Is UFC 2 still available in 2024?
As a longtime fan of EA‘s UFC video game series, I was disappointed to hear that UFC 2‘s servers will be shutting down on February 6th, 2023, ending online functionality. However, I have good news for players wondering "is UFC 2 still available" – you can still play the game offline!
UFC 2 Delisted But Physical Copies Still Being Sold
While no longer offered digitally on the PlayStation or Microsoft stores, physical copies of UFC 2 for PS4 and Xbox One are still widely available from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart in 2024.
According to PriceCharting.com, UFC 2 sells for around $15 used and $30 new. Despite being a 7 year old game, it still holds value for collectors and MMA fans.
Offline Game Modes Still Playable After Shut Down
When the shutdown goes into effect February 6th, playing UFC 2 online will no longer be possible. This means no more multiplayer matches, leaderboards, roster updates, and Ultimate Team.
However, you‘ll still be able to play UFC 2‘s career mode, tournaments, challenges, and matches against the AI offline. The robust fight mechanics and gameplay the series is known for remains intact.
Why Did EA Shut Down the UFC 2 Servers?
EA has not provided an official reason for shutting down UFC 2‘s servers, but it likely comes down to money and resources. Maintaining servers for older games isn‘t always cost effective, especially with newer entries like UFC 4 still receiving live service support.
The publisher may have also made a business decision to promote UFC 4, which sells for $60, compared to cheap pre-owned copies of UFC 2 readily available.
What are the Alternatives for Playing MMA Games?
Besides picking up a physical copy of UFC 2 to play offline modes, what other options exist in 2024 for MMA fans?
UFC 4
The latest entry in the series, released in 2020, UFC 4 features updated graphics and gameplay, current fighters, and online support. However, it has also been criticized for feeling like nothing more than a roster update with microtransactions pushed hard.
UFC 3
2018‘s UFC 3 could be a nice alternative, still available digitally on current consoles. It built well upon UFC 2‘s mechanics adding more fluid striking combos and grappling transitions. The online servers are slated to remain running too.
WWE 2K22
If you enjoy wrestling gameplay like grappling and submissions, try out WWE 2K22. It received praise for improved graphics and controls after buggy previous entries. Features several MMA fighters as playable characters.
Fire Pro Wrestling World
This wrestling sim may look retro, but offers one of the deepest create-a-fighter toolsets for making your dream MMA matchups. Thousands of community creations available to download, including UFC fighters past and present.
The Murky Future of More UFC Video Games
Looking ahead, the future is uncertain when it comes to EA releasing another UFC video game after UFC 4. Their 10-year licensing deal with the UFC expired in 2022 without renewal as of yet.
Rumors swirled of EA looking to acquire the exclusive rights to produce boxing games, so they may be moving on from MMA. However, UFC 4 sold well over 1 million copies showing the popularity of the sport. So don‘t count out new developers throwing their hat in.
For me as a gamer, I still regularly return to UFC 2 and 3 for their fast action gameplay challenge. While I will miss the online modes in UFC 2 after the shutdown, it‘s good to know I can still throwdown fights locally against friends or computer opponents thanks to physical copies.
Here‘s hoping we get official word soon on a new UFC game release continuing the best-in-class martial arts gameplay the series is celebrated for by loyal fans like myself. But for now, is UFC 2 still available in 2024? Yes, get out there and pick up a copy! Just don‘t wait too long.
