WWE 2K16 is a single-player and multiplayer professional wrestling sports game. The game places the player in the world of World Wrestling Entertainment, where they can step into the shoes of real-life superstars or a custom-made wrestler. The objective varies by mode: competing in matches to win championships, progressing through a wrestler’s career, or reliving the moments of a legendary career through showcase mode. Story-driven content focuses on rivalries and feuds that unfold through in-ring action and cutscenes, allowing the player to experience scripted drama alongside interactive matches.

Core gameplay revolves around one-on-one or multi-wrestler matches in arenas. Wrestlers can strike, grapple, perform running attacks, and execute finishing moves. Matches also feature reversals, where precise timing allows players to counter an opponent’s move, and stamina management, which affects how quickly a wrestler can recover or execute heavy attacks. Pinning, submissions, and ring-outs determine match outcomes, and each superstar has unique move sets and finishing techniques to match their real-world counterpart.

The MyCareer mode allows players to create an original wrestler and guide them from rookie status in developmental leagues to championship runs on the main roster. Progression is based on winning matches, building popularity, and developing rivalries. Players earn skill points to improve attributes such as strength, stamina, or grappling ability, and can unlock additional moves and customization options as they rise through the ranks.

Showcase mode focuses on the career of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, presenting iconic matches from his history. These bouts include historical objectives that recreate moments from real WWE events, blending cutscenes with gameplay to present a semi-narrative experience. Fulfilling the objectives unlocks bonus content, including new wrestlers, arenas, and attires.

Additional features include Universe mode, where players take control of weekly shows and pay-per-view events, booking matches, rivalries, and title contests. This mode simulates the flow of WWE programming, allowing player-controlled or AI-driven storylines to unfold. Multiplayer options allow local play with friends or online matches with competitive and cooperative formats.

The creation suite provides tools to design wrestlers, entrances, moves, logos, and even custom arenas. Sharing and downloading creations from other players expands the roster far beyond the default lineup. Over 120 licensed WWE superstars, past and present, are included.