Here are the differences between each version of WWE 2K22

Special game releases are oftentimes meaningless outside of some extra bells and whistles, but WWE 2K22 has some very significant version differences to discuss.

Multiple versions of AAA titles appearing at retail is a normal thing at this point. Whether it’s with steelbook cases, season passes, soundtracks, or exclusive merch, major publishers are aggressively looking to upsell players.

WWE 2K22 isn’t any different, but the stakes are much higher here than with other games. Players who purchase the nWo 4-Life and deluxe editions of WWE 2K22 will receive various extra content, but the biggest selling point for the latest installment in the series is that the special versions come out a few days earlier than the standard edition.

Here are all the version differences between WWE 2K22, and when fans can expect to receive each one.

WWE 2K22 release date varies based on version

The standard edition of WWE 2K22 drops on Friday, March 11, while WWE 2K22 nWo 4-Life Edition and the Deluxe Edition both drop on March 8. This means those who spend the extra cash on the special edition versions of the games will get to play the game earlier than those who don’t. 

The earlier release date comes with a significant upcharge. The standard version of the game costs the usual $59.99 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, or $69.99 on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. WWE 2K22 Deluxe Edition costs an extra $40 and the nWo 4-Life Edition costs an eye-popping $60 more.

An earlier release date isn’t the only thing that these special releases offer, however. The value proposition might be there in the long term for some players.

WWE 2K22 nWo 4-Life, Deluxe Edition bonuses

Alongside the earlier release date for the WWE 2K22 nWo 4-Life and Deluxe Edition, they come with a variety of DLC add-ons for the game. These include a variety of WCW-themed skins.

Both the WWE 2K22 nWo 4-Life and Deluxe Edition include the following:

• WWE 2K22 DLC Season Pass
• Alternate version of Rey Mysterio based on Starrcade 1996
• Three alternate versions of The Undertaker including 2021 Boneyard Match Undertaker, Ministry of Darkness Undertaker, and Phantom Mask Undertaker

The nWo 4-Life includes all that, with the following extras:

• nWo versions of Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and X-Pac
• Eric Bischoff added to WWE 2K22 roster as a playable character
• nWo Wolfpack Championship added to the game as a title
• Arena skins based on Souled Out 1997 and Bash at the Beach 1996

The WWE 2K22 Deluxe Edition is worth purchasing for anyone that was planning on getting the season pass. The game combined with the season pass is ultimately worth the same as WWE 2K22 Deluxe Edition, which effectively means it comes with the alternate versions of The Undertaker and Rey Mysterio for free. The Rey Mysterio alternate version pays homage to his legendary match against Jushin Thunder Liger.

This translates to an extra $20 for the four nWo 4-Life add-ons. Fans will have to judge for themselves whether that is worth the price.