WWE2KBATTLE2

Over-The-Top Arcade Brawler WWE 2K Battlegrounds Lands September 18th

by

WWE 2K Battlegrounds will release on September 18th, publisher 2K Sports announced today. The outrageous-looking arcade-style wrestling sim heads to PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Google Stadia.

2K also unveiled the official art set to adorn the game’s cover, which features a roll-call of throwback and modern wrestling stars. They are The Rock, Becky Lynch, Charlotte, John Cena, Steve Austin, Ronda Rousey, Asuka, Roman Reigns, Yokozuna, Andre the Giant, Kofi Kingston, The Fiend Bray Wyatt, and The Undertaker.

WWE 2K Battlegrounds is a light-hearted stopgap spin-off developed by 2K subsidiary Saber Interactive to fill the wrestling void left after the cancellation of WWE 2K21. WWE 2K20 fared poorly commercially and weathered criticism as a thinly-veiled bug-ridden reskin of the previous year’s WWE 2K19. Saber’s taking a year out to redeem itself in the eyes of franchise fans and doubling down on what will presumably be a mainline WWE 2K entry next year.

Adopting a lighter, over-the-top tone and cartoon-like aesthetic, WWE 2K Battlegrounds aims to provide an unhinged, in-your-face multiplayer arcade experience. It features 70 familiar WWE superstars and legends. As 2K explains:

“Each Superstar comes to the ring with one of five class styles, each featuring its own combat moves, strengths and weaknesses. Pick from the Powerhouse, Technician, High-Flyer, Brawler or All-Rounder to brawl with authority. Then break all the rules with arcade-style powerups, such as Flaming Fist, Ice Breath and Earthquake to quickly change the course of a match.”

Players can also expect nutty interactive environments, melee weapons, Superstar Creator feature, power-ups, special abilities, online tournaments, four-player co-op play, and a slew of modes such as the online last-man-standing King of the Battleground, Steel Cage, Royal Rumble, and Fatal Four Way.

The online component consists of eight playable Battleground arenas.

“Eight chaotic Battlegrounds environments are coming down the aisle, featuring interactive elements that add to the mayhem and a ton of outrageous ringside weapons you can grab to even the odds. Try diving off a military helicopter, or smash your buddies with cars in an auto shop, or toss your best friend into the jaws of a hungry alligator in the swamp. All the while, get your play-by-play commentary fix courtesy of WWE commentators Mauro Ranallo and Jerry “The King” Lawler. Make the Battlegrounds yours by customizing your own arenas to give each brawl a personal touch and then tag in the Superstar Creator to build your own, unique WWE Superstar with different body types and sizes, facial features, clothing, hair and fighting styles.”

There’s also a campaign mode that introduces seven fictional wrestlers vying for a coveted WWE contract. As one of these up and coming hopefuls, the player will be guided by none other than Stone Cold Steve Austin on their journey to the wrestling world’s upper echelons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh5BZR-Y6cA

Pre-order are up and include two editions, both available in physical and digital editions. The $49.99 Deluxe Edition includes:

  • Base game
  • Digital Deluxe Bonus Pack – Raise some hell with Stone Cold Steve Austin, lay the SmackDown with the Attitude Era version of The Rock and get rowdy with Ronda Rousey. The WWE 2K Battlegrounds Digital Deluxe Edition includes three versions of each Superstar.
  • Edge Totally Awesome Pre-Order Pack – WWE 2K Battlegrounds will reek of awesomeness with WWE Hall of Famer Edge, included in the Digital Deluxe Edition.
  • Currency Pack – Includes 1100 Golden Bucks, used to unlock additional Superstars and vanity items.

And, the $39.99 Standard Edition features:

  • Base game
  • Pre-Order Bonus: Edge Totally Awesome Pre-Order Pack – Pre-order now to ensure WWE 2K Battlegrounds reeks of awesomeness and unlock WWE Hall of Famer, Edge! This pack is also included with the Digital Deluxe Edition.
​