On this page, you find the complete guide on all the new WWE 2K22 Controls for the PS4, PS5, and Xbox Game Pads.
The controls in WWE 2K22 have been updated once again, after players did not receive well the control scheme that was implemented in WWE 2K20 - although they still seem pretty complicated in 2K22 as well.
New control changes in WWE 2K22 include a new Grapple system and Combo system, as well as different inputs to perform finishers and signatures. The reversals system has been completely revamped, and the limited reversal stock has been removed. There is a new ability to "Block" strikes, as well as a new "Dodge" mechanic. The pin and kick-out controls have also been changed.
Below you find all the inputs required to perform Finishers & Signatures, Reversals, Strikes, Grapples, Submissions, Carry & Drag moves, use Weapons, and the full WWE 2K22 Controls Scheme. The changes in the WWE 2K22 control scheme compared to the one in WWE 2K20 are marked with NEW.
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WWE 2K22 Controls Guide Index
WWE 2K22 Controls Scheme (PS4, PS5 & Xbox)
| Action | PS4 / PS5 | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Control Superstar | L-direction | L-direction |
| Run | Hold L2 + L-direction | Hold LT + L-direction |
| Grab (Grapple State) NEW | O | B |
| Light Strike NEW / Light Grapple (inside Grab) |
Square (+ L-direction) | X (+ L-direction) |
| Heavy Strike NEW / Heavy Grapple (inside Grab) |
X (+ L-direction) | A (+ L-direction) |
| Irish Whip (inside Grab) | O | B |
| Finisher NEW | R2 + X | RT + A |
| Signature NEW | R2 + Square | RT + X |
| Submission NEW | R2 + O | RT + B |
| Payback | R2 + Triangle | RT + Y |
| Reversal | Triangle | Y |
| Block (Guard) NEW | Hold Triangle | Hold Y |
| "Breaker" Reversal (for Combos / Grapples) NEW | Square / X / O | X / A / B |
| Dodge / Climb NEW | R1 + L-direction | RB + L-direction |
| Exit / Enter Ring / Climb Top Rope | Hold R1 + L-direction | Hold RB + L-direction |
| Climb Middle Rope | Tap R1 + L-direction | Tap RB + L-direction |
| Lean To Ropes for Springboard | Tap L1 + L-direction | Tap LB + L-direction |
| Pick Up Object | L1 | LB |
| Pin Opponent NEW | R-down | R-down |
| Reposition Opponent / Turn Opponent | R-direction | R-direction |
| Lift Opponent Up (Grounded Opp.) | R-up | R-up |
| Drag Opponent (inside Grab) NEW | L1 (+ L-direction) | LB (+ L-direction) |
| Initiate Carry (inside Grab) NEW | R1 (+ L-direction) | R1 (+ L-direction) |
| Wake Up Taunt | up | up |
| Taunt Crowd | left | left |
| Taunt Opponent | right | right |
| Instant Recovery (from Ground) | R1 | RB |
| Release Hold / Pin | L1 | LB |
| Tag In / Tag Out Partner | L1 | LB |
| Display Target / Control Tag Partner | touch-pad | view |
| Change Target | Click R | Click R |
| Pause Game |
WWE 2K22 Grapple System
WWE 2K22 features a new way to perform Grapples, as well as a new Combo System.
First of all, in WWE 2K22, grapples are now executed by first entering a Grapple State (lock-up) with circle / B (similarly to old Smackdown vs Raw games) and then pressing the Light or Heavy Attack button to perform a Grapple move, or circle / B again to perform an Irish Whip.
The same must also be done for moves on the Ground, as well as in the Corner, Ropes, Apron, etc. The Drag & Carry moves are also performed after first entering the grapple lock-up state.
We're not big fans of having to lock-up before grapples, as this makes moves look and feel unrealistic and less smooth - making it also more complicated and unintuitive compared to previous games, where you could immediately initiate a grapple with one button.
WWE 2K22 Combo System
In WWE 2K22, strikes work completely differently compared to previous games. First of all, there is now a separate button for Light and Heavy Strikes - so strong strikes are no longer executed by holding down a button.
After performing a Light Attack, you can start a series of 3 chained attacks with the new Combo System that has been implemented in WWE 2K22.
Combos are then performed by chaining Light and Heavy Strikes, with Square & X on PlayStation, and X & A on Xbox. The final hit of a combo (Combo Ender) can also be a Grapple and deals bonus damage.
Each Superstar has 30 different Combos available, and the assigned moves for each combo can be customized in Create-A-Moveset. The Pause Menu also features a full list of combos for the Superstars you're playing as.
WWE 2K22 Reversals System & Controls
How do Reversals work in WWE 2K22?
The reversal system has been completely revamped in WWE 2K22 compared to previous years, to allow for more strategy and unpredictable matches.
A big change that has been made is the removal of limited reversal slots. There is no longer a limit on how many reversals you can perform.
Now, there are unlimited reversals, but they are a little bit more difficult to execute.
How to Reverse moves in WWE 2K22?
There no longer is just one single reversal button, instead, WWE 2K22 features new defensive options, with different types of reversals and blocks.
The reversal system has become pretty complicated in WWE 2K22 compared to previous years, so here below we explain all the different reversal types that 2K implemented:
- Reversal: Tap Triangle / Y just before the opponent hits you. The reversal icon will appear over the Superstar's head when it's the proper timing to reverse. This is the standard reversal used for most attacks such as:
- Standard Strikes (not part of combos)
- Initial Grab Attempt
- Signatures
- Finishers
- Weapon Attacks
- Diving Attacks
- However, this is not used for Combos or Grapples inside the Grab state
- Breakers: The strikes that are part of Combos, and Grapples (when inside the grab state) are not countered via the standard reversal. Instead, they are countered with a "Breaker", by pressing the same button hit by the opponent. So it's based on what attack you expect the opponent to perform:
- Counter with square / X if the opponent performs a Light Strike (combo) / Light Grapple (inside grab)
- Counter with X / A if the opponent performs a Heavy Strike (combo) / Heavy Grapple (inside grab)
- Counter with O / B if the opponent performs a Grapple as Combo Ender
- If you guess right, you'll break out and take advantage. If you guess wrong during a combo, you'll be unable to perform breakers for the rest of that combo.
