If you‘re a wrestling fan, you‘ve probably been itching to try out WWE 2K22, the latest entry in the popular wrestling simulation video game series. Well, I have some good news for you – there are a few ways to play WWE 2K22 completely free for a limited time!
In this detailed guide, I‘ll be breaking down exactly how long WWE 2K22 is available for free play, on which platforms, and what content you can access during the free periods. Whether you‘re an Xbox or PlayStation owner, want to try before you buy, or just want to wrestle with your favorite superstars for free – I‘ve got you covered. Let‘s get ready to rumble!
Free Play Weekends on Xbox
For Xbox owners, the best way to play WWE 2K22 for free is through the Xbox Live Free Play Days program. This awesome promotion runs during select weekends, giving Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers access to full games for free!
WWE 2K22 has been featured as a Free Play Days title multiple times since launch, usually for a period of 3-4 days. The free play periods typically run from 12:01 AM PT on Thursday morning until 11:59 PM PT on Sunday night.
For example, WWE 2K22 was available for Xbox Free Play Days from:
- December 15, 2022 – December 18, 2022
- July 28, 2022 – July 31, 2022
During these promotions, Xbox owners can download the full version of WWE 2K22 and play as much as they want, with no restrictions or limitations. All game modes, match types, creation suite features and DLC are unlocked during the Free Play Days.
And any achievements earned or content unlocked carries over if you choose to buy the game after the free weekend ends!
2 Hour Free Trial on PlayStation
Over in the PlayStation ecosystem, there‘s a different way to sample WWE 2K22 for free. PlayStation Plus Premium members can download a free trial of WWE 2K22 that‘s restricted to 2 hours of total playtime.
Unlike Xbox‘s full free weekend access, the PlayStation trial gives you a set 2 hour window to try out the game. But it‘s still a great way for PS Plus Premium subscribers to preview WWE 2K22 risk-free.
The 2 hour timer means you‘ll have to budget your time carefully if you want to explore the various modes and match types on offer. But it‘s plenty of time to get a feel for the gameplay, wrestlers, and graphics to see if WWE 2K22 is your kind of game.
Game Pass – Possible in The Future?
Currently, WWE 2K22 is not included with Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus Essential/Extra. However, it‘s possible it could be added to these game subscription services in the future.
Some major sports titles have been added to Game Pass for limited periods via the EA Play library. For example, FIFA 22 and Madden NFL 22 were recently playable on Game Pass. So WWE 2K22 could follow suit.
In fact, past WWE 2K games like WWE 2K Battlegrounds have been added to Game Pass in the past as a limited-time perk. So keep an eye out, WWE 2K22 could land on Game Pass down the line!
What‘s Included in the Free Versions?
Now you know how to play WWE 2K22 for free, let‘s talk about what‘s actually included in these freebie versions.
The Xbox Free Play Days promotion gives access to the full base game. Every match type, game mode, and feature is unlocked. Even DLC characters like The Undertaker and Goldberg are playable.
You can dig into the deep MyGM and Universe modes, battle through Rey Mysterio‘s Showcase journey, or create your dream wrestler in MyRISE. It‘s all available for free during the Xbox Free Play Days events.
The PlayStation Plus Premium 2 hour trial also gives access to everything WWE 2K22 offers. But with the strict time limit, you‘ll have to choose what you want to try out wisely.
No matter which free version you play, all of your progress is saved. So if you choose to buy WWE 2K22 after your free access period, you can seamlessly continue where you left off.
Free to Play – A Smart Strategy
Offering free access periods is actually a really smart strategy by 2K Games. Data shows that trading short term free access for long term sales growth can work brilliantly.
According to statistics from SteamDB, games participating in Steam‘s Free Weekend promotions see an average 20 times increase in purchases after the free period ends.
| Free Weekend Period | Increase In Sales |
|---|---|
| During Free Weekend | 2,500% |
| 48 Hours After Ending | 450% |
| 1 Week After Ending | 230% |
| 2+ Weeks After Ending | 20% |
Likewise, WWE 2K22‘s digital sales saw a 390% increase compared to the disastrous WWE 2K20 according to VGC. And overall sales doubled.
Giving gamers a chance to play before paying clearly leads to increased confidence and willingness to buy. Letting players experience the game first-hand is more persuasive than any trailer or review.
So while the free versions don‘t earn 2K Games any money upfront, the long term sales impact makes it worthwhile.
Expert Analysis – Is It Worth Buying?
As a gaming industry professional and life-long wrestling fan, I can confidently say that WWE 2K22 is absolutely worth buying if you enjoy it during the free trial periods.
Here‘s my in-depth analysis:
Gameplay – The wrestling action is far smoother, more responsive, and more lifelike than past entries. Gone are the bugs and glitches that plagued previous games. Strikes, grapples, and movement finally capture the fluidity of real wrestling.
Graphics – WWE 2K22 is a visual showcase, with stunning character models, lifelike animations, dynamic camera angles, and vivid arena environments. Lighting and textures are vastly improved over past iterations.
Creation Suite – For the creatively-minded, the Creation Suite lets you craft custom wrestlers, entrances, arenas, championships and more. With thousands of customizable parts and options, your imagination is the limit.
Roster – With over 150 playable wrestlers, from superstars like Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar and Becky Lynch to legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin, WWE 2K22 has the most stacked roster in the series‘ history.
Match Types & Modes – Tables, Ladders & Chairs? Check. Royal Rumble? You got it. Steel Cage? Of course. Plus deep career & GM modes that provide hours upon hours of content.
DLC & Updates – Post-launch DLC packs & regular free updates continually expand WWE 2K22 with new wrestlers, moves, and cosmetic items. This keeps the gameplay feeling fresh.
For both casual and hardcore wrestling fans, WWE 2K22 checks all the boxes. Given the disastrous reception and poor quality of WWE 2K20, 2K Games knocked it out of the park this year.
If you enjoy your time with WWE 2K22 during the free access promotions, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up the full version afterwards. You won‘t regret it!
The Bottom Line
Let‘s sum up everything we‘ve covered:
How long is WWE 2K22 free? You can play WWE 2K22 completely free during periodic Xbox Free Play Weekends lasting 3-4 days, or for 2 hours on PlayStation with a PS Plus Premium subscription.
What‘s included? Xbox offers full, unlimited access to all content during Free Play Weekends. PlayStation has a 2 hour time-limited trial.
Does progress carry over? Yes! Anything unlocked during the free versions is saved if you buy the full game afterwards.
Is it worth buying? Absolutely – WWE 2K22 is the best entry in years, with massively improved quality over previous installments.
For any wrestling fan, don‘t pass up the chance to try out WWE 2K22 risk-free. And for Xbox or PlayStation owners, keep an eye out for when WWE 2K22 next appears on Free Play Days or PS Plus Premium. Enjoy throwing down with your favorite wrestlers for zero dollars!
