Best WWE Games

Area of interest because the trade could be, WWE video games are a staple of the gaming scene. Over the previous few a long time, every yr looked as if it would produce no less than one wrestling name headlined by way of WWE’s many superstars, be it the Perspective Technology’s Stone Chilly and The Rock or fresh superstars like Becky Lynch and Roman Reigns. Naturally, now not each and every sport is of the similar high quality, and the franchise is answerable for some true stinkers; conversely, the collection could also be answerable for some really nice preventing video games.

WWE video games have advanced somewhat somewhat over time, and maximum fanatics have their favourite classes. Whilst private style performs an element in dictating anyone’s height pick out, a couple of releases stand out above the group. What are the ultimate WWE video games ever?

Up to date on December 1, 2024 by way of Mark Sammut: WWE 2K25 can be launched round March 2025, and there may be not anything to indicate the impending challenge will fail to care for the momentum set by way of its predecessors. To fill the time till its debut, two extra nice WWE wrestling video games were added as suggestions.

17 WWE Uncooked 2

Nice Highs And Irritating Lows

In comparison to its competition, the Xbox’s WWE lineup was once underwhelming. WWF Uncooked had just right visuals for its generation however clunky gameplay and a stunning loss of content material, whilst WWE WrestleMania 21 had in a similar fashion unhealthy battle, which was once arguably much more irritating because it was once a 2005 unencumber. Sandwiched in between those two video games was once WWE Uncooked 2, which got here the nearest to providing a forged enjoy for Xbox avid gamers.

The 2003 unencumber has somewhat a couple of positives in its desire. The roster was once and nonetheless is implausible, reflecting WWE’s stacked lineup on the time. Even though now not that centered, the season mode grants avid gamers somewhat somewhat of freedom in how they development, permitting them to craft a novel street to WrestleMania to an extent. In the end and most significantly, WWE Uncooked 2‘s customization options had been top-notch, arguably the finest at school on the time.

As nice as the entire above sounds, the sport is undermined by way of disappointing gameplay that falls someplace within the center between slow-paced sim and fast moving arcade goodness, fulfilling neither within the procedure.

WWE Uncooked 2 Crucial Reception

Whilst now not coming just about matching the best of PlayStation’s SmackDown! collection, WWE Uncooked 2 garnered a most commonly sure reception, despite the fact that all-around reward was once uncommon. At the moment, the sport is somewhat uncommon because of being an Xbox unique that’s not backward suitable with the Xbox One/Sequence X.

16 WWE All Stars

Smashing Higher-Than-Existence Motion Figures In combination

Launched right through a time when WWE video games had been basically sims, WWE All Stars was once an over-the-top arcade brawler that pitted legends as opposed to wrestlers of that generation (a lot of whom are unusually nonetheless lively in 2024). A transformation in expectancies is needed to understand this 2011 unencumber as this can be a wildly other enjoy from just about each and every post-2000s WWE challenge, together with arcade combatants like Right here Comes the Ache.

WWE All Stars‘ gameplay is stripped down significantly, arguably sharing extra in not unusual with beat ’em ups than one thing like WWE 2K12. The sport has no season mode, with lots of the content material revolving round finishing dream suits to free up extra characters. That mentioned, Trail of Champions supplies a couple of distinctive tales, so there may be some single-player content material.

In truth, WWE All Stars is a a laugh sufficient distraction this is in particular nice with pals. As a solo enjoy, the sport can get uninteresting relatively temporarily since numerous suits play out in the similar means.

WWE All Stars Crucial Reception

Fairly unusually, WWE All Stars garnered a favorable reception right through its debut; no less than, the PS3 and Xbox 360 variations went down properly with critics. Whilst now not receiving combination ratings on Metacritic, the hand held variations don’t seem to be unhealthy both. In the suitable temper, this sport will also be superior.

15 WWE 2K16

Enhancements From Earlier Titles Shine

WWE 2K16 is an access within the collection that serves as a grand growth when in comparison to its 2K15 predecessor. After the adverse reception of WWE 2K15, fanatics had been about in a position to surrender at the WWE 2K video games collection. Developer Yuke’s went above and past to support the whole lot they may from their earlier installment and succeeded in a majority of various tactics.

