WWE 2K23 reviewed well overall, but whether it is worth playing now depends on what you want from it. Critics praised its presentation, wrestling action and breadth of modes; today, however, it is an offline-only game. 2K discontinued its servers on January 6, 2025, ending online matches and Community Creations. If you mainly want offline matches and modes, the original strengths still matter. If you rely on online play or downloading community creations, the game no longer offers that experience.
What did reviewers think of WWE 2K23?
On Metacritic’s all-platform page, WWE 2K23 had an 82 Metascore from 59 critic reviews, categorized “Generally Favorable,” and a 7.0 user score from 247 ratings, categorized “Mixed or Average,” as checked October 8, 2026. Those figures represent different audiences: critics were broadly positive, while user ratings were more divided. Counts and scores can change. See the Metacritic score snapshot.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
WWE 2K23 - PlayStation 4 | $24.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
WWE 2K23 | $26.24 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Take-Two Interactive WWE 2K23 Standard English Xbox Series X | $15.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
WWE 2K23 | $37.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
WWE 2K23 PS5 | $31.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Among those 59 critic reviews, Metacritic’s breakdown was 52 positive (88%), seven mixed (12%) and zero negative (0%) on October 8, 2026. That distribution supports a favorable critical consensus, not a claim that every player will enjoy the game.
What reviewers praised—and what they questioned
Presentation and match gameplay
Positive reviews highlighted the game’s visual presentation, optimization and satisfying core wrestling action. For players who want to stage matches and control the action in the ring, these were central strengths of the experience.
#1 Best Overall
- Play through the key moments and toughest opponents of John Cena’s storied 20-year WWE career. And in a franchise-first, take on the role of each marquee opponent - some of WWE’s greatest of all time - as you aim to take down Mr. Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect.
- IT’S ALL-OUT WARGAMES - This fan-favorite action-packed match type makes its debut in WWE 2K23 and delivers heart-pounding 3v3 and 4v4 multiplayer mayhem inside two side-by-side rings, surrounded by a double-steel cage.
- With MyGM, take the reins of a weekly show and compete against rival general managers for brand supremacy. Now featuring more GMs to choose from, additional show options, & more.
- Collect and upgrade cards of WWE Superstars and Legends to build the ultimate faction and compete for global dominance in MyFACTION, now featuring online multiplayer.
Modes and replayability
Critics also pointed to the amount of content and replayability, including WarGames and Showcase, as well as improvements to MyRISE and MyGM. The range gives offline players several ways to approach the game rather than limiting it to exhibition matches.
Incremental changes and rough edges
More qualified reviews described WWE 2K23 as an incremental step after WWE 2K22. Criticisms included long loading times, uneven elements in Showcase, shortcomings in some modes and remaining polish needs. These are review perspectives rather than universal player experiences. Read critic review excerpts on Metacritic.
Rank #2
- 102503
What is in the game?
2K’s March 14, 2023 launch announcement described a package built around several distinct modes and customization options. Its advertised headline addition was WarGames: matches for either 3v3 or 4v4, played across two side-by-side rings.
- Showcase: A mode built around featured wrestling matches.
- MyRISE: Two storylines, The Lock and The Legacy.
- MyGM and Universe: Management and sandbox-style options; 2K described Universe as having an updated rivalry and story system.
- Creation Suite: Tools to make custom Superstars, GMs, arenas, entrances, movesets and championships.
- MyFACTION: A team-building mode that included online multiplayer at launch. Its online functions are no longer available following the server shutdown.
2K listed a launch roster of 201 new and returning Superstars and separately announced 24 additional Superstars across five post-launch packs. These are publisher launch figures, not independently audited counts. The announcement also described Standard, Cross-Gen, Deluxe and Icon editions, with edition contents varying. These are historical launch details, not evidence that an edition or add-on can still be purchased. Read 2K’s March 14, 2023 announcement.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Can you play WWE 2K23 offline?
Yes. 2K’s support notice says owners can continue to play offline modes. The game’s servers were discontinued on January 6, 2025, so online matches, Community Creations and other online game modes are unavailable. In practical terms, you can still play supported offline modes, but you cannot use the game’s online services to compete or access player-created content. Read the WWE 2K23 server sunset notice.
Are WWE 2K23 servers still up?
No. The shutdown is complete: 2K’s support notice states that servers were discontinued on January 6, 2025. This ended online matches and Community Creations, along with the game’s other online modes. MyFACTION’s online multiplayer is therefore unavailable; do not treat its original online features as currently playable.
Rank #4
- 108603
- 5026555433723
Can you still buy WWE 2K23?
2K says the game, Virtual Currency and DLC/Add-Ons stopped being available for purchase through its channels beginning November 1, 2024. That notice does not establish whether third-party sellers have used copies or remaining physical stock. If considering a copy, check the specific platform, condition and listing, and do not assume that a particular edition or DLC is available. 2K announced console physical editions and a PC release through Steam at launch; the game originally launched on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC via Steam. Those launch platforms do not establish present-day stock or storefront availability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WWE 2K23 Base Game
- Pre-Order Bonus Pack
- Season Pass
- Ruthless Aggression Pack, Icon Edition Bonus Pack & Deluxe Edition Bonus Pack
- 3 days earlier access
Who should play WWE 2K23 now?
- It may suit you if you want offline wrestling matches, WarGames, Showcase, MyRISE, MyGM, Universe or customization tools, and you can access the game on a supported platform.
- It is a poor fit if online matches or downloading Community Creations are essential to you; those services have ended.
- Look closely before buying if you are considering a used or remaining physical copy. Official sales through 2K ended, and the support notice does not confirm the availability or condition of third-party listings.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
