WWE 2K23 relies on a strategic battle where wearing down an opponent's body parts is the best route to scoring a win with a signature and a finisher. Randy Orton, for example, has one of the most recognizable finishers in the RKO, so it makes sense for players to wear down the head area for the win.
In the past, players could hold the RT/R2 button and press the corresponding button to target the arms with an armlock, the head with a headlock, and so on. While it lacks the additional limb-targeting moves of earlier WWE titles, WWE 2K23 still features a way to target specific body parts on an opponent.
Body Part Grapples
Most Superstars in WWE 2K23 will have preset moves that target individual parts of the body, but for players to accurately target the head, body, arms, and legs, they must get their opponents to the ground. However, accurate limb targeting will depend on a wrestler's move set.
Players can perform two sets of ground grapples in WWE 2K23. Flick the R-stick left or right to turn a wrestler into the supine (face up) and prone (face down) positions to perform different moves - based on their positioning - using the following steps to target specific body parts:
- Head Grapples: Stand near the opponent's head, press the Cicle/B button, and then press Square/X for a light grapple or the X/A for a strong move.
- Leg Grapples: Stand the opponent's legs, press the Cicle/B button, and then press Square/X for a light grapple or the X/A for a strong move. Power wrestlers like Bobby Lashley may hit deadlift powerbombs, while technical wrestlers will target specific limbs.
- Arm Grapples: Stand near the opponent's side, press the Cicle/B button, and then press Square/X for a light grapple or the X/A for a strong move.
- Body Grapples: The same as arms, where the players must stand at their opponent's side, but it depends on the WWE wrestler's preset move list. Many technical wrestlers will target the arms, while power wrestlers may target the body with a strong attack.
Submissions Moves
Submissions in WWE 2K23 can wear down an opponent's limbs and even end a match if they tap out. To perform them, use the following steps:
- Standing Submission: Press the RT/R2 and Circle/B. This move will depend on the wrestler's preset move. Wrestlers can perform anything from a Cross Armbar targeting the arms to Triangle Chokes that target the head.
- Upper Body Submission: Press the RT/R2 and Circle/B. Submissions to this area can target the head and the body.
- Lower Body Submission: Press the RT/R2 and Circle/B to perform leg or body-based submissions.
Body Part Attacks On Grounded Opponents
Attacks are strike moves initiated with the Square/X button for lighter attacks or the X/A button for heavy/strong attacks. There are no strong attacks to the side of the body or arms, but players can use the light attack to stomp the body.
Strong Head Attacks: Press the X/A button near the head.
Light Head Attacks: Tap the Square button in the upper body area to stomp the head.
Strong Leg Attacks: Press the X/A button near the legs.
Light Leg Attacks: Tap the Square/X button near the lower body to attack the legs.
How a wrestler targets their opponent's body depends on the wrestler's move set. Power wrestlers tend to go for slams and suplexes, while technical wrestlers may target the joints. Players must learn their favorite wrestler's moves that target particular body parts. Or they can customize their wrestler's move sets in the creations menu for more joint-based attacks and grapples.
WWE 2K23 is available now for the PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.