The best factor about 2K16 is not the enhancements or added fit sorts regardless that. The overflowing roster containing over 120 characters is what makes this sport stand out. Including some much-needed variety to a stale solid of playable skill with the advent of a lot of NXT superstars makes this access stand out particularly.

WWE 2K16 Crucial Reception

This sport was once now not pushed aside by way of fanatics, alternatively, it wasn’t the best-received both. Many, together with some critics, believed WWE 2K16 to be a step within the route, because it most commonly strikes clear of numerous the faults plaguing previous WWE 2K video games.

14 WWF WrestleFest

Dominate The Arcade Halls

WWE (or, WWF on the time) produced a few arcade video games, and they’re most commonly tremendous. WWF Superstars and WWF Royal Rumble don’t seem to be in particular value revisiting at the present time, however they had been OK releases for his or her eras. Relatively, WWF WrestleFest has elderly significantly higher, in large part because of a colourful presentation and easy however a laugh controls. As with many arcade video games, this 1991 unencumber is relatively simple and repetitive, despite the fact that it gives two modes (Royal Rumble and Saturday Evening’s Major Tournament) which are simply other sufficient to warrant playthroughs. The latter revolves round tag group wrestling, which was once a contemporary absorb 1991.

So long as expectancies are stored reasonable, WWF WrestleFest continues to be value a playthrough at the present time. The gameplay targets to be relatively reasonable, providing nearly a sim-like enjoy (no less than in comparison to different early WWE video games). Then again, the sport nonetheless prioritizes accessibility, and maximum suits must now not overstay their welcome.

In 2012, 2K launched
WWE WrestleFest
, a remake that contains fashionable superstars. This model is lovely exhausting to seek out at the present time.

WWF WrestleFest Crucial Reception

Fresh evaluations for WWF WrestleFest are reasonably exhausting to come back by way of at the present time, however it kind of feels like the sport was once obtained relatively properly. Retrospective evaluations have a tendency to be sure as properly.

13 WWE Day Of Reckoning 2

A Forgotten GameCube Gem

In relation to wrestling video games, the early 2000s had been ruled by way of the PS2. Throughout this period, Yuke’s infrequently did not hit a house run when growing entries for Sony’s machine, and titles like Close Your Mouth, Right here Comes the Ache, and SmackDown! vs. Uncooked hogged the limelight. Then again, the developer didn’t forget about Nintendo’s GameCube, generating 4 exclusives for the console between 2002 and 2005. Most of these releases have one thing to supply, however WWE Day of Reckoning 2 is the pick out of the bunch, despite the fact that its predecessor is more or less of the similar high quality.

Superficial as this praise may sound, however Day of Reckoning 2‘s graphics are severely spectacular. They had been state of the art for the generation, they usually nonetheless cling up. Outdoor of Right here Comes the Ache, Day of Reckoning 2 is arguably the perfect early 2000s WWE sport to revisit at the present time, and that is going past the visuals. The gameplay was once additionally nice and introduced a extra sim-like enjoy than the PS2 releases of this period. That mentioned, a couple of issues stay this name again from greatness, particularly the deficient dealing with of multi-man suits because of an excessively delicate collision machine.

WWE Day Of Reckoning 2 Crucial Reception

WWE Day of Reckoning 2 garnered a normally sure reception from critics, despite the fact that its total Metascore is relatively less than its predecessor. Whilst now not seemed again on as an all-time nice, this preventing sport has a tendency to be fondly remembered.

12 SmackDown Vs. Uncooked

Struggle Of The Manufacturers Starts

The unique SmackDown Vs. Uncooked was once met with most commonly sure evaluations. At this level (2004), WWE’s emblem break up was once gaining actual traction, with fanatics selecting a facet and deciding what weekly exhibit they might reinforce. WWE Uncooked, WWE’s long-running flagship program, or WWE SmackDown, which is normally noticed because the B-show.

SmackDown Vs. Uncooked made complete use of the selling that was once the WWE emblem struggle, and the contention the 2 presentations had. Whilst this sport had its flaws, it nonetheless made up for it with complex mechanics and confirmed what customizable choices may seem like for long run installments down the street.

