The road to WrestleMania 42 is officially underway, and for WWE gamers, the landscape just underwent a massive transformation. 2K has pulled back the curtain on WWE 2K26, and the headline isn’t just the cover star (welcome back, CM Punk!)—it’s a fundamental shift in how we’ll be playing and expanding the game all year long.
Say goodbye to the traditional “Season Pass” of old. Say hello to the Ringside Pass.
What is the Ringside Pass?
In a first for the franchise, WWE 2K26 is moving to a seasonal, battle-pass style model. While this might sound familiar to fans of other live-service titles, 2K is tailoring it specifically for the WWE Universe.
The Ringside Pass consists of two distinct tracks:
- The Free Track: Available to every player. It features 60 rewards across 40 tiers, including WWE Legends, content bundles, and more.
- The Premium Track: This is where the heavy hitters live. By upgrading to the Ringside Premium Pass, you unlock an additional 60 rewards (120 total), including the year’s DLC Superstars, new Personas, CAS (Create-a-Superstar) parts, and unique taunts.
The “No Expiration” Game-Changer
Perhaps the biggest win for players is the “no expiration” policy. We’ve all felt the stress of a ticking clock in other games, but WWE 2K26 is taking a different approach. When a new season launches, the previous one stays active.
If you’re halfway through Season 1 when Season 2 drops in April, you can choose to finish Season 1 first or jump to the new content and come back later. This ensures you never lose out on content you’ve paid for or worked toward.
How to Progress: RXP and Gameplay
Unlocking rewards is tied to RXP (Ringside Experience Points). The best part? You earn RXP simply by playing the game. Whether you’re grinding through Universe Mode, competing in MyFACTION, or just having a blast in the new Inferno or Dumpster matches, you’re constantly making progress toward your next unlock.
For those who want to jump ahead, 2K is offering optional “Tier Skips,” but the core philosophy is simple: Play the game, get the gear.
A Look at Season 1
Season 1 kicks off on March 6 (coinciding with Early Access), and it’s hitting the ground running. The Premium track for Season 1 is confirmed to include:
- 4 New Playable Superstars
- 2 New Personas (Alternate versions of existing stars)
- 2 New Arenas
- 2 New Championships
This marks the first time in franchise history that post-launch DLC characters will actually be available to earn on Day 1 of the game’s release cycle.
RIP SuperCharger: A New Way to Unlock Legends
In a significant move, the traditional “SuperCharger” DLC—which instantly unlocked all base-game Legends—has been retired. Instead, these Legends are now integrated into the Ringside Pass. You’ll unlock icons like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Rock simply by playing and earning RXP on the free track.
More Than Just a Pass
While the Ringside Pass is a major focus, WWE 2K26 is packed with other features that make this a must-play year:
- CM Punk Showcase: Relive the “Best in the World’s” most iconic moments.
- The Island: A revamped, faction-based online story mode that’s more immersive than ever.
- Massive Roster: Over 400 Superstars and Legends at your fingertips.
- New Match Types: 3 Stages of Hell, I Quit, and the return of the Inferno and Dumpster matches.
When Can You Play?
WWE 2K26 officially launches on March 13, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. However, if you pre-order the King of Kings, Attitude Era, or Monday Night War editions, you can step into the ring a full week early on March 6.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a completionist, the Ringside Pass is designed to keep the ring fresh all year long. Get ready—the bell is about to ring!
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