The moment of truth is nearly here – WWE 2K26 is just hours away from launch. The newest instalment in the wrestling franchise is just around the corner, bringing with it a wealth of significant changes and additions.

Whilst 2K Games have faced criticism for certain aspects, the bulk of the updates appear decidedly encouraging. This year’s edition boasts over 400 playable characters for gamers to take control of. Beyond that, there’s an array of fresh match types and some considerable adjustments to the game’s most beloved modes.

Nevertheless, the most notable and far-reaching change looks to be the introduction of the Ringside Pass, which supersedes the previous downloadable content structure. Divided into seasons throughout the game’s annual cycle, this will become the means by which players gain access to fresh content over the coming months.

Here’s everything you need to know about WWE 2K26’s release, including its availability and this year’s innovations, reports All Out Gaming.

WWE 2K26 release time

The clock is ticking down – there’s precious little time remaining before players can step into the ring with their beloved WWE superstars. According to 2K Games, WWE 2K26 features a rolling midnight release.

This means that, regardless of your global location, the standard edition of the game will become available at midnight local time on Friday, March 13. Nevertheless, some are exploiting the ‘New Zealand trick’ to begin playing earlier.

It involves switching their console’s region to New Zealand, fooling the system into granting early access as midnight there translates to 11am GMT. Nevertheless, those who bought the various special editions of WWE 2K26 have enjoyed access since March 6.

WWE 2K26 Ringside Pass explained and anticipated content

The arrival of WWE 2K26 marks a significant transformation in how players access content. Superseding the conventional DLC releases of previous years, the Ringside Pass system officially launched on March 6 alongside Early Access.

All players automatically receive access to the Free Track, though the genuine depth resides in the Premium Track (bundled for those holding the Ringside Premium Pass). Whilst the Free Track provides 60 rewards, the Premium Track contributes an additional 60, totalling 120 unlockable items spanning 40 tiers.

Should you possess the Premium Pass, you simultaneously unlock rewards from both tracks. Rewards span from Virtual Currency (VC) and MyFACTION packs to exclusive DLC Superstars, “Persona” cards (usable across all modes), and distinctive Create-a-Superstar (CAS) components.

Advancement is driven by Ringside Experience Points (RXP). Provided you remain connected online, you accumulate RXP simply by playing the game.

Whilst every match generates points, you’ll advance considerably quicker by securing victories and completing particular Milestone Challenges. You can accumulate RXP in virtually every aspect of the game.

WWE Legends that would ordinarily be placed in the in-game shop and accessed through Tokens or via the SuperCharger have now been incorporated into the free tier of Ringside Pass Season 1. Gamers can still obtain these legends simply by playing, accumulating RXP, and claiming them through the Ringside Pass without any extra payment required.

The complete roster of playable characters accessible through the Ringside Pass has been revealed. Players begin with an AAA Lucha Libre-themed Season 1 featuring El Hijo Del Vikingo, Flammer, Mr Iguana and Psycho Clown.

Season 2 features Ax, Smash, Crush and Kelly Kelly. Season 3 will deliver playable editions of Matt Cardona, Brian Pillman, La Parka and Torrie Wilson.

Season 4 features Lady Shani, Matt and Jeff Hardy and celebrity wrestler and country music artist Jelly Roll.

Brie Bella, Bam Bam Bigelow, Pagano and newest WWE superstar Danhausen feature in Season 5. The concluding season, Season 6, features Octagon Jr, Typhoon, Earthquake and Royce Keys.

WWE 2K26 Ringside Pass Season 1 complete content ladder