I have so many fond memories of playing the original Pure Pool game. Launched in 2014 on PS4, I sank many hours into the game over the years. So over a decade later, when I saw Pure Pool Pro was set to launch I was alllll the way in. Promising improvements across the board, it felt like a no brainer. But is this a worthy successor to possibly the best pool game ever? Let’s find out.
If you’re dipping your toes into Pure Pool Pro after breezing through the brief tutorial, Career mode is the perfect spot to pretend you’re a rising pool shark. You kick off facing amateur opponents who are forgiving enough not to humiliate you right away, then gradually level up to tougher foes who actually know what they’re doing. Every match throws in three additional requirements, which you complete for stars. Potting off the break, drilling long shots without drama, sinking a certain number of balls in a row and staying foul-free are just a few of the tasks you’ll be given. Between those duels, you can jump into bite-sized challenge modes to rack up even more stars and unlock a bunch of cosmetic flair for your profile, cue, table etc.
Career mode is surprisingly packed, with separate options for 8-ball and 9-ball. As you progress the AI opponents stop messing around; just when I’d got a bit of a swagger I started getting schooled by some sneaky pros. Playing in amateur mode offers some generous aiming guides, but once you hit the focused stages those lines are heavily reduced and the pro tier does away with them completely. It’s a progression that feels natural as you grow into the game, but I would say that focused difficulty felt like the sweet spot for me. It takes the training wheels off and makes you rely on skill.
Then there are the standalone challenge modes, which are dangerously addictive. These twist the classic rules into short, frantic bursts that keep you coming back for one more try. Leaderboards showing real players’ scores definitely add a competitive element. Speed Potting, Checkpoint, Perfect Potter, Royal Rumble & Daily Challenge. My personal favourite is checkpoint, where you start with a timer; each potted ball buys you seven extra seconds, but scratch and lose five. It’s basically survival mode.
The game’s long-term hook, though, is online multiplayer, now with shiny cross-play across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Xbox folks join the party a bit later in spring 2026). Jumping into matches is dead simple, and friend codes make it easy to organise private showdowns or trash-talk tournaments. That said, it’s missing a proper ranked ladder and visible stats right now.
Visually, Pure Pool Pro is a serious glow-up from the original. We’re talking native 8K at 60fps on PS5 Pro, crisp 4K/120fps on standard PS5, and high-end PCs keeping pace. The tables gleam, the balls shine like they’ve been polished by a neurotic jeweller, and the lighting sells the whole “you’re actually in a moody pool hall” vibe. It’s easily the most lifelike pool sim out there and it really adds to the immersion.
One thing I would like to see added is more camera controls. I’ve played a lot of pool over the years, and rarely do I hit shots with my chin on the cue. Being able to execute shots from an angle a little further out would be a great addition. I know many have also requested a top-down view. I understand this not being included given the emphasis on sim-gameplay, but it would be a nice optional extra for those who want it.
Audio nails the authenticity too. Ball clacks, gentle kisses, the satisfying clunk-roll-clunk as a ball drops through the guts of the table. It’s all there, subtle and immersive. Venue options start limited but expand, and the mellow soundtrack is an ideal backdrop.
Those who played the original Pure Pool in recent years will be aware of the snooker add-on. This doesn’t make it into Pure Pool Pro at launch, but it has been promised as post launch DLC. It was a great addition last time around and so I can’t wait to check that out down the line.
In the end, Pure Pool Pro is a technical knockout in the cue-sports genre. From the moment it loads, the polish shines. Ultra-realistic physics, obsessive attention to ball and cue behaviour, and presentation that is unmatched. The online scene could use a bit more competitive juice, but at the very wallet-friendly £19.99 (+20% off until Feb 26th), it’s an absolute steal. Our review was conducted on base PS5, but you can also pick it up now on Steam. Xbox players, hang tight, it’s coming soon. Pure Pool Pro doesn’t just pot balls; it sinks the competition with style. Highly recommended.
