The WWE 2K series is now on its eight entry and they have really overhauled the title on its latest release. No matter which entry fans are playing through though, there are always some hidden inclusions that gamers might not have initially expected to have come across.
These hidden details might be based on the entrances, certain moves that can be pulled off, or gameplay options no one knew were actually possible. The series has flirted between being a straight-up sim and something a little more arcade based and these hidden details make that a little murkier. While the list will largely focus on the latest entry, some of these surprises also apply to past WWE 2K titles.
The Ring Can Be Broken
Ring breaks were a general OMG moment that could be applied in previous WWE 2K titles. Before the existence of OMG moments, it was still quite easy to set up the surprising, instant KO ring break move. However, with the changes made to WWE 2K22, it’s a little harder to achieve the moment.
It is still there though, hidden deep within gameplay. Provider92 learned that the move could be pulled off, saying “Still working out what exactly causes them, because I can’t find it in the settings or move list, but I’ve most consistently pulled it off with Andre the Giant (needs a Super Heavyweight, might be something to do with the combined weight of both wrestlers).” They also noted that to work, the opponent must have a low amount of health!
A Wrestler’s Walking Style Can Change
The best games from the WWE series ensure that specific character details are included that reflect the Sports Entertainer. 2K is always looking for more ways to make the title feel more authentic and the presentation of something as simple as a walk can be a way to do so.
User AleisterMobs makes an interesting claim from their time playing the title. They say that “I actually found that if you press the left stick your character’s walking style changes. It’s just a little thing.” It’s certainly a neat inclusion that should give further personality to the digital wrestlers!
Falling On The Middle Rope
The 2K series has really mastered the ability to set up a popular move perfectly. Some maneuvers, such as the 619, require the opponent to be resting on the middle rope before it is pulled off. But how can the player get them there? Well at the very least they can drag them to the ropes.
There are other opportunities though to send the opponent to the ropes though. RedGoldEmerald said “I know of a dropkick to the back and the running hurricanrana but not sure of others. It’s just hard to pull off successfully cuz the opponent has to go straight into the ropes, they can’t come in on an angle.” It’s definitely one for hardcore fans to master!
Some Wrestler Specific Moves Can’t Be Done By Anyone Else
The character creation suite allows players to craft their perfect Superstar. They have all kinds of tools available and one of the most exciting aspects of WWE 2K22 is the expanded options when it came to Create A Wrestler mode. However, incredibly popular moves that are associated with specific characters cannot be assigned.
Perhaps to ensure that those moves remain limited and specialized to the most well-known user, RedGoldEmerald also broke this down by saying “There are hidden moves though that can’t be assigned in create a move set. Samoa Joe’s corner uranagi reversal is one I can think of off the top of my head.”
A Suplex Off A Ladder To The Outside Is Possible
Whenever an Extreme Rules match is instigated players will be well aware of the range of weapons available to them. The ladder is a particularly dangerous piece of equipment that can be used, and there are even ladder matches where the metal structure is the main focus.
One hidden move that players are discovering is the use of a ladder suplex. Provider92 explains it best by stating “if you scoot the ladder so your backside is a bit closer to the ropes, the suplex will toss your opponent (and maybe yourself) completely out of the ring. Aim it at a ladder bridge for vicious results.” It’s a nifty trick to take advantage of in a match.
There Are Hidden Themes And Entrances
Similar games to the WWE 2K series probably wouldn’t copy this specific choice, considering it hides away one of the best elements of any wrestling-based title. But the 2K series has always included a range of hidden music and entrance animations for players to discover.
Sure it’s fun to assign them to an existing wrestler, but shouldn’t there just be easy options to choose between at the start in a more accessible manner? Regardless, one Reddit thread has continued to keep up to date with all the entrances and musical accompaniments that have been discovered thus far.
UpUpDownDown
Easter eggs are always fun to spot, especially for those fans who know everything there is to know about the WWE landscape. One surprising nod was towards Austin Creed, AKA Xavier Wood’s YouTube channel, UpUpDownDown. Specifically the brand manager series he’s been playing alongside Tyler Breeze.
User LordOfTheGallows went into detail by saying “While playing myGm I found some nice little shout-outs to Upupdowndowns Battle of the Brands when you draft Xavier Woods or Tyler Breeze. For Woods, Michael Cole sometimes says something along the lines of ‘I was expecting him to run the show himself, but nonetheless what a great pick!’ With Breeze, Graves called him “Prince Petty” and Cole called him ‘The master of the Prove Yourself Match.'” This is a great inclusion for those who love the YouTube playthrough.
Breaking The Fourth Wall
It’s always fun to see how the game will interact with the player, when it’s not glitching that is. Fourth wall breaks, acknowledging that this is actually a video game version of the WWE Universe, is a brilliant way of getting some quick laughs and not taking it all too seriously. Not moving the character at all is one way to do so.
Redditor ItsFirmanHimself said that “I saw on a youtube video where if you don’t move the wrestlers during the match, the announce team will break the 4th wall and poke fun of you (the player).” This is a trick that players are going to have to try now, to see what kind of sarcasm the legendary Corey Graves is going to come up with!
Hidden Renders
With plenty of releases from WWE, it was difficult for 2K to truly create a roster and title that represented the current landscape of the wrestling company. Unfortunately, that meant that a lot of characters got cut, even though they were actually in the process of being created.
Players have discovered that those original renders and even animations are still present in the title. When asked if they are actually usable CanadaSoulja noted that “They’re hidden and some of them are only usable in MyFaction. However, you can go download the models alongside their hidden themes and trons in Community Creations.” 2K has even gone in and made some hidden MyRise characters like “Goddess” Alexa Bliss and Dominik Dijakoivc into playable characters.
Situational Entrances
Some wrestlers have classic trademark entrances that aren’t always wheeled out on TV. They are saved for certain arenas or perhaps major Pay Per View events. It turns out that the 2K series, especially WWE 2K20, included these entrances under the right circumstances.
User Kill_Kayt shared their experienced saying “Today Eddie Guerrero had his first PPV match (he’s had many normal show matches before). Anyway, he came out in the lowrider… Now I know that entrance is in the game, but I never gave it to him. And in the week day shows he’s been walking to the ring like normal.” This kind of inclusion allows the game to feel more real and true to life.