SmackDown Vs. Uncooked Crucial Reception

This name bought over 300,000 copies in the United Kingdom by myself, which means that the sum of the income made along with North American (and international) gross sales would were huge for the time. As such, the recognition of the sport with fanatics helped spawn many following titles of an identical nature for the WWE sport library.

11 WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Sport

Preventing Sport With Some Wrestling Thrown In

In relation to mechanics and presentation, WWF WrestleFest is arguably the pick out of the bunch from this period, and this can be a nice choice if anyone is yearning a sport that captures the magic of the golden generation. Then again, on the subject of simply natural a laugh, WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Sport is an absolute satisfaction, in particular in arcades and at the Genesis.

Popping out within the corporate’s worst yr and right through the much-hated New Technology, WWF WrestleMania embraced the silliness that outlined this era by way of simply throwing any makes an attempt at realism out of the window (aside from for the gorgeous respectable graphics). Halfway’s Mortal Kombat background shines in the course of the spectacular visuals, fulfilling battle, and fast moving motion.

WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Sport Crucial Reception

For probably the most section, WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Sport obtained sure evaluations throughout all of its platforms. Whilst most likely now not remembered as one of the crucial all-time nice combatants, this can be a very forged early try to translate wrestling into online game layout.

10 WWE SmackDown! Close Your Mouth

Advent Of Tale Mode

One of the most largest court cases WWE fanatics have is that fashionable video games are missing in a just right tale mode. That is most commonly true, however this isn’t the case for WWE SmackDown! Close Your Mouth.

This PlayStation 2 vintage is very talked-about for its complex tale mode, the place avid gamers choose rosters and select their very own designated trail in the course of the WWE ladder. Many fanatics are nonetheless begging for this idea to be replicated since it’s arguably probably the most intricate and extremely interactive tale mode in any WWE sport to this present day.

WWE SmackDown! Close Your Mouth Crucial Reception

The tale mode was once well-liked by fanatics, who had been additionally in a position to revel in custom-created characters to behold with graphics that had been unbelievable for the time.

9 SmackDown Vs. Uncooked 2007

Wrestling Meets New Consoles

SmackDown Vs. Uncooked 2007 was once the primary WWE sport to be launched on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles, and whilst there were not many new additions comparable to sport modes, fit sorts, statement, and so forth. it is nonetheless a perfect access within the collection however.

Maintaining a lot of what made the 2006 version of the sport such a success, however now not providing anything else new most likely because of developer Yuke’s having to create 4 other variations of the sport because of the newly launched console’s arrival. One facet value citing is SmackDown Vs. Uncooked 2007‘s spectacular roster lets in the sport to really feel like a correct snapshot of WWE’s Ruthless Aggression at just about its top.

SmackDown Vs. Uncooked 2007 Crucial Reception

Regardless of being plagued by way of a lot of insects, comparable to ones involving announcer discussion traces and likely sport sorts being just about unplayable, one of the vital collision system faults had been hilarious to behold, albeit irritating if damaging. With that mentioned, SmackDown Vs. Uncooked 2007 had numerous content material and replay price…if one may benefit from the unrefined facets.

8 SmackDown Vs. Uncooked 2010

A Secure Guess And Worthy Sequel

Whilst higher than the 2007 access within the collection, and a majority of the opposite titles as properly, SmackDown Vs. Uncooked 2010 is not the finest of the SmackDown Vs. Uncooked generation of WWE video games, however it is a sequel worthy of the namesake in its personal proper. Whilst the roster is much more missing when in comparison to the 120 playable characters that 2K16 possesses, it nonetheless makes up for that with main improvements to gameplay and a couple of standout sport modes.

Persona introduction was once exponentially expanded on this name, permitting avid gamers to customise each and every characteristic in their wrestler, in conjunction with developing their very own front, spotlight reels, and completing strikes. Some other welcomed addition was once the enhancements to the massively underrated Street to Wrestlemania sport mode, which allowed avid gamers to create personalised tales for each and every unmarried wrestler within the sport the place one’s creativeness may run rampant.

