We’ve talked, we’ve speculated, and we’ve deliberated. Now, it’s time to get a glimpse of the gameplay in MLB The Show 26 as the trailer has finally been released. San Diego Studio has kept things under wraps until now, but with the release date being ever-so-close, it’s an ideal time to hype up fans for the upcoming iteration.
Now, instead of overloading the edition with half-tested features, SDS took this opportunity to improve on existing fan-favourites like Road to the Show and Diamond Dynasty. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean we don’t have some exciting news coming up in the following weeks. For now, let’s go over everything included in MLB The Show 26’s gameplay trailer.
MLB The Show 26 New Features
Expanding Road To The Show
Road to the Show is one of MLB The Show’s biggest selling points. Players love being in control of their destiny, and RTTS lets you do just that. But it’s not as much fun if you can’t start from scratch. Well, that’s exactly what SDS focused on this time around.
The biggest change to RTTS is the expansion of the amateur experience in-game, Road to the Show: Road to Cooperstown. No longer will players start directly from the big leagues; it’s time for them to build up their characters from the start. Show those college recruiters why they should pick you and that you have star potential. The game also added 11 additional college teams, including the University of Arkansas, Stanford University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Florida.
To keep players from getting tired and demotivated, there are new goals and accomplishments to complete, so players always have something to look forward to. SDS has also brought in the CWS officially licensed NCAA Men’s College World Series format and bracket, something we’ll get more information on in the coming weeks.
Mini Diamond Dynasty Rework Plus New Rewards
Diamond Dynasty is right up there with RTTS when talking about popularity. The captivating card game has kept the series afloat more times than one can count. Now, it’s finally being shown some love with new rewards, a brand new stadium, and a mini-seasons overhaul.
A major addition in MLB The Show 26 to Diamond Dynasty will be the introduction of The World Baseball Classic content, now featuring WBC ballparks, including the Tokyo Dome and Estadio Hiram Bithorn. Get ready to play in a new scenery. As with every season, we will also receive new collections, packs, rewards, and programs to grind out.
Some minor changes come in the form of a mini-seasons overhaul and live-service updates that will roll out throughout the season to keep things fresh and exciting. These will include live rating changes that coincide with a player’s real-life performance.
Return of Negroes League & Updated Franchise Mode
Franchise Mode has always been the neglected child of the family, but no more. Franchise Mode is getting a new trade logic system featuring the Trade HUB, which will significantly improve your trading experience. This will be backed by real-world statistics to ensure realism.
Players will now experience better lineup logic and starter pitcher rotation, so no more being afraid of simulating games. Franchise Mode will also now allow players to control how much autonomy they wish to have. If you want to leave it upto the AI to figure things out, you’ll be able to do just that with the updated Franchise Mode. However, I’ll always love micromanaging my team; that’s just a part of the MLB The Show 26 experience.
As for storylines, the Negroes League makes a comeback with season 4. The game mode returns with all-new legends, uniforms, and a new stadium to celebrate the stories of some of the most impactful, yet largely unknown, ballplayers in history. This is a must-play game mode if you’re a fan of baseball history and wish to relive some iconic parts of it.
