Everything we know about WWE 2K22: Release date, full roster, GM Mode

Andrew Highton
edge entrance in wwe 2k22

After the tumultuous release of WWEK 2K20, the world’s biggest wrestling company returns with WWE 2K22. A two-year hiatus has hopefully solved many of the problems that plagued the previous entry in the series. Here’s what we know including its release date and the return of GM Mode.

WWE 2K20’s release quickly turned into a nightmare for 2K. Numerous bugs, glitches, and issues spawned a myriad of YouTube compilations showcasing the game’s flaws. As a result, the backlash caused WWE 2K21 to be canceled, and 2K went back to the drawing board.

Now, two years on, and WWE 2K22 looks to make amends with a fresh release and the return of a beloved game mode.

From its concrete release date to a full look at the roster, here’s everything we know about WWE 2K22.


Contents


WWE 2K22 release date

goldberg making his entrance in wwe 2k22
Graphical upgrades have been a big focus ahead of this year’s release.

An early access period begins on March 8 for those picking up the more expensive editions, but the game launches worldwide for everyone on March 11, 2022.

This deviates from the traditional October release period of older titles, in light of 2K21’s cancellation and subsequent delays.

A fresh release date could work wonders, however, as WWE fans will be able to get their hands on the new title ahead of this year’s Wrestlemania in April.

WWE 2K22 platforms

rey mysterio delivering the 619 to Cesaro
WWE 2K22 is set to release across all the usual hardware.

WWE 2K22 is expected to be a major release across the most familiar platforms including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC.

It’s unclear how the last-gen and current-gen versions will compare. However, if recent examples of other franchises are anything to go by, then it’s safe to assume we’ll see a difference in visual fidelity, load times, and possibly included features too.

WWE 2K22 GM Mode & gameplay

close-up shot of roman reigns
The Head of the Table is one of the game’s marquee names.

2K released a trailer on November 19, 2021, detailing the biggest features in WWE 2K22, one of which is the standout return of GM Mode. A feature last seen in Smackdown vs Raw in 2008, the much-requested mode has finally…come home to the WWE franchise.

The renamed “MyGM Mode” allows the internet’s greatest fantasy wrestling bookers to build their own roster and create legendary storylines and feuds. Whilst balancing a budget, players need to make the most of their talent, create enticing rivalries and matches, and make their brand as dominant as possible.

A full deep-dive has been done into the mode, explaining what players can look forward to, including information and details explained by WWE’s Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon.

  • Players can pick one of five different GMs — including Stephanie McMahon, Adam Pearce, Sonya Deville, Shane McMahon, or create their own
  • The battle will take place across a 50-week period
  • You can compete against the AI, or even battle a friend in local co-op
  • There are many customization options for your GM
  • Players must balance a budget to spend on wrestlers
  • Free agents can be added if they are released or their contract expires
  • Each show you put together is rated based on numerous factors including Star Power, Match Quality, Show Quality, and Rivalries
  • Power Cards and Commissioner Goals provide gameplay boosts and guidance from management, like HHH, to put on higher quality shows
  • Simulate, Play, or Spectate your matches, run the show in real time, contribute to production like camera angles, to create a compelling product
  • Create the best brand possible so that you can put on the best Wrestlemania show

In addition to this, 2K have also advertised a ton of other general gameplay aspects:

  • Redesigned Gameplay Engine
  • New controls
  • Stunning Graphics
  • Immersive Presentation
  • New 2K Showcase
  • MyFaction
  • MyRise
  • Universe Mode
  • Creation Suite

We were treated to the game’s first real deep-dive into the gameplay on February 2, 2022, where we got to see the game in action. WWE 2K22 Art Producer Christina Diem Pham claimed that the newest WWE game is “the best looking game yet.”

The game’s lighting and VFGX have been completely overhauled and the game boasts over 55 playable arenas — even the WWE Superdome concept that was introduced in 2021.

In terms of wrestling action itself, animations have also been completely redesigned to all look smoother to make the gameplay flow more naturally. There are a multitude of grapple attacks that will be determined by a wrestler’s height, weight, amongst things, and light and heavy attacks will factor in risk and reward elements.

A new addition to the gameplay is new ‘Breaker’ moves where a player can press the corresponding prompt to counter and even reverse a move. Combatants can also dodge and block to help deal with a flurry of attacks from nimble wrestlers like Rey Mysterio for example.

