WWE 2K23: Gameplay & Balancing Settings You Should Change…

This article is part of a directory: WWE 2K23: Complete Guide & Walkthrough

WWE 2K23 is here, and it is one of the most in-depth wrestling games available on the market. More than its predecessor, the game sets out to be as much a wrestling simulation as it does a fun and accessible title with tons of customization settings. These settings allow the game to cater to all styles of players.

Those looking for a more accurate representation of the drama and stories that unfold in the ring will be looking to change their WWE 2K23 settings for a better experience. Whether players want matches with blood, rapid pressing for pin escapes, and match run-ins, follow these steps.

Gameplay & Presentation Settings

Even though it's always tempting to dive into the gameplay, it's a good idea to change the settings in WWE 2K23 first. This way, WWE fans will get an experience tailored to their needs and make the game more enjoyable. To access the settings, press the R1/RB button to highlight options. This guide will cover the most significant features to change if players want a realistic wrestling experience.

Gameplay

Difficulty: This is down to a player's experience level. Easy is a sensible choice to get used to the mechanics. The Normal setting is more challenging, but Hard is better for realism. Legend is tricky, but WWE 2K23' s artificial intelligence can kick out effortlessly, and their moves are harder to counter.
Weight Detection: This setting should be switched on. This way, smaller wrestlers won't be throwing super heavyweights around.
Pin Mini-Game: This is down to the player's preference. They can use the new timed pinning system or mash the buttons to kick out.
Allow Held Input for Mini-games: This is another feature that's down to preference. Instead of mashing buttons to kick out or break a submission, they can hold the button down instead. The downside of this feature is it feels like the A.I. Is in control of whether the player's wrestler can escape.
Rope Break (Automatic): This selects whether the wrestler will automatically go for the ropes or if it's player-controlled. Switch it off for realism.
Auto-Reversal for Ground Attacks: Switching this on prevents players and the A.I. From spamming attack moves on grounded (not grapples) opponents. However, it can be temperamental.
Entrance Run-In (Play Mode): Keep this on if players want TV-like scenarios.
Mid-Match Run-In (Play Mode): This can be switched to Payback, on or off. Paybacks allow players to call for a distraction if they have enough momentum. Switching it on will make it random, but the opponent's allies can come in when the player gets the upper hand.
Post-Match Run-In (Play-Mode): Switch this on, as it can trigger new feuds in WWE 2k23's Universe mode.
Blood: This should be switched on for maximum realism.
Edited/Created Superstars: Allow this option so that players can include their custom, edited, and downloaded characters.

Presentation

Fatigue: Set this on for realistic stamina, which prevents spamming of big moves.
Reversal Prompts: Keep these on. Even though they aren't always accurate, they still teach players when, during a big move, the reversal should be initiated. However, to get better, try and react to the opponent's animations instead of waiting for a prompt.
Camera Cuts: Set this to on, for a better WWE TV-like experience.
Camera Panning: Set this to on.
Post-Match Replay: A personal preference, this will play post-match replays.
Display Referee Counts: Some players may prefer to keep this on, as the crowd noise can drown out the referee's count.
Instant Recovery, Ring Escape, and Possum Attack Prompts: It's better to switch these on, so the player knows when they can use them.

Balancing

WWE 2K23 Nakmura ready to hit Goldberg with his Finisher

The Balancing Sliders are essential to creating the most realistic matches, and will adjust how the artificial intelligence behaves in a WWE 2K23 match. For example, if the artificial intelligence has a high reversal rate, it will reverse most of the player's moves and attacks. Below are some example setting for getting a competitive match without allowing the A.I. To get too much of an upper hand.

A.I. Difficulty Sliders

A.I. Standing Strike Reversal Rate: 60/100
A.I. Standing Grapple Reversal Rate: 50/100
A.I. Ground Strike Reversal Rate: 40/100
A.I. Ground Grapple Reversal Rate: 55/100
A.I. Finisher Reversal Rate: 35/100. This prevents the A.I. From kicking out of every finisher, but gives them a fighting chance for drama.
A.I. Foreign Object Attack Reversal Rate: 15/100
A.I. Grab Breaker Rate: 40/100
A.I. Combo Breaker Rate: 40/100
A.I. Combo Rate: 40/100
A.I. Submission Rate: 40/100
A.I. Dive Rate: 35/100
A.I. Springboard Rate: 35/100
A.I. Grapple Rate: 60/100
A.I. Strike Rate: 40/100
A.I. Limb Targeting Rate: 45/100
A.I. Running Attack Rate: 45/100
A.I. Block Rate: 45/100
A.I. Dodge Rate: 35/100

Match Interference & Ref Down Times

Entrance Run-in: 2/10
Mid-Match Run-in: 2/10
Post Match Run-in: 2/10
Referee Down Time: 85/100

Player & A.I. Sliders

Basic Reversal Windows: 65/100. This makes it easier to counter and reverse standard grapples and attacks.
Ground Attack Reversal Windows: 70/100
Signature & Finisher Reversal: 65/100. It will be easier to reverse signature and finishing moves, but not too easy.
Weapon Reversal: 70/100
Stamina Cost: 50/100
Stamina Recovery Rate: 60/100
Stunned Recovery Rate: 25/100
Rollout Frequency: 25/100
Rollout Duration: 25/100
Stun Gain: 45/100
Stun Duration: 65/100
Vitality Regen Cooldown: 50/100
Vitality Regen Rate: 60/100
A.I. Difficulty Damage Scaling: 35/100. The higher this value, the more damage the computer's wrestler will do.
Drag Escape Difficulty: 25/100
Carry Escape Difficulty: 25/100

Players can tinker with the settings until they find something that suits them, but the settings above will give players WWE 2K23 matches that can go back and forth. It will prevent the A.I. From cheesing reversals, kicking out of every finisher, and breaking the momentum. Moreover, if the difficulty is set to hard or legend, the match remains challenging enough for the computer to win.