The roadmap for WWE 2K26 is becoming clearer as we inch closer to release. A majority of the roster has been confirmed so far, and there are plenty of awesome surprises. Over the weekend, the YouTube channel Pro Wrestling Shoot interviewed senior designer Cristo Kyriazis and gameplay developer Cornell Gunter to discuss some of the features in the upcoming.
The team at Visual Concepts has confirmed that the transition away from last-gen hardware has allowed for a complete rewrite of the logic governing Universe Mode and the character creation systems. WWE 2K26 will feature advanced AI sequences, better rivalry mechanics, and major overhauls to the creation suite.
The Return Of The Draft And Living Broadcasts
A standout addition to Universe Mode is the formal reintroduction of the Draft. This will be a customizeable, week-long even within the calendar, and players can trigger a superstar shake-up at any time or have it play out at pre-set internals. It features a presentation-heavy experience where general managers like Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis will take to the podium.
To reflect the current landscape of the WWE, the mode supports two main brands with an optional third “supplemental show” specifically designed to facilitate NXT call-ups. There’s also a new “Watch Show” feature, which aims to provide a seamless broadcast experience.
The game also eliminates a good chunk of the loading screen in Universe Mode, which means you won’t have to sit around waiting. Wrestling will flow seamlessly into storytelling setpieces. There’s a more dynamic rivalry engine, bolstered by a major shake-up to Money in the Bank mechanics. Cash-ins won’t be pre-meditated events anymore, they’re spontaneous.
There are also massive updates to the creation suite. WWE 2K26 will feature 200 superstar slots and 2,000 image slots, providing the breathing room necessary for complex custom rosters. Body morphine, a two-tone hair blendng system, and create-an-arena are some of the additional improved features. Check out more in-depth coverage on the creation suite upgrades here.
WWE 2K26 launches on March 13 for Playstation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, and on PC via Steam. Before you pre-order, it may be helpful to understand the differences between the various editions.
