This post originally appeared on community-mu.
Welcome to the digital diamond! MLB The Show 25 has arrived, bringing with it a fresh wave of gameplay refinements, new modes, and an overhauled Diamond Dynasty experience. Whether you're a fresh-faced rookie stepping up to the plate for the first time or a seasoned veteran looking to fine-tune your game, this guide will provide you with the essential knowledge to navigate the game and achieve success. Let's break down the key changes, provide valuable tips, and help you become a true The Show champion.
General Tips: Laying the Foundation for Success
Before diving into the specific mechanics of hitting, pitching, and base running, let's cover some general tips that will enhance your overall experience in MLB The Show 25.
1. Embrace the New Progression System in Diamond Dynasty
Say goodbye to Sets and Seasons! MLB The Show 25 has implemented a year-long progression system in Diamond Dynasty, a welcome change for players tired of constantly rotating cards and losing progress. This new system empowers you to build a single, formidable team throughout the entire year. No more discarding valuable cards simply because a new set has dropped. This long-term focus allows for deeper team building, strategic investment in specific players, and a more rewarding sense of accomplishment as you watch your squad evolve and dominate. Take the time to understand how to acquire XP, complete programs, and unlock those coveted high-diamond players to truly maximize the potential of this new system in MLB The Show 25.
2. Embark on a Diamond Quest: A Roguelike Twist
Diamond Dynasty gets a shot of adrenaline with the introduction of Diamond Quest, a brand new mode that blends the familiar card-collecting and team-building elements with roguelike gameplay mechanics. Imagine navigating a game board filled with challenges, secrets, and tantalizing rewards. Each step presents a new opportunity, a new obstacle, and a chance to bolster your squad.
In Diamond Quest, you'll face off in quick, action-packed three-inning games. Win and progress, earning peanuts – the in-game currency specific to this mode. These peanuts can then be spent at the Coach's Cart, where you can purchase perks that provide in-game advantages. These perks can range from stat boosts for your players to strategic advantages during games, adding a layer of tactical depth to each Diamond Quest run. The roguelike element comes into play as you navigate the board and make strategic decisions about which paths to take and which challenges to face. Will you prioritize high-risk, high-reward encounters? Or will you take a more cautious approach, focusing on consistent progress and minimizing potential setbacks? The choices are yours, and the consequences will shape your Diamond Quest experience.
3. Conquer the Weekend Classic: A Test of Skill
For the most competitive players, MLB The Show 25 introduces Weekend Classic, a high-stakes multiplayer mode within Diamond Dynasty designed to separate the contenders from the pretenders. This event takes place over a few days at the end of each regular ranked season and features intense competition with unparalleled rewards.
Participation in Weekend Classic is a privilege earned through dedication and skill. Only those who achieve a high ranking in the regular season are granted access, making it a true proving ground for the elite. Expect fierce competition, strategic gameplay, and intense pressure as you battle for supremacy and the ultimate bragging rights. Weekend Classic is not for the faint of heart, but for those who rise to the challenge, the rewards are well worth the effort.
Hitting Tips: Mastering the Art of the Swing
Hitting is arguably the most challenging aspect of MLB The Show 25, requiring precise timing, strategic decision-making, and a deep understanding of pitch recognition. Here's how to improve your performance at the plate:
1. Choose Your Hitting Style Wisely
MLB The Show 25 offers three distinct hitting interfaces, each catering to different playstyles and skill levels. Experiment with each to find the one that best suits your abilities and preferences:
• Zone Hitting: This is the most demanding hitting interface, offering the highest level of control but also requiring the steepest learning curve. You'll need to precisely move the Plate Coverage Indicator (PCI) using the left stick to anticipate the pitch location while simultaneously timing your swing perfectly. Zone Hitting allows you to target specific areas of the strike zone and tailor your approach to each individual pitch. While challenging, mastering Zone Hitting unlocks the greatest potential for consistent and powerful hitting.
• Timing Hitting: A more simplified approach, Timing Hitting focuses solely on pressing the swing button at the precise moment the pitch crosses the plate. The outcome of the swing is determined by your batter's stats and your timing accuracy. While easier to pick up than Zone Hitting, Timing Hitting offers less control over the direction and placement of your hits.
• Directional Hitting: A middle ground between Zone and Timing Hitting, Directional Hitting allows you to influence the direction of your hits by tilting the left stick while timing your swing. This offers a degree of control without the complexity of constantly manipulating the PCI. Directional Hitting is ideal for players who want to steer the ball towards certain parts of the field or drive in runners from scoring position.