WWE 2K22 Cover Art

This year’s cover star is none other than Lucha libre expert Rey Mysterio and both the standard edition and the deluxe edition have unique covers featuring the high-flying legend.

The NWO 4-Life Edition has a unique cover, too.

WWE 2K22 cover art variations
Which version will you pick up?

WWE 2K22 Showcase Mode

With Rey Mysterio as cover star, he’ll also be the centerpiece of Showcase mode.

This time around, players can step into the ring as Rey Mysterio, taking part in his legendary clashes with ‘HBK’ Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and the memorable encounter at Wrestlemania 21 against the late great Eddie Guerrero.

WWE 2K22 Soundtrack

Along with the roars of the crowd and critical commentary, the game’s out-of-ring time needs some tunes to keep the vibe of the game alive and well. Thanks to Machine Gun Kelly, WWE 2K22 has a hand-picked soundtrack to make the game feel even more alive and kicking.

Here’s every officially licensed song you can expect to hear in WWE 2K22:

  • Asking Alexandria – Final Episode (Let’s Change The Channel)
  • Bad Bunny – Booker T
  • Bring Me The Horizon – Typhoons
  • KennyHoopla & Travis Barker – hollywood sucks//
  • Machine Gun Kelly – concerts for aliens
  • Machine Gun Kelly – body bag (feat. Bert McCracken)
  • Motorhead – Iron Fist
  • Poppy – Say Cheese
  • Wu-Tang Clan – Protect Ya Neck
  • The Weekend – Heartless
  • Turnstile – I Don’t Wanna Be Blind
  • Typhoons – Royal Blood

WWE 2K22 trailers

So far, 2K has released two different trailers for the upcoming WWE game. One is the previously mentioned gameplay features “hit list” trailer, and the other was its anticipated reveal trailer. After the controversy and uproar caused by WWE 2K20, fans were eager to see what time and development had done for the new game.

Here is WWE 2K22’s debut trailer.

If you want to see the new gameplay features in action, check out the hit list trailer below.

For a quick look at what to expect in the returning GM Mode, renamed ‘MyGM’, 2K released an informative trailer.

WWE 2K22 editions and pre-order bonuses

No different from previous years, WWE 2K22 is set to feature a number of unique goodies as part of pre-order incentives and premium edition upgrades.

Although nothing has officially been confirmed just yet, early leaks appear to have revealed everything on the way.

WWE 2K20 the Undertaker gameplay
The Undertaker is reportedly featuring as this year’s pre-order bonus.

WWE 2K22 Deluxe Edition

The Deluxe Edition of WWE 2K22 comes with a handful of extra content. First and foremost, players who purchase this edition gain three days of early access, beginning on March 8.

This edition also includes the first Season Pass along with the Undertaker Immortal Pack, more on that below.

WWE 2K22 Undertaker Immortal Pack

The Undertaker Immortal Pack is reportedly this year’s pre-order bonus. This unique addition “includes three Undertaker personas: Phantom Mask Undertaker, Lord of Darkness Undertaker, and the Boneyard Match Undertaker.”

On top of that, the bundle also comes with MyFaction EVO card for the Undertaker, along with an assortment of Perks and Bonuses.

WWE 2K22 nWo 4-Life Edition

If all of the above doesn’t take your fancy, then there is one more edition for you to consider — nWo 4-Life Edition. It will tempt potential buyers by offering “nWo versions” of its OG members: Kevin Nash, Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, along with later members X-Pac and Eric Bischoff.

Not only that, but the edition features two bonus wrestling arenas, the classic nWo Wolfpac Championship, plus other special content too.

WWE 2K22 roster & ratings

From Hall of Fame legends to current WWE champions, the 2K22 roster is stacked full of superstar talent. Unfortunately, a good chunk of this year’s roster includes released superstars like Keith Lee, Jeff Hardy, or even Shane McMahon to name a few. While some have since gone on to other companies such as AEW or Impact, they’re still playable in the latest WWE release.

Below is a full look at the confirmed WWE 2K22 roster.

