Uncover the Secrets of Wild Bandito: A Guide to Mastering This Untamed Character

Every time I fire up a wrestling game, there’s this one mode that keeps pulling me back—the GM mode. It’s not just about slamming opponents into the mat or pulling off flashy finishing moves; it’s about strategy, vision, and that addictive competitive edge. In the latest iteration, WWE 2K25, the developers finally answered a long-standing plea from the community: online multiplayer in GM mode. But as I dove into it, I couldn’t shake the feeling that while it’s a step forward, it’s not quite the leap we’ve been waiting for. Let’s talk about why, and how you can still master this untamed character—the Wild Bandito—in a mode that blends fantasy booking with cutthroat rivalry.

GM mode has always stood apart from its cousin, Universe mode. If Universe is your sandbox for epic storytelling, GM mode is where you put on your business hat. You draft wrestlers, craft match cards, and constantly upgrade your production values, all while trying to outshine either the CPU or your friends. The goals are clear: hit milestones and rake in the dollars. It’s like running a wrestling promotion where every decision counts, from booking a surprise return to investing in pyrotechnics. For years, I’ve dreamed of taking this experience online, pitting my booking skills against real players in real time. When 2K25 announced online multiplayer, I was thrilled. But after spending around 20 hours in the mode, I’ve realized it’s a half-measure. The implementation feels rushed, with limited matchmaking options and occasional lag that disrupts the flow. It’s fun, don’t get me wrong, but it lacks the polish I expected.

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: mastering the Wild Bandito. This character isn’t your typical powerhouse or technical wizard; he’s unpredictable, raw, and embodies chaos. In GM mode, that translates to a high-risk, high-reward playstyle. When you draft him, you’re not just adding a wrestler to your roster—you’re injecting volatility into every show. I’ve found that pairing him with a more stable, crowd-pleasing partner can balance out his wild antics, but it’s all about timing. For instance, in one of my online sessions, I booked the Wild Bandito in a surprise run-in during a main event, which spiked my audience engagement by nearly 15%. That’s the kind of impact he can have, but if overused, his novelty wears off fast. You need to strategize his appearances, maybe limiting him to three major matches per month to keep fans on their toes.

What makes GM mode so compelling is the long-term planning. You’re not just booking for one night; you’re building a legacy over multiple seasons. Upgrading production value—like investing in better camera angles or sound systems—can cost anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000 in-game dollars, but it pays off by increasing your overall rating. I’ve noticed that focusing on these upgrades early on gives you a competitive edge, especially in online matches where every point matters. Speaking of online, the multiplayer in 2K25 lets you challenge friends or random opponents, but it’s plagued by issues. For example, the matchmaking system sometimes pairs you with players who have vastly different roster strengths, leading to unbalanced games. In my experience, about 60% of matches felt one-sided, which takes away from the thrill. Still, when it works, it’s exhilarating to outbook a human opponent, using the Wild Bandito as your secret weapon to steal the show.

Let’s not forget the financial aspect. In GM mode, every dollar counts, and mismanaging your budget can sink your promotion faster than a botched storyline. I’ve made the mistake of overspending on big-name wrestlers early on, only to run out of funds for essential upgrades. A better approach? Start with a mix of affordable talent and one or two stars like the Wild Bandito, then reinvest your earnings. Over a 12-week season, I’ve seen promotions that follow this model increase their revenue by up to 40%. It’s all about balancing star power with sustainability. And while the online multiplayer adds a layer of competition, it doesn’t fully capitalize on the mode’s potential. For instance, there’s no leaderboard system to track your global ranking, which feels like a missed opportunity. I’d love to see that in a future update, along with smoother connectivity.

As I reflect on my time with GM mode in 2K25, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and disappointment. The addition of online multiplayer is a welcome change, but it’s not the game-changer I’d hoped for. It’s like having a great wrestler with untapped potential—you see the flashes of brilliance, but it hasn’t fully evolved. Yet, despite its flaws, mastering characters like the Wild Bandito in this competitive environment is incredibly rewarding. He represents the chaos and creativity that make wrestling games so engaging. If you’re diving in, remember to embrace that unpredictability, plan for the long haul, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll outbook the competition. Here’s hoping the next iteration polishes this mode into the masterpiece it deserves to be.