WWE 2K26 is the next title in the WWE2K series, with three editions launching on March 6, and the standard edition coming out on March 13. Developed by Visual Concepts, this latest entry features several new and returning match types, such as Dumpster Match, Inferno Match, and more, along with Showcase mode focusing on CM Punk.

With plenty of improvements in every mode, such as stacking tables, motion-based features on the Nintendo Switch 2 version, and a far bigger Island to explore (undoubtedly rammed with microtransactions). Still, WWE 2K26 looks set to be a massive improvement on what came before, which was already a fantastic grapple-sim. With this in mind, we’re laying out what’s been announced and what each of the four editions offers in the lead-up to release.

The Escapist recaps

• WWE 2K26 is a wrestling game once again developed by Visual Concepts, coming out on March 6 via three editions, followed by the standard edition’s release on March 13.
• Much like previous WWE 2K entries, there will be plenty of wrestlers to choose from, with a 400+ roster from both past and present eras.
• WWE 2K26’s Showcase mode will focus on CM Punk this time, with plenty of opportunities to relive his past career highlights.
• Four editions of WWE 2K26 involve one based on the Attitude era from the late-90s, along with Triple H taking the front cover of its ‘Kings of Kings’ edition.

WWE 2K26 Platforms, Release Date, and Editions

WWE 2K26 will be available as four separate editions, each with its own benefits. Three of them launch on March 6, followed by the standard edition on March 13. All of these will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

These editions contain the following:

WWE 2K26 Standard Edition

• Release Date: March 13
• Joe Hendry Pack – Playable Joe Hendry, a MyFaction EVO card, a ‘spin’ emote for The Island, and a shirt cosmetic item.

WWE 2K26 King of Kings Edition

• Release Date: March 6
• Everything included from the Standard Edition
• Ringside Pass Season 1
• 32,500 VC
• Playable Triple H ‘98 
• Playable Stephanie McMahon ‘00
• Triple H ‘Taunt’ emote for The Island

WWE 2K26 Attitude Era Edition

• Release Date: March 6
• Everything Included from the Standard and King of Kings Editions
• Ringside Pass Season 1-4
• Superstar Mega Boost – 200 MySuperstar Points and 100,000 VC
• Playable ‘The Rock ‘99
• Playable Kane ‘98
• Playable Chyna ‘97
• Steve Austin ‘Rattlesnake’ MyFaction EVO Card
• The Rock ‘People’s Champ’  MyFaction EVO Card
• The Undertaker’s ‘Thumb Across the Neck’ emote for The Island
• Shawn Michaels ‘DX Crotch Chop’ emote for The Island
• Raw is War ‘98 Arena

WWE 2K26 Monday Night War Edition

• Release Date:  March 6
• Everything Included from all Editions
• Ringside Pass Season 1-6
• Wrestlemania 42 Pack – An arena and three exclusive Superstar Persona Cards
• Playable Shawn Michaels DX
• Playable Randy Savage ‘98
• Playable Roddy Piper ‘98
• WCW Thunder ‘98 Arena
• Diamond Dallas Page ‘Bang’ emote for The Island

WWE 2K26 Playable Roster

WWE 2K26 leads with CM Punk in the 400+ roster, returning to the series since WWE2K14. Below is a table showcasing wrestlers who are present in the game, including the Editions:

WWE 2K26 Gameplay

WWE 2K26 builds on much of what’s made previous games in the series so successful. Better physics and improved objects that can be used in the ring, such as stacking tables, or thumbtacks as a new weapon, let players plan how they’re going to win the match, and the audience as a whole. Returning game modes like Dumpster Match and Inferno only add to the replayability in WWE 2K26, along with the return of I Quit, not seen since 2K14.

Showcase Mode also makes a comeback, this time focusing on CM Punk. Players can relive some of his iconic moments from his WWE career, as well as an innovative ‘What If?’ scenario, showing how some matches could have gone differently. There’s also a ‘Rewrite History’ mode, where players can set up CM Punk with legendary wrestlers he never had the chance to take on.

Finally, other modes like Creation Suite, Universe Mode, and The Island all return with various improvements. A new storyline for The Island lets players choose one of three factions that can define how their character will fare with established WWE characters, along with the mode now available on PC for the first time.

With others like MyFACTION building on the collectable card battles in WWE 2K26, such as lineups from both men and women superstars, along with themed packs and more, there’s going to be plenty for new and old players once WWE 2K26 comes out in March.

Ask The Escapist

References

1. Official WWE Wrestling Game (WWE 2K26)
2. Official WWE Superstar Roster (WWE 2K26)

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