SmackDown Vs. Uncooked 2010 Crucial Reception

SmackDown Vs. Uncooked 2010 was once thought to be to be a notable growth over its rapid predecessors. The period of time that may be misplaced delving into tradition storylines and developing peculiar authentic characters can simply finally end up being within the loads for fanatics of the franchise.

7 WWF WrestleMania 2000

Will have to Now not Be Lost sight of

A really perfect sport eclipsed by way of a masterpiece, WWF WrestleMania 2000 exists solely within the shadow of WWF No Mercy, which is awesome in mainly each and every means. Because of this, AKI’s authentic WWE name has a tendency to be overlooked since there is not any reason why to counsel it over its successor and even the developer’s WCW titles; alternatively, that may be a disservice to what’s nonetheless one of the crucial biggest wrestling video games ever.

Boasting a stellar Perspective Technology roster, available however difficult gameplay that lends itself properly to long suits, a good choice of fit sorts, and a good, if fundamental try at a Occupation mode, WWF WrestleMania 2000 will also be thrown on when anyone desires to play a one-off fit, put in combination a dream PPV, or commit a couple of weeks in their lives to assemble each and every to be had belt. Like several of AKI’s wrestling video games, the battle has elderly like tremendous wine.

WWF WrestleMania 2000 Crucial Reception

Whilst recent evaluations are relatively tricky to seek out, WWF WrestleMania 2000 looked to be obtained properly by way of critics, a lot of whom praised the gameplay’s intensity and the roster. On the time of its unencumber, it was once the ultimate WWE sport ever. Amongst fanatics, the name is held in fairly prime regard.

6 WWE 2K19

Absolute best Wrestling Sport Of The Remaining Decade

The general sport evolved by way of Yukes within the WWE 2K collection, WWE 2K19 is the wrestling sport that longtime fanatics have sought after for years. Older entries within the collection are very talked-about for his or her ridiculous and oftentimes over-the-top environment, and it kind of feels like 2K19 developer Yukes took the ones video games to middle, and created one thing that each hardcore and informal fanatics may get in the back of.

By way of a long way the finest name within the WWE 2K collection prior to the 2022 refresh, WWE 2K19 has just about the whole lot from wacky fit sorts, a steller roster, and extremely a laugh gameplay. It is a disgrace the collection could not stay the momentum going following it.

WWE 2K19 Crucial Reception

Each the “My Occupation” and “Exhibit” modes had been praised for being a laugh and well-thought-out. They lacked critical insects and captured the spirit of WWE video games that fanatics crave: a wacky, over-the-top environment with tight controls and great graphics.

5 WWE 2K24 (Or 2K22/23)

The New Technology

Following the disastrous WWE 2K20, 2K and Visible Ideas took measured steps to make sure their flagship wrestling emblem returned to the limelight. WWE 2K22 and WWE 2K23 are each superb video games that warrant a advice for his or her Showcases that quilt Rey Mysterio and John Cena’s careers respectively; alternatively, out of doors the ones modes, those titles were rendered out of date because of the life of WWE 2K24, which is largely a relatively higher model

Once a year releases usually focal point on incremental enhancements reasonably than fashionable adjustments, and 2K’s franchise is likely one of the higher examples of this development. Regardless of being similar to the older entries, WWE 2K24’s new fit sorts, WrestleMania Exhibit, advanced visuals, a laugh MyRise storylines, MyGM tweaks, and an up to date roster are notable sufficient adjustments to firmly cement the newest unencumber because the ultimate WWE sport of the closing 5 years. The brand new generation’s shift against extra arcade-style gameplay could be a greater are compatible for old-school fanatics who need a non secular successor to classics like Right here Comes the Ache than most of the franchise’s adorned sim releases of the 2010s.

WWE 2K24 Crucial Reception

WWE 2K24 was once normally well-received by way of critics and fanatics, with the consensus portray it as a profitable sequel that takes only a few dangers. That mentioned, the reward is underpinned by way of a way of slight fatigue, suggesting that WWE 2K25 will wish to enforce extra considerable enhancements to stay the franchise’s sure run going. Nonetheless, if anyone is yearning a contemporary wrestling sport, WWE 2K24 is the name they must pick out up.

