right time that felt so exhilarating? Maybe it was the minimal effort to do cool things, but entire franchises leaned on them, from shooters and cinematic adventures to hack-and-slash titles.

Nowadays, however, they’re rare, most likely due to oversaturation. Despite being present in the original, Resident Evil 4 Remake removed them and added new mechanics like knife parries. Like a Dragon: Ishin! has them for certain attacks and climatic battles, but it is a remake of a 2014 title. While they won’t go away entirely – who knows with the next Dark Pictures Anthology title – QTEs aren’t as favored as direct control over gameplay scenarios.

Crucible Knight Ordovis – Elden Ring

The Crucible Knights are some of the most deceptively tough bosses in Elden Ring. They seem like your usual armored enemies and suddenly unleash ground stomps, sprout wings to rush you, and even attack with tails. So how annoying would it be to fight two at the same time? As it turns, very.

Crucible Knight Ordovis is tough enough on his own, and it doesn’t help that there’s a regular Crucible Knight with a spear that can deal immense damage even with basic attacks. It even has a grab that can chunk half your health. It’s hard to find an opening, and even when you defeat the regular Crucible Knight, Ordovis still deals tons of damage and will relentlessly unleash skills as his health dwindles.

WWE 2K23 MyFaction War Tips

If you’re facing top tier opponents then right at the beginning of the match, push the highest rank opponent into their corner. This forces them to tag one of the teammates (preferably a character with a lower rank). You’ll have a much easier time defeating them compared to the higher tier opponents.

Avoid using pinfalls in 4v4 tag team matches. You can initiate a pinfall, but there is a high chance of getting interrupted by the remaining team members, so it’s better to try something else. Winning a pinfall in 4v4 games isn’t easy.

Instead of getting a pinfall, try to submit your opponents. It’s a much better option and is more reliable when it comes to higher tier matches. To submit the opponent, try to deliver at least two Finishers or pick an area to land a red damage hit. Once the shot lands, initiate a submission and do your best to win the mini-game that follows.

Early game submission ratings tend to be on the lower side, which makes it harder to win the minigame. However, here are a few ways you can increase your chances of winning any given encounter.

Pick someone with high Technical Submission Offense and Power attributes. Some of the best players in the are as follows (we picked them based on overall power):

Managers can also boost attributes so choose someone who can boost the above-mentioned stats to even higher levels. Some of the best General Managers are as follows (from best to worst):

In order to further increase the aforementioned attributes, you’ll have to equip Sideplates. Here are some examples of sideplates in the game:

I. Aerial Master

II. Power Lifter

III. Counterstrike

IV. Counterstrike

V. Main Event Star

VI. Slippery

VII. Steel Arms

VIII. Super Strength

IX. Bird of Prey

X. Shake it Off

XI. Slippery

XII. Super Strength

XIII. Technical Merit

XIV. Cordial Knot

XV. Grapple Master

Now that you’re all geared up, it’s time to begin a match. If you played matches without these buffs you’ll notice that the submission meter filled up a lot slower. Once you’ve picked the right wrestler, coach and the gear, you should notice a significant rise in the rate at which the meter fills up.

Note: Areas with a red-damage indicator offer the highest chance of successful submission, so focus your efforts in those regions.

Finally, launch the game and go to Option > Gameplay > Pin Mini-Game and set it to Hold.

If you’re still having trouble, equip all Bronze wrestlers and only one Ruby wrestler. This also ensures you face low level opponents, which you can easily defeat with your Ruby wrestler. The only challenge will be the opposing team’s Ruby player, which will require some practice for you to take down relatively quickly.

New Features in WWE 2K23 Universe Mode

PLEs – In order to make the game more realistic 2K Games have introduced PLEs (previously known as PPVs). This is a naming change and while not having any tangible impact, it’s in line with today’s WWE product, for those who appreciate the added realism.

Rivalry System Improvements – Rivalry actions received a massive change in WWE 2K23. Unlike the previous versions of the game, you can now choose your actions before, after and even during a match. Only Rivalry actions got this new update and the rest remains the same.

The rivalry rework also comes with over 100 new rivalry actions. Now, every time you create a new rivalry, you’ll be able to divide it into Low, Medium, High and Very High subcategories, each with a unique cutscene and modifiers.

Introduction of Wargames – Wargames has finally entered WWE 2K23 and it’s about time! WWE fans have been asking for this feature for quite a long time and 2K Games gave in.

The rules are quite simple. WarGames is a multiplayer battle mode where two teams (3v3 or 4v4) will be facing each other. Each team will be placed in separate cages, and they will gradually enter the ring one by one.

The game mode consists of two separate rings joined together and then surrounded by a steel cage. One member of each team starts the match. Next, one member is periodically and alternately released from each team to join the match.

The advantaged team gets to send their first member to join the match, and the WarGame officially begins once all the competitors have entered the ring.

In order to win, you’ll have to defeat at least one member of the opposing team using a submission or a pinfall. You can also throw them out of the cage to score a victory.

Note that the match is forfeited if a member voluntarily leaves the cage. As of now, there will be three Wargames Arenas available in the game, namely:

• NXT Takeover Wargames
• Survivor Series ‘22
• Wargames – MyRise (MyRise Exclusive)

Momentum – Momentum is a new resource that’ll be debuting in WWE 2K23 and you’ll earn it as you go through Rivalries. It’s discussed in detail in the next section.

What is Momentum and How to Earn it

• The amount of Momentum you earn is decided by the match results and the overall performance throughout the same match. The more vicious a superstar is, the more points he will earn after the match.

