As we get closer to the release of WWE 2K25 on March 14, 2025, or March 7 for those who grab the digital-only Deadman or The Bloodline Editions, we’re ready to give you an inside look at one of the new features this year: The Island!
The Island*, exclusively available for PS5® and Xbox Series X|S, is a brand new way to experience WWE 2K, where players can explore themed districts, compete against other players, and take on exciting quests. The goal? Prove you’ve got what it takes and win the favor of Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns.
In this Ringside Report, we’ll dive into the WWE-themed experience of The Island, break down the four distinct districts, creating and customizing your MySUPERSTAR, the multiplayer experience, and everything else players can expect when first jumping into The Island.
THE DISTRICTS
In The Island, you’ll encounter four distinct WWE-themed districts, each offering a unique atmosphere, challenges, and plenty of opportunities for exploration. Here’s a breakdown of each one:
- Hero HQ
Hero HQ is a bright bastion of all that is good. Stand tall and celebrate the top WWE stars that overcome all odds and stand up for the little guy. However, make sure to stay vigilant—for some reason this area is constantly under attack from WWE villains, who undertake all kinds of tactics to gain power on The Island.
- The Arcade of Tomorrow
The technological haven that is The Arcade of Tomorrow shines as a fusion of tradition and innovation. This space is a mecca for all gamers, comic book lovers, and the pop-culture obsessed.
- The Temple of Ancestors
Rising from The Island as a colossal testament to power and reverence, The Temple of the Ancestors stands as a tribute to the importance of Lucha culture and acknowledging the wrestling greats who paved the way for the Superstars of today.
- The Deadlands
A portal to the supernatural, The Deadlands stands in restless defiance of its own existence. Most living dare not tread—yet should you cross its threshold, the haunting cathedral overlooks a graveyard that conceals many secrets… and whispers your name.
The highlight of each district is a unique arena, where players will not only find themselves completing quest matches and challenges, but will be able to challenge friends or matchmake with other online players. Which one will be your favorite to step through the ropes to throw down?
CREATING AND PROGRESSING YOUR MySUPERSTAR
The path to WWE greatness begins with the MySUPERSTAR Builder, where players can craft their identity. There are many extensive customization options that impact not only the look of your MySUPERSTAR, but their in-ring ability as well. You’ll be able to set up a few different categories: Gender, Background, Archetype, Weight Class, and more - every choice shapes your MySUPERSTAR’s build including minimum/maximum Attributes, availability of Badges, and Payback access.
Don’t feel tied to just one MySUPERSTAR though as players will have up to four save slots, giving you the option to experiment with different builds or just have fun creating who you want to be.
In The Island, progression is key. By completing quests, challenges, live events (coming soon), and matches you’ll be able to earn XP and VC that can be used to increase your MySUPERSTAR’s attributes, unlock badges, and customize their appearance.
- XP & VC: Gain XP and VC by winning matches and completing quests. XP increases your MySuperstar’s level, while VC is used to purchase upgrades.
- Badges: Through gameplay, unlock badges that enhance your wrestler’s abilities, providing a boost to both stats and performance.
- Rank System: As you win PvP matches, you’ll earn rank points that move you up in the rankings. Be careful though, if you lose a match, you will also lose Rank Points and move down a level.
You'll be able to earn rewards as you fight your way to the top, to reach XP Level 50. Meanwhile, VC can be used to increase individual attributes to raise your OVR, which in turn, also unlocks valuable Badge Points, essential for players who want to make an impact on the Island. Just like real-life WWE, success in challenges and against other online players relies on your individual strategy. Where will you allocate your upgrades and resources?
If gear is your thing, there are plenty of options to keep your MySUPERSTAR dripped out. As you explore The Island, you’ll come across several themed shops, offering exclusive customization options for your MySUPERSTAR. Brands like Nike, Jordan, and the WWE Shop bring real-world flair to the WWE Universe, allowing players to further personalize their look.
Once you unlock an item in The Island, it will also be available in the main game as a CAS part! So say you pick up a pair of Jordan shoes, you can then take those shoes out of The Island and put them on a newly created character or edit a WWE Superstar and give them a new pair of kicks.
And if you’re ever in need of a wardrobe change, MyBOOTHs located through The Island will let you update your wardrobe whenever you want, as well as edit your moveset.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the brands available at launch in The Island:
- Chalk Line
- DSYF
- Free & Easy
- iSlide
- Jordan
- MSCHF
- Nike
- Puma
- StayCool NYC
- Tuff Crowd
- WWE Shop - A Fanatics Experience
CHAPTERS & QUESTS
The story in The Island is driven by quests, with WWE Superstar quest-givers scattered throughout the overworld and inside landmarks. As you explore The Island, you'll progress through five playable chapters, each one revealing more about Roman's challenge and The Island itself, as you endeavor to impress your Tribal Chief. Each quest is packed with PvE content designed to test your skills as you rise through the ranks.
Speaking to Superstars in each district or the overworld will start quests, which can be tracked through the quest menu. Types of quests range from competing in matches, engaging NPCs or Superstars, and exploration. Completing quests will earn you rewards and XP, which can be used to progress your MySUPERSTAR which we’ll cover a bit more of later.
One of the main methods of progressing quests is through The Line, a device used to track your progress and communicate with Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman. Through it, players will receive messages, exclusive video clips, and directives that move the story forward. The Line allows Roman to personally guide and challenge players, driving the narrative as you prove your worth to the Tribal Chief.
PLAY ONLINE**
WWE 2K25 brings a new multiplayer experience to the long-time franchise, giving fans another way to jump online and play with others. With up to 50 players able to share the same server, you can interact with and compete against others for supremacy.
Yes, you and your friends can jump into the same server and explore The Island together by using the “Who’s Online” feature if they are online and also currently in an instance of The Island. At the core of The Island is the opportunity to face off against other players in PvP. Players can jump into matchmaking portals found throughout The Island and compete in real-time. Each match earns XP, VC, and in-game rewards that feed into progression and challenge systems. Wins, losses, and performance are tracked to determine your ranking.
There are five rank tiers: Diamond (highest), Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. As mentioned, players can reach new ranks by earning Rank Points from wins and once a new rank is reached, new rewards are unlocked. Vice versa, losing will result in Rank Points dropping.
There’s a lot more to discover on The Island, but we’ll save it so you can explore yourself. We’ll also be covering off on the new or updated match types and game modes in the upcoming Ringside Reports, so check back soon!
*The Island is only available for New Gen WWE 2K25 available on PS5™ and Xbox Series X|S.
**Online play including MyFACTION requires an internet connection and 2K Account. Console online play requires separate paid subscription. Terms apply.