2. Unleash Ambush Hitting: Predict and Conquer
A brand-new feature in MLB The Show 25 is Ambush Hitting, a risk-reward mechanic that can dramatically improve your hitting performance. Ambush Hitting allows you to guess the location of the upcoming pitch, either high, low, or middle. If you guess correctly, your PCI will expand, giving you a larger margin for error and increasing your chances of making solid contact. Conversely, if you guess incorrectly, your PCI will shrink, making it more difficult to connect with the ball.
To activate Ambush Hitting, simply flick the right stick left (low), right (high), or middle (middle) before the pitch is thrown. If you change your mind, simply clicking the right stick will remove your selection. Use Ambush Hitting strategically, paying attention to the pitcher's tendencies and your opponent's tendencies. Predicting the pitch correctly can be a game-changer, allowing you to crush pitches that you might otherwise miss.
3. Know Your Swings: Choose the Right Tool for the Job
MLB The Show 25 offers three different swing types, each designed for specific situations and strategies:
• Contact Swing (O/B): Prioritizes making contact with the ball, increasing your chances of putting the ball in play but sacrificing power. Use the Contact Swing when you need to protect the plate with two strikes, move a runner over, or simply get on base.
• Normal Swing (X/A): A balanced approach that offers a good combination of contact and power. The Normal Swing is your go-to swing in most situations, providing a reliable and consistent approach at the plate.
• Power Swing (Square/X): Generates the most power, allowing you to drive the ball deep into the outfield, but also making it easier to miss entirely. Use the Power Swing when you're looking to drive in runs, hit a home run, or take advantage of a fastball down the middle. Be mindful of the increased risk of striking out with the Power Swing.
Pitching Tips: Commanding the Mound
Pitching is a strategic battle of wits, requiring you to anticipate your opponent's approach, mix your pitches effectively, and locate them with pinpoint accuracy. Here's how to dominate on the mound in MLB The Show 25:
1. Master Pitching Interfaces: Find Your Comfort Zone
MLB The Show 25 offers a variety of pitching interfaces, each with its own unique mechanics and level of difficulty. Experiment with each to find the one that best suits your skills and preferences:
Pinpoint Pitching: Widely considered the most challenging but also the most rewarding pitching interface. Pinpoint Pitching uses left stick aiming and right stick gestures to mimic real-life pitch motions, requiring precise movements and timing to deliver accurate pitches. Mastering Pinpoint Pitching gives you unparalleled control over pitch placement and movement.
• Pulse Pitching: Time your press of the X/A button within a pulsing circle to determine accuracy.
Pure Analog: Pull back and push forward on the right stick to deliver the pitch.
• Meter Pitching: Uses a traditional meter where timing your button presses affects pitch accuracy.
• Classic Pitching: The simplest option—just select the pitch and location, and let ratings determine the outcome.
2. Understand Pitch Accuracy: Embracing the Uncertainty
When selecting a pitch, you'll notice a shaded area around the ball representing where the pitch could potentially land. This area reflects the pitcher's accuracy and control. More accurate pitchers will have smaller shaded areas, allowing for more precise pitch placement. Conversely, wild pitchers will have larger shaded areas, making it more difficult to consistently hit your intended target.
Fastballs are generally easier to control, with smaller shaded areas, while breaking pitches like sliders and curveballs tend to have wider variability, making them more difficult to locate consistently. Use this knowledge to your advantage, tailoring your pitch selection and location based on your pitcher's strengths and weaknesses.
3. Force Double Plays: A Tactical Maneuver
When your opponent has a runner on first base with less than two outs, you can strategically increase your chances of turning a double play. Pitch low in the strike zone with sinkers or any kind of breaking ball. These pitches encourage the batter to hit the ball over the top, resulting in a ground ball that's perfect for a double play opportunity. This is a high-risk, high-reward strategy, as a poorly located pitch can result in a hit or a walk, but when executed correctly, it can be a game-changing play.
Base Running Tips: Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Base running is often overlooked, but it can be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of a game. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your effectiveness on the base paths in MLB The Show 25:
1. Sliding Strategies: Safe at Any Cost
Sliding is an essential skill for avoiding tags and reaching bases safely. When sliding into a base, aim to slide away from the ball to increase your chances of avoiding the tag. If you're stealing a base, slide toward the back of the base to further minimize the risk of being tagged out.
2. Controlling Base Runners: Taking Command
Knowing how to effectively control your base runners is crucial for executing strategic plays and maximizing scoring opportunities.
Hold: Allows you to instruct a base runner to stay put on their current base. This is useful when you don't want a runner to advance on a passed ball or wild pitch.
This is just the beginning of your journey in MLB The Show 25. Remember to practice, experiment with different settings, and learn from your mistakes. With dedication and a willingness to learn, you'll be hitting home runs, throwing strikeouts, and dominating the diamond in no time! Good luck, and have fun!