WWE 2K26 'could cost £500' to unlock every star and fans are absolutely livid
While recent announcements leading up to the release of the new WWE game have fans excited, 2K Games' latest news has the hype train rolling off the rails.
Due for release on March 12, or on March 6 with pre-orders and early access editions, WWE 2K26 will offer more than 400 playable characters, four new match types and a heap of new features. But there's one new addition fans have reacted angrily to.
After years of sticking to the traditional downloadable content release method of dropping several packs of content throughout the game's life cycle, 2K Games have chosen to take a different tack this year. Instead of offering packs, DLC will be delivered via a battle pass method.
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Named the Ringside Pass, 2K says that it will offer six seasons of content throughout the year. According to the company's website: "The new Ringside Pass follows a battle pass format, featuring both a free and a premium track of rewards.
"Ringside Pass Season 1 will go live on March 6th with Early Access, meaning players won't have to wait until after WrestleMania for the first DLC - we can't wait to reveal contents in the coming weeks!"
Gamers will advance through the pass by collecting Ringside XP (RXP) through playing matches across most game modes - the only exception appears to be via custom online lobbies. Wins grant more RXP, 2K Games says, and some challenges offer extra RXP.
Not too dissimilar from the offering in games like Call of Duty Warzone and Fortnite, the model isn't a new thing in games. However, the kicker for WWE 2K26 comes with the fact that content players have already paid for will remain locked behind the pass until players have the RXP to access them.
According to the 2K Games website, playable characters usually unlocked via the in-game store and tokens - or with the now defunct SuperCharger - will now be added to the free track of the first season's pass.
"The WWE Legends that would typically be added to the in-game store and unlocked via Tokens or with the SuperCharger have now been added to the free track of Ringside Pass Season 1", the website states. "Playerscan still unlock those legends by simply playing the game, earning RXP, and claiming them in the Ringside Pass without any additional purchase. Giving more options than ever before to earn RXP.
"For those who play through the Ringside Pass Season 1, select WWE Legends are unlocked by earning RXP and completing the first season. The SuperCharger pack has been retired.
"For players who have purchased the premium track, we will provide the ability to purchase tier skips but those are completely optional. Players can continue to unlock rewards with RXP by playing the game without any additional purchases."
Gamers have taken to social media to explain their outrage. One Reddit user points out that, for a completionist who wants to skip the grind entirely, the cost could skyrocket.
Once players have bought base game, tier skips and extra content, they've already spent "$675". This is based on the cost of similar tier skips for NBA 2K, at $1.99 each, and assuming they are priced similarly for WWE 2K26.
The total estimated cost translates to the best part of £500, or £496.34 to be exact.
A fellow Redditor commented on the news saying: "That is unacceptable. If you paid for it, it should be unlocked.
"Grinding or paying again is pure greed." Another added: "I was already gonna skip this one, and probably the next one until something substantial is added or changed."
A third said: "Guess I'll skip it. I'm not paying for the option to get characters." Another concurred, saying: "Having to play dozens of hours to unlock DLC I paid for is very stupid."