Is WWE 2K23 Easy? A Deep Dive for New and Veteran Players

WWE 2K23, like its predecessors, occupies a nuanced position when it comes to ease of play. It’s not inherently easy, but it’s also not insurmountable for newcomers. The game offers a wealth of accessibility options and difficulty settings, making it highly adaptable to a wide range of skill levels. However, mastering the intricacies of the gameplay, particularly reversal timing and advanced maneuvers, requires dedication and practice. The learning curve isn’t steep, but the ceiling for skill expression is high, meaning there’s always room for improvement. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up but challenging to master, rewarding players who invest time in understanding its mechanics.

Understanding the Learning Curve

The perceived difficulty of WWE 2K23 depends heavily on several factors: your prior experience with wrestling games, your chosen difficulty setting, and your willingness to experiment with the game’s various systems. For players familiar with the WWE 2K series, the control scheme and core gameplay loop will feel immediately familiar. However, even veterans will find that WWE 2K23 introduces subtle tweaks and improvements that require some adjustment.

Newcomers, on the other hand, might initially feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. The game features a robust roster of wrestlers, each with their own unique movesets and attributes. There are also numerous match types to explore, from classic one-on-one encounters to chaotic Royal Rumbles and brutal Hell in a Cell matches.

Accessibility Options and Difficulty Settings

Fortunately, WWE 2K23 offers a range of accessibility options and difficulty settings that can significantly ease the learning curve. Players can adjust the difficulty level of individual matches, customize the game’s HUD to display helpful information, and even enable assists that simplify certain actions, such as reversals.

Starting on the Easy difficulty setting is highly recommended for new players. This will give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the basic controls and mechanics without facing overly aggressive or skilled opponents. As you become more comfortable with the game, you can gradually increase the difficulty to provide a more challenging and rewarding experience. Remember, difficulty matters; a more difficult level will require better timing, strategy, and knowledge of the game’s systems.

Mastering the Core Mechanics

While WWE 2K23 is relatively easy to pick up and play, mastering its core mechanics takes time and effort. One of the most important skills to learn is reversal timing. Reversals are crucial for turning the tide of a match and preventing your opponent from dominating you. The game provides visual cues to help you time your reversals correctly, but mastering the timing requires practice and anticipation. By default, WWE 2K23’s system will prompt the player with a Y or Triangle onscreen to hit a reversal. However, it’s better to pay attention to the opponent’s animations.

Another key aspect of the game is stamina management. Performing moves and running around the ring consumes stamina, and if you run out of stamina, you’ll become vulnerable to attacks. Learning to conserve your stamina and time your attacks effectively is essential for success.

Overcoming Frustrations in Showcase and MyRise

While the core gameplay of WWE 2K23 is generally well-received, some players have expressed frustration with the mandatory objectives in the Showcase and MyRise modes. These objectives often require you to perform specific actions during a match, which can be difficult or even impossible to achieve if you’re not familiar with the game’s mechanics.

Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate this frustration. First, don’t be afraid to lower the difficulty level when playing these modes. This will make it easier to complete the objectives without being overwhelmed by the AI. Second, take the time to learn the specific moves and strategies required to complete each objective. There are many online resources, such as YouTube videos and forum threads, that can provide helpful tips and tricks.

WWE 2K23: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the difficulty and accessibility of WWE 2K23, designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the game:

1. Is WWE 2K23 harder than WWE 2K22?

   While the core mechanics remain similar, many players feel that WWE 2K23 offers a slightly more polished and challenging experience. The AI is more aggressive, and the timing for reversals is slightly tighter. However, the game also provides more accessibility options, which can help to offset the increased difficulty. Control-wise, 2K23 is identical to the previous game’s revamped setup, but is a bit smoother.

2. Is WWE 2K23 beginner-friendly?

   Yes, WWE 2K23 is relatively beginner-friendly, especially if you start on the Easy difficulty setting. The game features a comprehensive tutorial mode that teaches you the basic controls and mechanics. There are no fancy quarter-circle movements to memorize or complicated button inputs. Furthermore, the accessibility options can be customized to suit your individual needs.

3. How can I get better at reversals in WWE 2K23?

   Mastering reversals requires practice and anticipation. Pay close attention to your opponent’s animations and try to predict when they’re going to attack. The game provides visual cues, but relying solely on these cues can be unreliable. Experiment with different reversal timings to find what works best for you.

