Change of strategy for 2K Sports. With WWE 2K26, the publisher is definitively abandoning the old DLC packs in favor of a seasonal model inspired by battle passes. Baptized Ringside Passthis system allows players to unlock exclusive content as they progress.
The game will be officially released on March 13, 2026but those who pre-ordered the special editions will have access to the Ringside Pass from March 6. And thanks to a leak spotted on the Nintendo eShop, we already know the dates of the six seasons planned throughout the year.
How does the WWE 2K26 Ringside Pass work?
The Ringside Pass comes in two versions: free And premium. Each season will offer 100 levels to unlock – 60 free, 40 premium – with varied rewards.
Among these awards, we will find:
- Of the Playable Superstars unpublished (new or legendary)
- Of the Alternative personas
- Of the personalization objects
- Exclusive bonus content
As 2K Sports explains: “The Ringside Pass Premium replaces the previous DLC model, offering players all-new playable characters unavailable in the base game, including Superstars, Legends, Personas, and a few unexpected names.”
A model modeled after popular battle passes
This type of seasonal progression, well known to Fortnite or Call of Duty players, helps build community loyalty with content spread out over time. Leveling up is done through daily challenges, matches played and achievements unlocked.
Premium rewards will of course require the purchase of the paid pass, included in certain special editions of the game or to be purchased separately. But even the free version will offer regular access to content, avoiding the “paywall” effect felt by some on old DLC.
The calendar for the 6 seasons of the Ringside Pass
The Nintendo eShop has revealed the exact dates for the six seasons planned until the end of 2026:
- Season 1 : March 6, 2026
- Season 2 : May 4, 2026
- Season 3 : June 29, 2026
- Season 4 : August 24, 2026
- Season 5 : October 19, 2026
- Season 6 : December 14, 2026
Each season will offer a new theme, specific characters and new objectives. For now, 2K has not yet revealed the exact details of the content of each season.
A record roster and tracking on all platforms
WWE 2K26 promises the largest cast in franchise history, with over 400 playable wrestlers from launch. The Ringside Pass will enrich this base throughout the year, on all platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC. With this new formula, 2K hopes to keep its players active and engaged over time, while renewing the WWE experience each season.