Is WWE 2K22 Worth It? Yes, Here‘s Why You Should Buy This Year‘s Hottest Wrestling Game

The short answer is – yes, WWE 2K22 is absolutely worth picking up for both casual and dedicated wrestling fans. After two years away, the WWE 2K franchise makes a triumphant return with its best entry in years thanks to major improvements across the board.

With overhauled gameplay, stunning visuals, tons of modes and an enormous roster, WWE 2K22 represents a new high point for wrestling games. Read on for a comprehensive buyer‘s guide examining everything that makes WWE 2K22 a must-buy.

Critical Reception and Review Roundup

Based on early reviews, WWE 2K22 is receiving widespread acclaim from gaming critics as a revitalized experience after the series stumbled with WWE 2K20.

• 85 Metascore on PS5 – 63 critic reviews
• 84 Metascore on Xbox Series X – 21 critic reviews
• OpenCritic Average Score – 84 – 69 critic reviews

These are the highest review scores a WWE 2K game has received since WWE 2K14‘s acclaimed launch in 2013.

The consensus is that WWE 2K22 fixes the major issues plaguing WWE 2K20 – janky gameplay, extreme glitches and lack of modes. The core wrestling action is now smoother and more lifelike. Let‘s dig into the key improvements.

Gameplay and Graphics Engine Gets a Major Overhaul

Easily the biggest enhancement in WWE 2K22 is the rebuilt gameplay mechanics and graphics engine, overhauled from scratch. Matches now feel faster and more responsive with improved hit detection, selling and wrestler movement. 300 new animations further add realism to strikes, grapples and reactions.

The physics system has been re-engineered for more realistic behavior between colliding bodies and objects. Crowds and environments also look far superior thanks to new lighting effects, textures and player models. WWE 2K22 represents a big visual leap.

Feedback on the reinvigorated in-ring action is very positive, with many critics calling it the most fluid and entertaining wrestling gameplay in series history. Even minor touches like new pinning and submission minigames improve the experience.

The Biggest Roster in WWE Game History

With over 200 playable characters from across WWE, NXT, WCW, ECW and more, WWE 2K22 boasts the largest roster a WWE game has ever seen. All the current major WWE superstars are included along with legends like "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock, John Cena, Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio.

The inclusion of WCW and ECW wrestling stars especially adds major nostalgia value. You can recreate dream matches like Sting vs Undertaker, Goldberg vs Brock Lesnar, and CM Punk vs Steve Austin. There‘s an astonishing amount of stars spanning eras to choose from.

Major Modes Shakeup – MyGM, MyFaction, MyRise

Beyond the squared circle, WWE 2K22 brings some significant changes to the game modes:

MyGM – This brand new management mode has you drafting rosters, booking matches, managing budgets and upgrading your show‘s arena and personnel. Compete against rival AI brands over the course of a year.

MyFaction – Essentially WWE 2K‘s take on FIFA Ultimate Team and NBA 2K MyTeam, this new mode sees you collect cards of wrestlers to build a 4-person faction. Take your stable online against other players.

MyRise – The revamped career mode features fully voiced male and female storylines that interconnect as you journey from rookie to WWE superstar.

These new additions provide fresh experiences outside the ring while classic creation tools and Universe mode also return.

Which Edition Should You Buy?

WWE 2K22 is available in Standard ($59.99), Deluxe ($99.99) and nWo 4-Life Editions ($119.99):

The Deluxe Edition offers the best overall value, giving you access to all the post-launch DLC for $40 extra. The Standard Edition already packs a ton of content on its own though. Only diehard WCW fans need to splurge on the nWo 4-Life Edition.

Satisfying Amount of Post-Launch DLC

Speaking of DLC, WWE 2K22‘s post-launch content is included with the Season Pass ($29.99 separately):

• Undertaker Immortal Pack – 3 playable Undertaker characters + MyFaction content
• Cena and Angle Pack – Playable John Cena, Kurt Angle + MyFaction content
• Steiner Pack – Rick Steiner, Scott Steiner + MyFaction content
• Stand Back Pack – Playable Hurricane Helms character + MyFaction content
• Whole Dam Pack – Playable Rob Van Dam + MyFaction content

While pricier à la carte, the Season Pass offers reasonable value for $29.99 (included with Deluxe Edition) if you want it all.

Visual Showcase of SmackDown‘s Evolution

The 2K Showcase single-player campaign focuses on the storied career of Rey Mysterio, letting you relive 20+ years of his biggest matches and moments. It‘s a fun retrospective on Mysterio‘s journey through ECW, WCW and WWE told via documentary-style cutscenes.

2K Showcase is one of the best ways to appreciate how far WWE game visuals and gameplay have come over the years.

So Is WWE 2K22 Worth It?

In summary – yes, WWE 2K22 is absolutely worth buying. All signs point to it being a major revitalization for the franchise after going on a 2 year hiatus. For both casual and dedicated wrestling fans, it‘s a must-have:

• Smooth, realistic and fun wrestling gameplay – Huge overhaul makes matches more responsive, authentic and enjoyable
• Visually stunning – Significant graphical enhancements across the board
• Massive roster – Over 200 playable characters from multiple wrestling organizations
• Great variety of modes – MyGM, MyFaction, MyRise, Universe Mode offer something for everyone
• Substantial post-launch support – Worthwhile Season Pass provides ample extra content

Although not completely perfect, WWE 2K22 executes strongly on delivering everything players want from a current gen wrestling game. For the first time in years, the franchise feels fresh and exciting again. Unless you absolutely hated previous 2K installments, WWE 2K22 is a crowd-pleasing body slam worth cheering for.