Introduction: Why You Need This Save File For almost two decades, WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain (HCTP) has remained the gold standard of wrestling video games. Released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, its deep season mode, fluid grappling system, and legendary roster (from Brock Lesnar to The Rock) keep it alive today—primarily through the PCSX2 emulator .
| Feature | Memory Card File (.ps2) | Emulator Save State (.p2s) | |---------|------------------------|------------------------------| | | Yes – survives emulator updates. | No – breaks after major PCSX2 version changes. | | Compatibility | Works across all PCSX2 versions (1.6, 1.7, nightly). | Version-dependent. A save state from 1.6 often fails on 1.7. | | Corruption risk | Low – PS2 native format. | High – one wrong F3 load can freeze. | | Sharing | Easy – just share the .ps2 file. | Difficult – requires matching emulator build. |
| Category | Unlocked Content | |----------|------------------| | | All 57 default wrestlers + hidden legends: Bret Hart, The Rock (Retro), Hulk Hogan (Retro), Mick Foley, Roddy Piper, Shawn Michaels (Retro), and more. | | Arenas | SmackDown! (2003), Raw (2003), WrestleMania XIX, Backlash, Judgment Day, Vengeance, and hidden debug arenas. | | Belts | WWE Championship, World Heavyweight, Intercontinental, US, Cruiserweight, Tag Team, Women’s. | | Season Mode | All branching paths unlocked. You can start as any wrestler with max popularity. | | CAW Parts | Every mask, tattoo, outfit, and move unlocked. Some patched saves include real-life wrestlers not in the base game (e.g., Jeff Hardy, CM Punk mods). | | Challenges | All 10 challenges completed (e.g., "Bloodbath," "Legend Killer"). |
