I’ve spent more hours than I’d care to admit in wrestling video games, especially the GM modes that let you step into the shoes of a promoter, but I’ve always felt something was missing. That untamed spirit of competition—the thrill of truly outsmarting a human opponent—just wasn’t there. With the arrival of WWE 2K25’s GM mode, that finally seemed possible, at least on paper. The long-awaited online multiplayer feature is here, and as someone who’s been drafting wrestlers and booking rivalries for years, I couldn’t wait to dive in. But after putting it through its paces, I’ve realized that mastering this wild, unpredictable experience requires understanding its secrets—not just its mechanics, but its soul.
Let’s start with the foundation. GM mode, for the uninitiated, shares some DNA with Universe mode, but they’re fundamentally different beasts. Universe is your sandbox for storytelling, a place where you can craft epic narratives and let your imagination run wild. GM mode, on the other hand, is all about competition. You’re not just a booker; you’re a strategist. You draft a roster, maybe snagging a top star like Roman Reigns early on, then build weekly match cards while managing budgets, fan satisfaction, and rivalries. The goal? To outperform your opponent, whether it’s the CPU or another player, by hitting milestones and amassing virtual wealth. It’s a game of chess, not just chaos, and that’s where the first secret lies: embracing the competitive angle fully. Too many players get caught up in the fantasy booking and forget that every decision—from match types to promo time—impacts your bottom line. I learned this the hard way when I blew 80% of my budget on a single main event and struggled for weeks to recover.
The second secret revolves around the new online multiplayer, a feature I’ve personally campaigned for since the early 2K days. Finally, you can challenge friends or strangers in a battle of wits, drafting wrestlers and competing over a 15-week season. But here’s the catch: it feels like a half-measure. The implementation is clunky, with limited matchmaking options and occasional lag that can disrupt your booking flow. In my first online session, I faced off against a player who seemed to have a flawless strategy, but a sudden disconnect ruined the experience. It’s a step in the right direction, no doubt, but it’s not where it should be. To master this untamed aspect, you need to adapt—focus on shorter sessions or stick with players you know to minimize frustrations.
Another key insight is balancing short-term gains with long-term growth. In my early playthroughs, I’d often splurge on big-name wrestlers, thinking they’d guarantee wins. But I’ve found that investing in production value—upgrading your arena, improving broadcast quality—pays dividends over time. For instance, in one season, I allocated around $200,000 to production upgrades early on, and by week 10, my fan engagement had jumped by 30%. That’s not just a random number; it’s a testament to thinking like a real GM. You’re not just booking matches; you’re building a brand. And that means sometimes sacrificing a flashy main event for a solid mid-card rivalry that keeps fans hooked week after week.
Drafting is where the wild bandito truly shows its colors. It’s tempting to go for all the high-rated superstars, but diversity in your roster is crucial. I remember one draft where I focused solely on main eventers, ending up with a top-heavy team that struggled when injuries hit. Instead, mix in rising stars and specialists—maybe a technical wrestler for submission matches or a high-flyer for ladder bouts. In 2K25, the draft pool includes over 120 wrestlers, and based on my experience, aiming for a balanced mix of 70% established names and 30% developmental talent can give you the flexibility to adapt to any challenge. Plus, it makes the mode feel more dynamic, as you nurture new stars instead of relying on the same old faces.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of milestones. These aren’t just checkboxes; they’re your roadmap to success. Hitting milestones like “sell out an arena” or “create a 5-star match” can net you bonus funds and fan boosts, but they require planning. In one memorable run, I prioritized milestone chasing from week one, and by season’s end, I’d earned an extra $500,000 in rewards. That kind of strategic focus separates the amateurs from the masters. And while the online multiplayer might not be perfect yet, it adds a layer of human unpredictability that makes every milestone feel earned.
So, where does that leave us? GM mode in WWE 2K25 is a step forward, especially with online play, but it’s still a wild ride that demands finesse. By embracing competition, adapting to its flaws, and thinking long-term, you can tame that untamed spirit. It’s not just about winning; it’s about the stories you create along the way. And as I look ahead, I’m hopeful that future updates will polish the multiplayer experience, because when it works, it’s pure magic. Until then, I’ll be in the virtual trenches, drafting, booking, and chasing that next big milestone.