4 SmackDown Vs. Uncooked 2006

Advent To A Fan-Favourite Sport Mode

SmackDown Vs. Uncooked 2006 took the idea that of name wars to a complete new degree with the advent of fan-favorite sport mode, Basic Supervisor mode, (Or GM mode for brief).

GM mode is a relatively easy and simple sport mode: avid gamers take regulate of both SmackDown or Uncooked and bring their rosters, suits, contention, champions, and extra. Gamers may run their very own exhibit and make a decision the destiny in their exhibit’s wrestlers. Whilst this sport mode hasn’t been round for over 10 years now, WWE 2K titles have offered avid gamers to Universe mode which has similarities to GM mode–sadly, alternatively, Universe mode is nowhere close to as just right.

SmackDown Vs. Uncooked 2006 Crucial Reception

Many, together with critics, reward the sheer quantity of content material discovered on this name. There’s a lot to look and do, giving it nice replay price to tie fanatics over till the following yr’s inevitable unencumber.

3 WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Function

Unending Season Mode Was once A Pleasure To Play

Named after one of the crucial many iconic catchphrases mentioned by way of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Function is a standout within the collection. Freeing in 2000 as a PS1 unique, Know Your Function reputedly already knew its function when it hit cabinets that fateful yr.

The addition of a few wild fit sorts comparable to behind the scenes brawl and outrageous guns make this access a extremely sought, and much-beloved wrestling name to his day.

WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Function Crucial Reception

With lots of choices and nice multiplayer, WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Function was once a laugh to play by myself or with pals. Any sport mode may additionally cling one’s consideration for a very long time, because of the addictive nature of the simple controls and style.

2 WWF No Mercy

Nintendo Unique Lovers Nonetheless Reward

Most commonly cherished for its completely brutal gameplay, this WWE sport is by way of a long way probably the most “angle generation” out of any WWE sport so far, and that is the reason most likely why fanatics nonetheless can not recover from it. Being that the perspective generation was once and nonetheless arguably is the finest time to be a wrestling fan, making a sport with angle was once undoubtedly key, and that is the reason what developer syn Sophia did.

The sequel to Wrestlemania 2000 runs off the similar engine however proves that it might nonetheless prosper. The primary sport within the WWE sport mythos to incorporate storylines into gameplay, in conjunction with epic and brutal battle in addition to finisher animations make WWF No Mercy a sport long-time fanatics nonetheless reminisce about.

WWF No Mercy Crucial Reception

This name’s easy-to-learn controls had been a double-edged sword for it: informal avid gamers had been in a position to really button mash and win fights whilst extra hardcore avid gamers had been restricted with regards to battle choices. This leveling of the taking part in box created minor splits within the WWE sport neighborhood, regardless that was once now not sufficient to purpose avid gamers to dislike WWF No Mercy.

1 WWE SmackDown! Right here Comes The Ache

A PS2 Vintage

In a similar fashion named after a outstanding catchphrase (mentioned by way of former wrestler and commentator Tazz each and every time Brock Lesnar got here to the hoop), Right here Comes the Ache nonetheless holds as much as this present day. Whilst Xbox avid gamers were not graced with this wrestling gem of a sport, PlayStation 2 customers had been.

On the time of unencumber, Right here Comes the Ache was once the best-looking wrestling sport ever and had gameplay paying homage to WWF No Mercy regarding the ridiculous, brutal, and total stress-free battle mechanics. Completing strikes particularly felt massive on this sport, because the digicam attitude would trade and create the epic surroundings a fan would see viewing WWE’s precise product from house. Whilst totally needless, Right here Comes The Ache reputedly is aware of this and offers fanatics an enjoy that many nonetheless rave about to this present day.

WWE SmackDown! Right here Comes The Ache Crucial Reception

In keeping with critics and fanatics alike, hugely advanced graphics from earlier titles, a extra detailed profession mode, and a fleshed-out persona writer function are however a few of what make Right here Comes the Ache the finest WWE sport of all time.