Superstar Rating
AJ Styles 91
Akira Tozawa 75
Alexa Bliss 84
Alexander Wolfe 77
Andre the Giant 88
Angel Garza 79
Angelo Dawkins 80
Apollo Crews 81
Ariya Daivari 70
Asuka 90
Austin Theory 80
Batista 88
Bayley 88
Becky Lynch 92
Beth Phoenix 87
Bianca Belair 87
Big Boss Man 81
Big E 87
Billie Kay 77
Bobby Lashley 91
Booker T 88
Braun Strowman 90
Bret Hart 91
Brock Lesnar 94
Cameron Grimes 79
Candice LeRae 77
Carmella 79
Cedric Alexander 76
Cesaro 84
Chad Gable 76
Charlotte Flair 90
Chyna 87
Dakota Kai 79
Damian Priest 84
Dana Brooke 74
Danny Burch 77
Demon Finn Balor 90
Dexter Lumis 79
Diesel 87
Dolph Ziggler 82
Dominik Mysterio 79
Drew Gulak 79
Drew McIntyre 91
Eddie Guerrero 90
Edge 91
Elias 75
Ember Moon 81
Eric Bischoff (nWo 4-Life Edition) 69
Erik 80
Faarooq 88
Fabian Aichner 80
Fandango 77
Finn Balor 87
Goldberg 88
Gran Metalik 79
Happy Corbin 81
Hollywood Hogan (nWo 4-Life Edition) 92
Hulk Hogan 91
Humberto Carrillo 77
Io Shirai 82
Isaiah ‘Swerve’ Scott 80
Ivar 81
Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts 85
JBL 88
Jeff Hardy 85
Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler 86
Jey Uso 85
Jim ‘The Anvil’ Neidhart 86
Jimmy Uso 85
Jinder Mahal 77
Joaquin Wilde 79
John Cena 92
John Morrison 80
Johnny Gargano 82
Jordan Devlin 79
Kalisto 74
Kane 82
Karrion Kross 84
Kay Lee Ray 81
Keith Lee 80
Kevin Nash (nWo 4-Life Edition) 90
Kevin Owens 85
Kofi Kingston 88
Kushida 79
Kyle O’Reilly 79
Lacey Evans 81
Lana 71
Lince Dorado 75
Liv Morgan 77
MACE 76
‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage 88
Mandy Rose 80
Mansoor 80
Marcel Barthel 79
Maryse 79
Mia Yim 79
Mickie James 81
‘Million Dollar Man’ Ted DiBiase 85
Montez Ford 82
Mr. McMahon 76
Murphy 77
Mustafa Ali 77
MVP 80
Naomi 79
Natalya  84
Nia Jax 82
Nikki A.S.H 82
Oney Lorcan 76
Otis 77
Papa Shango 79
Pete Dunne 81
Peyton Royce 79
R-Truth 77
Randy Orton 88
Raquel Gonzalez 81
Raul Mendoza 79
Razor Ramon 84
RECKONING 76
Rey Mysterio (2005) 84
Rey Mysterio (2006)   87
Rey Mysterio (2008) 86
Rey Mysterio (2009) 88
Rey Mysterio (December 2009) 87
Rey Mysterio (2011) 88
Rey Mysterio (2022) 90
Rhea Ripley 86
Ric Flair 88
Ricochet 82
Riddle 85
Road Dogg Jesse James 85
Robert Roode 81
Roderick Strong 80
Roman Reigns 95
Rowdy Roddy Piper 85
Sami Zayn 80
Samoa Joe 86
Santos Escobar 81
Sasha Banks 88
Scott Hall (nWo 4-Life Edition) 90
Seth Rollins 91
Shane McMahon 79
Shawn Michaels 88
Shayna Baszler 84
Sheamus  85
Shelton Benjamin  81
Shinsuke Nakamura  88
Shotzi 77
SLAPJACK 77
‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin 92
Sonya Deville 77
Stephanie McMahon 77
Syxx (nWo 4-Life Edition) 88
T-BAR 76
Tamina 75
Tegan Nox 79
The Brian Kendrick 74
The Miz (2011)  90
The Miz (2022) 86
The Rock 93
Timmothy Thatcher 80
Titus O’Neil 76
Tommaso Ciampa 84
Toni Storm 80
Trent Seven 77
Triple H 91
Trish Stratus 88
Tucker 71
Tyler Bate 82
Tyler Breeze 77
Ultimate Warrior 88
Undertaker 90
Undertaker – Ministry of Darkness (Undertaker Immortal Pack) 93
Undertaker – Phantom Mask (Undertaker Immortal Pack) 88
Undertaker – Boneyard Match (Undertaker Immortal Pack) 91
WALTER 86
William Regal 85
X-Pac 85
Xavier Woods 86

 


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