• The winner also gets more Momentum compared to the loser. Once you’ve earned enough momentum, you can spend some of it, to perform the numerous rival actions that are also newly introduced in WWE

• If you simulate matches you can also decide the outcome by using momentum.

• You can spend momentum editing matches before the shows in Universe mode. Simply press the right stick (R3) to view the list of available rival actions for your superstar. Depending on your selection, the actions will take place either before, during or after the match.

WWE 2K23 Universe Mode Tips and Tricks

Playing the Universe mode is entertaining, fun, and challenging all at the same time. There are several hurdles that will come your way when you first enter the game mode, especially if this is your first time playing the game. Here are a few tips and tricks you can follow to ensure you have a better time throughout the campaign.

Bring back the Classics, with a twist – The more creative you are, the more success you’ll have during the Universe mode. If you have an old wrestler in mind, bringing them back will surely earn you a good standing with the crowd. You can even add new tricks and with the Rivalry system, you can spice things up even further. For instance, Cactus Jack isn’t usually a bad character. However, by introducing a bit of evil in his nature, you’ll be able to create a whole new dynamic that’s never been seen before.

Bring some anarchy to the established order – Almost everything in WWE 2K23 is scripted. The rivalries, alliances, attacking the opposite brand directly, every aspect of the sport is pre-written to squeeze the most entertainment out of every bit of entertainment. Seeing your favorite tag team enter the ring once again is nice and all, but don’t you wonder what would have happened if that weren’t the case? What if one of your favorite tag team superstars allied with someone from the opposing team forming a new stable duo? What if someone backstabbed their teammate and went the other way?

Drafting wrestlers is one of the key advantages of this year’s Universe mode and opens the gate to a whole new world of possibilities, especially in the case of tag team matches. Spread your wings and explore new paths like never before.

Construct the perfect storyline – While it’s nice to see your favorite wrestlers like Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa going to a 60 minute time limit draw in an Iron Man Match for the Universal Title, it’s ultimately pointless without a good story.

Universe Mode gives you so many tools to craft interesting stories that it’s a waste not to use them. Spice up your stories with interconnected plots and characters. Look for ways to sow the seeds for rivalries and maybe revisit some old feuds to liven them up in new ways, like multi-man matches and special stipulations.

Remember that everyone knows it’s scripted. What kind of story you tell with that script is ultimately what keeps the audience coming back for more.

Know your limits, take baby steps – The role of General Manager can be quite taxing. Therefore, it’s best to pick a shorter season as it helps you understand the new mechanics and features of WWE 2K23. Picking the longest season locks you in a specific route until you finish the campaign. And starting a new campaign without a firm grasp on the basics will end up in an overall bad experience.

Remember to have a good time – The one thing that makes the Universe mode enjoyable is that no two campaigns are the same. Everything from picking wrestlers to choosing their encounters is now customizable with even more options in WWE 2K23. The fun ceiling just hit new heights. Don’t always go for the win. Experiment with unique never-seen-before team combinations, rivalries and storylines. Live out your fantasies any way you like. Good luck!

This year, you’ll have the ability to walk that career building path in the form of two different storylines (Legacy and Lock). The storylines implement an additional layer of determination and complexity that’ll motivate you to keep pushing your limits. Also, the game has introduced more unlockables, so, let’s take a quick peek at what the WWE 2K23 MyRise mode has in store.

New Game Modes in MyRise WWE 2K23

Once you start the game, you’ll have two game modes to choose from. You’ll have to prove yourself during both storylines, so let’s take a look at both of them:

• The Lock – In this mode you start the game as a character with immense potential. You’re a rising talent from an unknown background but on route to make a name for yourself. The objective here is to impress your coaches and win the adulation of your fans.

• The Legacy– In the Legacy mode, you begin your journey as the child of a legendary superstar. The goal here is to prove your worth to your fellow competitors. In doing so, you’ll achieve the ultimate objective of surpassing your predecessor, and henceforth, carving your name in the history of WWE.

Now let’s take a look at all the unlockable superstars and arenas available in each story mode along with the conditions required to unlock them.

What characters can you unlock in MyRise and how

You can unlock a total of four characters in the MyRise mode. Playing the Legacy mode unlocks three of the wrestlers, while the Lock mode unlocks one of them.

Legacy

• Molly Holly – Unlocked after you finish the Legacy storyline.
• Molly Holly 02 – Unlocked after you finish ‘Mats from the Past’. While you’re talking to Kayla Brixton regarding the legacy of Justine, choose the Mighty Holly option to trigger the storyline.
• Mighty Molly – Unlocked after you finish ‘A Mighty Insult’. You’ll receive a DM from the Hurricane after finishing ‘The Face of the Company’ storyline. Respond to it in order to trigger the ‘A Mighty Insult’ storyline.

Lock

• Jean Paul Levesque – Unlocked after you finish ‘The Monarchy’. After finishing the ‘Uncaged Indies’ storyline Tavish will send you a DM. Respond to it in order to trigger the storyline.

• Ezekiel – Unlocked after you finish ‘Showcase of Immortals’. To unlock this, you’ll have to keep playing the story until you can create your own faction. Finish all the loyalty missions that come after faction creation. Completing all of them unlocks the ‘Showcase of Immortals’ storyline.

What Arenas can you unlock in MyRise and how

You can never have too many arenas. While there are an astounding number of arenas to choose from, the MyRise mode adds even more to the pool. Wrestlers aren’t the only rewards for playing the MyRise mode (This line can be removed since you’re already mentioning in the next that new arenas can be unlocked). You’ll be able to unlock brand new arenas, a list of which is mentioned below (in no specific order):