- Block / Guard - Hold Triangle / Y to enter a blocking stance:
- Put your guard up to defend against your opponent's hits
- This lets you withstand strikes and running attacks, but doesn't block grabs or special moves.
- After blocking, you can attack before your opponent can
- Dodge - Press R1 / RB and a direction just before the opponent hits you:
- Choose a direction to get out of the way quickly if you time it correctly
- The animation will differ based on the direction that you press, as well as the class of the superstar. Smaller Superstars will perform a roll, and larger Superstars will perform a dodge.
- Dodging is higher-risk compared to a Block, but much more effective
- Mid-Move Reversals - Press Triangle / Y when prompted:
- Major Reversals (mid-move reversals) are possible for certain grapple moves, and deal more damage.
- These are prompted in the middle of certain moves while they're being executed, thus are challenging to perform.
- However, in WWE 2K22 they won't cost any reversals stocks (as the reversal limit has been removed from the game), and they won't stop your opponent from being able to reverse.
The Stun Meter
WWE 2K22 also features a Stun Meter. When you hit your opponent with various attacks, such as Light Attacks, you fill their Stun Meter.
When the Stun Meter is filled, the stunned superstar won't be able to reverse.
Check out our full Guide to WWE 2K22's HUD and Meters.
WWE 2K22 Pinfall & Kick Out Controls
How to Pin in WWE 2K22?
The controls to Pin an opponent have been changed in WWE 2K22. They are no longer performed with the B/Circle button like in previous years.
In WWE 2K22, pins are now executed by pulling down on the right analog stick (R-down).
In most matches, you can only pin your opponent inside the ring.
How to kick out from Pins in WWE 2K22?
The Kick Out system has also been changed in WWE 2K22 compared to previous WWE 2K games.
While getting pinned, you have to button-mash the X (on PS) or A (Xbox) button. This will fill a meter until you kick out of the pin.
The less remaining health you have, the harder it will be to fill the meter. Also, Superstars are most vulnerable to pins after being with a Signature or Finisher.
If you have at least two bars of the Special Meter filled in, in WWE 2K22 you can kick out immediately from a pin by the Resiliency Payback. This is done by pressing R2 + Triangle on PlayStation, or RT + Y on Xbox.
If you're near the ropes, you can press the O / B button when prompted to grab the ropes and obtain a rope break. However, there is a chance that the referee will not notice the break, so only use this as a last resort!
WWE 2K22 Alternative Kick Out System
If you prefer the previous kick-out system from WWE 2K20 and previous games, which worked as a Timed button press, it can still be used by enabling it in the Gameplay Options.
If you decide to use the alternative kick-out system, instead of button-mashing, you will be presented with a Circle HUD, where you have to hit X/A exactly when the blue meter lands in the red target zone.
The brighter red section in the target zone shows the bonus given by the "Pin Escape" attribute.
Note: There is also an option to switch all button mash minigames to press-and-hold instead.
WWE 2K22 Carry & Drag Controls
After entering the grab/lock-up state with O / B, you can lift, carry and drag the opponent with the following controls:
| Action | PS4 | Xbox One |
|---|---|---|
| Drag Opponent (inside Grab) NEW | L1 (+ L-direction) | LB (+ L-direction) |
| Initiate Carry (inside Grab) NEW | R1 (+ L-direction) | RB (+ L-direction) |
| Lift into Powerbomb Position | R1 (+ L-up) | RB (+ L-up) |
| Lift into Cradle Position | R1 (+ L-down) | RB (+ L-down) |
| Lift into Fireman's Carry | R1 (+ L-left) | RB (+ L-left) |
| Lift into Shoulder Carry | R1 (+ L-right) | RB (+ L-right) |
| Turn Moves Into Carry (while performing a qualifying move) | R1 | RB |
| Carry/Drag the Opponent Around | L-direction | L-direction |
| Change Carry Position | R-direction | R-direction |
| Slam Opponent / Complete Move | X | A |
| Environmental Attack | Square | X |
| Throw Over Ropes / Off Stage | O | B |
| Release Carry / Drag | L1 | LB |
| (As Defender) Escape Carry / Drag | O | B |
WWE 2K22 Object / Weapons Controls
| Action | PS4 | Xbox One |
|---|---|---|
| Pick Up Object | L1 | LB |
| Grab Object from under the Ring | L1 | LB |
| Primary Attack | Square | X |
| Secondary Attack | X | A |
| Drop Object | O | B |
| Throw Object Into / Out of Ring | O + L-direction | B + L-direction |
| Lean / Wedge Object in Corner | X + L-direction | A + L-direction |
| Set up Ladder / Table | X | A |
| Climb Ladder / Cage / Cell | R1 | RB |
| Push Ladder Down | Rapidly press O | Rapidly press B |
| Rotate Standing Ladder | Hold L1 + R-direction | Hold LB + R-direction |
| Set up Ladder Bridge (near Apron) | ||
| Ignite Table (Extreme Rules) | R2 + X | RT + A |
| Call for the Door in Steel Cage | L1 | LB |
What do you think about the new WWE 2K22 Control Scheme? Let us know in the comments below!
For all the information on WWE 2K22 check out the WWE 2K22 Main Section, and the full WWE 2K22 Roster Page.
