Need some WWE 2K22 hints before jumping into the first entry in the series in over two years? You landed in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know, from the basics of WWE 2K22 combos and grapples to wrestler ratings and MyGM and MyFaction tips. You’ll even learn how to add legends that were missing from the WWE 2K22 roster like Kurt Angle and Sting. Let’s ring the bell and get into your list of WWE 2K22 tips…
1. Combos and grapples are the new foundation
Yes, we started this piece with an Owen Hart-Jim Neidhart pun. 2K’s marketing advertises it’s ‘different’ and the publisher is telling the truth. WWE 2K22 is predominantly combo based and the square is used to initiate contact with a light hit before branching out into Heavy Attacks using X or Captures with O. The fourth and final hit is called the Combo Terminator and deals bonus damage.
[All controls pertain to PlayStation, but follow the same format on Xbox.]
Opponents can mess up your combo by being matched with your button press, so it’s important to mix up your approach throughout any match rather than tapping square, square, square, square until your thumb swells.
Grapples are your other important in-ring tactic. Press the circle to lock your opponent, then press square or X to launch a grapple attack. As with previous versions of the series, holding the left stick in a certain direction while pressing a button performs a certain movement. You can also whip your enemy Irish by pressing the hoop after locking.
2. Be careful before you buy SuperCharger
Unlocking everything without any hassle is a godsend in the WWE series, which is why Accelerator is always must-have DLC. It’s been renamed SuperCharger this year, but before you put money on it, note one vital thing: Items in Rey Mysterio’s Showcase cannot be unlocked.
This means you still have to play the mode to unlock all versions of Mysterio, certain characters like JBL, Batista, Eddie Guerrero and Rey’s son Dominik, arenas like WrestleMania 21, and belts like the World Heavyweight Championship. There are only 12 matches lasting several hours, but something to keep in mind when considering DLC options.
3. Each MyGM Manager has a unique power board
As mentioned in our WWE 2K22 review, the return of GM Mode – now being renamed MyGM – is a touch underwhelming, but you should still try it. Note that it only lasts a single season, so select ’50 weeks’ from the initial ‘session settings’ menu for maximum longevity. It’s also important to get your onscreen avatar right, as each has a power card that can come in handy as you progress. These are the six options and their individual blessings:
- Adam Pearce: Instigator (Increases the levels of all active rivalries by one)
- Sonya Deville: GM of a Superstar (Raise the morale of the entire squad by +15)
- William Regal: Legend Whisperer (The first legend you sign after playing this card will be free)
- Shane McMahon: Coast to Coast (A GM intervention provides an additional +2 Demo bonus and is free for one week)
- Stephanie McMahon: The McMahon Presence (Earn twice as much for a week from arena participation)
- Custom Superstar: Beginner’s Luck (Increase the popularity of the least popular superstar in your roster by 20+)
4. Focus on Evolution cards in MyFaction
The new Ultimate Team style mod, MyFaction, is an addictive introduction to WWE 2K22 and will look familiar to anyone who’s played this element of FIFA 22 or the card-based mobile WWE SuperCard. By winning matches and completing objectives, you create two sets of four cards, one male and one female. There’s naturally the temptation to buy new packs every time you earn in-game currency, in hopes of finding the best cards. But there is a better way to climb to the top.
The method is to focus on the Evolution cards. It’s best to deploy any in your arsenal as soon as you spawn them, as they automatically upgrade through continuous play. For example, my starter pack gave me Bayley and Rey Mysterio in this flavor, so I use them all the time, Rey scoring his first upgrade after doing 20 dive attacks, 25 comebacks, and 65 running attacks.
Those who pre-order the game get special treatment in this section. Three versions of Hollywood Hogan, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Syxx, and The Undertaker can likewise be gradually upgraded.
5. Community Creations help you complete your roster
Are you a fan of old style wrestling sad to see your favorite legend come out of the WWE 2K22 roster? Or a modern addict who says Omos and Ronda Rousey have missed? Help is at hand as one of the highlights of the series is back: Community Creations.
For the uninitiated, this area of the game allows you to download wrestlers made by other fans, and we have a comprehensive guide to come later in March. The top three creations I’ve found so far are Kurt Angle from GRMNQuality, Sting from MBDC, and Tommy End from GeKoDoesCaws, AKA Aleister Black.
To find them, choose Online > Community Builds > Downloads > Superstar, then press the triangle to search by creator.
6. These are the highest WWE 2K22 ratings in the men’s category…
Want to win matches instantly? This may not be the most honorable way, but it is the way to choose one of the best wrestlers in the game. These are the 14 highest rated male wrestlers in WWE 2K22.
1. Roman Reign 95
2. Brock Lesnar 94
3=. rock 93
3=. Undertaker (Ministry of Darkness) 93
5=. hollywood hogan 92
5=. John Cena 92
5=. Steve Austin 92
8=. AJ Styles 91
8=.Bobby Lashley 91
8=. Bret Hart 91
8=. Drew McIntryre 91
8=. edge 91
8=. Seth Rollins 91
8=. Triple H 91
7. … And here are the top 12 WWE 2K22 female ratings
Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, and Bayley have revolutionized women’s wrestling in recent years, and all three are just as fun to play as they were in WWE 2K22. Here’s where they rank in the game’s top 12 for all ladies.
1. Becky Lynch 92
2=. Asuka 90
2=. charlotte talent 90
4=. Bayley 88
4=. sasha banks 88
4=. Trish Stratus 88
7=. Beth Phoenix 87
7=. China 87
9. Rhea Ripley 86
10=. Alexa Happiness 84
10=. Natalya 84
10=. Shayna Baszler 84
Want to know who else made this year’s game? Then move on to our WWE 2K22 roster guide.
