Whether young or old, chances are you’ve watched wrestling at some point in your life. If you’re really into wrestling, chances are you might have played some wrestling games, too. There have been many over the years, of varying quality, and so it should come as no surprise that there’s a wealth of them available right now on consoles and PC. But you might be wondering: what are the best wrestling games you can play right now? That’s where we come in.
We’ve put together a list of the best wrestling games playable on modern consoles and PC. Some of them try to recreate the sport as realistically as possible. And some of them are a bit more arcade-like in nature. But one thing is for sure: they’re all jolly good fun to play. So scroll on down, and maybe you’ll find your next wrestling addiction.
1. WWE 2K24
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC
If you’re a WWE fan, chances are you’ve played a WWEhttps://www.wwe.com/ 2K game at some point or another. They’ve had their ups and downs over the years, but thankfully they’ve been very good as of late. In fact, the latest entry, WWE 2K24, might just be the best wrestling game ever made.
While the mechanics remain fundamentally the same as the last few WWE 2K releases, tweaks have been made here and there to make the gameplay better than ever. It’s faster paced, more fluid, and gives you increased options on both offense and defence, making the in-ring action look and feel more dynamic and natural. It looks rather nice, too; a passer-by might actually think you’re simply watching wrestling on the TV.
As wrestling games go then, WWE 2K24 is up there with the best of them. So, if you’re after the best wrestling games you can play right now, you’d be wise to add it to your collection. It’s just a shame there’s no Switch version.
2. Fire Pro Wrestling World
- Available on PS4 and PC
Remember wrestling games of yesteryear with pixelated sprites and more arcadey gameplay? Fire Pro Wrestling World will take you back to those times.
While Fire Pro Wrestling World doesn’t feature any WWE Superstars on its roster, the fact that you can download a vast number of custom created wrestlers should solve the problem. Wrestling fans more familiar with New Japan Pro-Wrestling will get the most out of it, though, as they will spot lots of familiar faces.
In any case, Fire Pro Wrestling World offers lots to those who value challenging wrestling matches where timing is key. It’s just a shame its career mode isn’t a little more interesting. Still, those seeking out the best wrestling games available right now should definitely give it a try providing they have a PlayStation console or PC.
3. WWE 2K Battlegrounds
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC (playable on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S)
Want to play a wrestling game that features the stars of WWE but isn’t quite so serious? WWE 2K Battlegrounds is the game for you. This title takes the superstars you love and know, squishes them down to make them cute, then lets you fight with them.
All the familiar elements of the WWE 2K series are here, only there’s an additional layer of fun placed on top. Special moves are ridiculously overblown, leading to hilarity. And with rings placed in the unlikeliest of environments, you and your opponents need to be aware of unexpected ringside dangers.
Not everyone will get on with WWE 2K Battlegrounds, but those seeking some wrestling-themed entertainment will certainly get a kick out of it. That’s why it’s on our list of the best wrestling games available right now. And as an added bonus, it’s playable on all current formats.
4. RetroMania Wrestling
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC (playable on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S)
Like Fire Pro Wrestling World also on this list, RetroMania Wrestling is another pixelated wrestling game that wants to take you back to yesteryear. It also lacks the WWE license, but you’ll quickly grow attached to its original roster of ring technicians. There are some faces (or at least names) that might be familiar, though.
But unlike Fire Pro Wrestling World, RetroMania Wrestling is arcadey through and through. That means it’s fun to play, but sometimes frustratingly difficult. Don’t be ashamed to turn the difficulty down a little – that’s all we’re saying.
Its controls are simple, and its career mode is short, but wrestling fans should still give RetroMania Wrestling a try. Why? Because it’s simply entertaining. It’s not the best wrestling game available right now, but it’s one of the best, for sure.
5. AEW: Fight Forever
- Available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Switch and PC
AEW has become a major rival to WWE in recent years, attracting some real talent. Ado so of course it’s now got its own game as well.
Developed by Yukes who previously worked on the WWE 2K series before it was taken on by Visual Concepts, we aren’t the biggest fans of AEW: Fight Forever. It’s certainly a more arcade-like take on the sport, being much more accessible to newcomers, but it perhaps feels a little too basic on the whole. It leaves a lot to be desired visually, too, with plasticky character models and poor animation.
It makes our list of the best wrestling games available right now, however, because some wrestling fans do genuinely enjoy it. It also features some well-known wrestling stars that are only playable in this game, which is bound to make it attractive to their fans. Just don’t expect it to blow you away.
6. Action Arcade Wrestling
- Available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC (playable on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S)
Multiple wrestling games on this list let you create your own superstars, but none do it quite like Action Arcade Wrestling. And if you’re not making your wrestler as ridiculous as you possibly can, you’re doing it wrong.
As its name suggests, Action Arcade Wrestling is all about over-the-top wrestling action. It’s colourful and daft, with a cel-shaded art style that makes it just scream unadulterated fun. Mechanically it draws from wrestling titles of the ’90s, so it’s easy to pick up and play thanks to its two-button control system.
As you can imagine, Action Arcade Wrestling doesn’t have a great deal of depth. If you just want to have a laugh creating your own wrestlers and throwing them into battle, however, then you’ll love it.
Which is your favourite wrestling game to play?