4. What’s the easiest way to win matches in WWE 2K23?

   On Easy difficulty, simply using a few strong strikes, grapples, and signatures will typically earn the win. On higher difficulties, consider using roll-ups, especially when your opponent’s health bar is low. Take advantage of stunned opponents and experiment to discover which pin system suits you best.

5. Does the difficulty setting affect the rewards I earn in WWE 2K23?

   While playing on higher difficulties can be more challenging, it doesn’t significantly increase the rewards you earn in the game. The primary motivation for playing on higher difficulties is the increased sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to hone your skills.

6. Is MyGM mode in WWE 2K23 difficult?

   MyGM mode offers a decent challenge, but it’s a clear improvement over 2K22. The addition of an assistant GM makes booking shows much more intuitive. The difficulty can be adjusted through various settings. The changes littered across the mode make it much more engaging, enjoyable, and a lot more intuitive to play through.

7. How do I unlock all the Superstars in WWE 2K23?

   WWE 2K23 features 87 unlockable Superstars, primarily through the Store and the John Cena-inspired Showcase Mode. Five Superstars are exclusively unlocked through MyRISE Mode, in The Legacy and The Lock storylines. Additionally, the Supercharger pack, available with the Deluxe Edition, unlocks all base-game WWE Legends and throwback arenas.

8. What are sliders and how can they affect the difficulty of WWE 2K23?

   Sliders are customizable settings that allow you to fine-tune various aspects of the gameplay, such as the frequency of reversals, the amount of damage dealt by attacks, and the AI’s aggressiveness. Adjusting the sliders can significantly impact the difficulty of the game, allowing you to create a more personalized experience.

9. What is the weakest wrestler in WWE 2K23?

   Eric Bischoff has the lowest rating of all the playable Superstars in WWE 2K23. It should not come as a surprise that he receives the lowest rating due to the fact that Bischoff was not a professional wrestler during his time with WWE.

10. What are some tips for beginners in WWE 2K23 MyRise mode?

    Experiment with different story options and character builds. Pay attention to the storylines and try to make decisions that align with your character’s personality. Complete side quests to earn additional rewards and improve your character’s attributes. MyRise is one of the most interesting modes to play. You can relive the experiences of a real male or female WWE wrestler and put your own spin on their stories.

11. How is the AI in WWE 2K23 different from previous games?

    The AI in WWE 2K23 is generally considered to be more aggressive and strategic than in previous games. The AI opponents are more likely to use a variety of moves, target your weaknesses, and exploit your mistakes.

12. What is the strongest wrestler in WWE 2K22?

    While this is a subjective question, Bobby Lashley, Goldberg, and Brock Lesnar are generally considered to be among the strongest wrestlers in WWE 2K22, based on their attributes and movesets. Also, with nearly 200 playable wrestlers on the WWE 2K22, Roman Reigns has the highest overall rating with 95. Brock Lesnar is right behind him with a 94 overall rating.

13. Where can I find resources for learning more about WWE 2K23?

    There are many online resources available, including YouTube tutorials, forum discussions, and wiki pages. The Games Learning Society also offer valuable insights into the learning aspects of video games. These resources can provide helpful tips and tricks for mastering the game’s mechanics and improving your skills. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.

14. Is WWE 2K23 appropriate for children?

    WWE 2K23 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB, meaning that it may contain content that is not suitable for young children. The game features violence, blood, and suggestive themes. Parents should exercise caution and consider the maturity level of their children before allowing them to play the game.

15. Is the deluxe edition of WWE 2K23 worth it? The WWE 2K23 Deluxe Edition includes a Season Pass: Includes all 5 post-launch DLC character packs, the MyRISE Mega-Boost pack, with 200 additional Attribute Points, and the Supercharger pack which unlocks all base-game WWE Legends and throwback arenas. Release timing of the DLC contents will be revealed at a future date. Depending on if you play this game a lot, it may be worth it!

Ultimately, the difficulty of WWE 2K23 is subjective and depends on your individual skills and preferences. However, the game offers a wealth of accessibility options and difficulty settings, making it adaptable to a wide range of players. By investing time in learning the game’s mechanics and experimenting with different strategies, you can overcome the challenges and enjoy a rewarding and engaging wrestling experience.