The game has been compared to 2011's WWE All Stars because of its deviation from the more simulator-oriented style of the mainline WWE games.[1] The game itself was produced in lieu of the previously planned WWE 2K21; which was cancelled due to the development troubles, low sales, and the negative reception of 2019's WWE 2K20.
WWE 2K Battlegrounds received mixed reviews, with critics praising the art style and co-operative gameplay modes, but criticizing the use of microtransactions and lack of gameplay features.