In WWE 2K25, winning or losing matches is just one aspect of the experience; captivating the audience and earning a five-star match rating is another crucial element of the WWE Universe. While competing for titles and engaging in stipulation matches can be thrilling, achieving that coveted five-star rating demands extra dedication. Personally, I aim for five stars in every match, but I quickly learned that it’s not as straightforward as it seems.
In real life, receiving a five-star rating from wrestling critic Dave Meltzer is highly sought after, with only a select few matches earning it each year. Fortunately, in WWE 2K25, you can score a five-star rating by meeting specific criteria, implementing particular offensive maneuvers, and creating unforgettable moments, like shattering the ring. Below, I’ll share my strategies for impressing the crowd and achieving a five-star rating in my matches.
How To Achieve A Five-Star Match Rating In WWE 2K25
All Conditions For a Five-Star Match
To earn a five-star rating in WWE 2K25, you need to fulfill five specific conditions during your matches. It’s not as simple as it sounds; some standard matches won’t allow you to use weapons or the environment to your advantage, and not every Superstar can perform a Super Finisher.
In these circumstances, you need to leverage the game’s mechanics and utilize the features at your disposal. The five essential conditions you must satisfy include: Varied Offense, Heightened Drama, Signature Offense, Defensive Prowess, and Memorable Moments.
Meeting all five conditions is necessary, as you’ll receive a score for each at the end of the match.
The names of these conditions provide insight into the actions required, but here are some key gameplay tips to enhance your chances.
What To Do To Get A Five-Star Match Rating
Everything You Need To Do
As mentioned earlier, there are different methods to elevate your match rating. Just like in actual wrestling, the match should engage the audience, feature creative offensive techniques, and convey a story.
To meet the five essential conditions, here’s what you should do:
- Varied Offense: Avoid spamming the same moves over and over. Instead, showcase a mix of grapples and offensive techniques to keep the crowd entertained.
- Heightened Drama: Create suspense in the ring by taunting your downed opponent or executing dramatic near-falls. You can also use the breakout feature to attack a downed opponent post-match, which allows for additional Signature Moves that set the crowd on fire.
- Defensive Prowess: When on the defensive, counterattack or reverse your opponent’s finishers and special moves. You can further boost this rating by employing surprise pins and possum attacks, effectively disrupting your opponent’s momentum.
- Signature Offense: Perform high-impact moves, including WWE 2K25’s Super Finishers. This aspect ties into the star meter while attacking and the audience’s reaction. For instance, using The Undertaker’s Chokeslam or Roman Reigns’ Super Punch gets the crowd hyped.
- Memorable Moments: This condition combines elements of all the previous criteria. For example, taunting during matches can create unforgettable moments if you have crowd support. I found Roman Reigns’ “Ooh Aah” taunt to be particularly effective. Additionally, utilizing Signature Finishers or Super Finishers at critical moments adds to this score, as does using various weapons in no-disqualification matches, especially flaming tables or slamming opponents through barricades.
Enhancing a match’s rating often involves trial and error, helping you learn what works best for reaching a five-star score. While the criteria remain consistent, ensure each match feels fresh by experimenting and keeping the “audience” in WWE 2K25 engaged.