Building on the foundations of last year's title, WWE 2K23 has brought forward the counter and reversal system. However, it's still complex and frustrating if players don't know how to defend themselves from the ground.
More often than not, players will find themselves in a situation where they are being stomped or endlessly grappled and unable to counter and reverse. WWE 2K23' s in-game reversal prompts are temperamental, making local and especially online matches more frustrating than they need to be. Use the following tips to reverse and counter every grounded attack in WWE 2K23.
Countering Grounded Grapple Moves
Grounded grapple moves in WWE 2K23 are initiated by pressing the grab button (B/Circle) and then using the Strong (A/X) grapple or a light grapple (X/Square). It's a sound way to mix up attacks without being predictable, and they are notoriously hard to reverse with the Y/Triangle button.
There's a small window for ground reversals using the Y/Triangle button, but using the modernized counter system is the best way to escape and reverse grounded grapples. However, it does require the player to try and anticipate their opponent's next move.
How To Counter Ground Grapples
- To successfully counter a grounded grab and grapple move, players must predict whether their opponent will attack with a light or strong grapple. To counter a light grapple, the player must press or repeatedly tap the X/Square buttons before the animation initiates – there's a slight pause before the grapple begins.
- Then, to counter/reverse strong grapples, repeatedly tap the A/X button before the grapple animation. There's an element of luck involved, but the A.I. And other players can become predictable and easy to counter.
Reversing & Escaping Attacks
Players must utilize the Y/Triangle button at the right time to reverse standing and running ground attacks. By default, WWE 2K23's system will prompt the player with a Y or Triangle onscreen to hit a reversal. However, it's better to pay attention to the opponent's animations. This will lead to more successful counters and reversals.
Reversal Settings To Change
WWE 2K23 has an extensive list of settings to adjust the gameplay, but those looking for an easier time reversing attacks and grapples should modify these settings:
- Head into the Options tab by pressing RB/R1.
- Select Gameplay.
- Ensure Auto-Reversal for Ground Attacks is set to On – The A.I. Will prevent the opponent from spamming ground attacks. This doesn't affect grapples.
- Press RB/R1 and highlight the Balancing tab.
- Head down to Ground Attack Reversal Windows and increase the slider to make it easier to reverse ground attacks.
Grounded Submission Reversals
Reversing grounded submissions in WWE 2K23 is usually the same as attacks. The player must press the Reversal button with Y/Triangle to counter it. But players can also reverse the submission attack by pressing the B/Circle button. Again, this relies on luck, unless the opponent is constantly going for submission grapples.
Momentum Reversals & Escapes
Momentum-based counterattacks are called Possum Attacks and Possum Pins. They offer the player a chance to regain the advantage by stopping their opponent in their tracks or getting a sneaky pin victory. With enough momentum/blue bar filled, the player can hit the RB/R1 to initiate a quick reversal on an opponent standing close. However, be mindful that the opponent can reverse a Possum move, putting them in danger of getting pinned in WWE 2K23. Using Possum moves depletes the momentum bar - a full momentum bar allows the wrestler to hit a Signature move and escape pins after a finisher.
WWE 2K23 is available now for the PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.