Major Change Coming To WWE 2K26 DLC System

With the Royal Rumble now in the books, 2K and WWE have released the first official images and details for WWE 2K26, which is scheduled to launch on March 13.

The reveal confirmed CM Punk as the Standard Edition cover star, marking his first appearance on a WWE video game cover since WWE ’13. Punk, the current World Heavyweight Champion, left WWE shortly after that release and did not return until 2023.

Alongside the visuals, 2K outlined a major change to how downloadable content will work in WWE 2K26. Traditional DLC packs have been replaced by a new Ringside Pass system, which functions more like a battle pass. Each Ringside Pass will feature a free reward tier and a premium tier, with multiple passes planned across the game’s lifecycle. Importantly, 2K confirmed that none of the passes will expire, meaning players can unlock earlier rewards even if they purchase the game later in the year.

The free tier of the first Ringside Pass will include 60 unlockable items, while the premium tier will add a further 40. Rewards will consist of the type of content previously sold as DLC, including new superstars, cosmetic and customisation items, VC, and content for MyFaction and The Island. The first pass will be available at launch.

The Standard Edition will retail for $69.99 and feature over 400 playable superstars, access to the Ringside Pass system, and a pre-order bonus centred on Joe Hendry. The Joe Hendry pack includes a playable version of Hendry, a cosmetic shirt item, a MyFaction EVO card, and a Spin Island emote. Players who pre-order on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S or PC will also receive WWE 2K25 at no extra cost.

Three premium editions will also be available. The King of Kings Edition, priced at $99.99 and featuring Triple H on the cover, includes Ringside Premium Pass Season 1, 32,500 VC, playable versions of Triple H ’98 and Stephanie McMahon ’00, a Triple H taunt emote for The Island, and early access beginning March 6.

The Attitude Era Edition, retailing for $129.99, builds on that with Ringside Premium Pass Seasons 1 through 4, 100,000 VC, and several classic-era additions, including playable The Rock ’99, Kane ’98, and Chyna ’97. It also features a Raw Is War ’98 arena, special MyFaction cards for Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, themed emotes for The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels, a MyRISE attribute boost, and early access on March 6.

The top-tier Monday Night Wars Edition, priced at $149.99, adds further content inspired by WWE’s rivalry with World Championship Wrestling. This version includes Ringside Premium Pass Seasons 1 through 6, playable DX-era Shawn Michaels, Macho Man Randy Savage ’98, and Roddy Piper ’98, along with a WCW Thunder ’98 arena and a Diamond Dallas Page emote for The Island. It also comes with a WrestleMania 42 content pack, including the arena and three MyFaction Persona cards, available after launch, plus early access on March 6.

When Does WWE 2K26 Launch?

WWE 2K26 launches on March 13, with early access for premium editions beginning March 6, and introduces a new content model that will shape how players unlock wrestlers and features throughout the year.

The game is also set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2, and it was announced that this edition of the game will feature motion and mouse controls within the Creation Suite.