MLB The Show 26 shows off gameplay updates, inspired by player feedback
PlayStation Studios and San Diego Studio have released a new gameplay video for MLB The Show 26, which dives into updates to the game, driven by player feedback, the first focuses on the games main career mode, Road to the Show, check it out.
In the game this year, the goals that player set will impact how their journey to the top goes. Players can opt for short or long-term goals, like getting a certain number of strike outs in a game, increasing you seasonal average or chasing down an award. The bigger and more ambitious the goal is, the more rewards you get if you achieve it.
Those goals now begin as early as your high school career — just the first phase of the changes. As a high school standout you can be recruited by up to 19 different colleges, more than double from last year. Colleges in your region will notice your high school accomplishments first and present recruiting packages that reflect their level of interest. Packages can include increased scouting exposure, skill development, equipment, tokens and more. Each offer is unique. Will you sign with the school that gives you the best immediate benefits, or wait for the offer from your dream program? Big-time prospects face big decisions in Road to the Show 26.
The college chapter in Road to the Show 26 has been expanded — more schools, bigger crowds, and an official NCAA Men's College World Series integration. This year you can play through the entire College World Series format, with numerous chances to boost your Pro Potential rating. That rating matters: it will directly affect your draft position and the number of goal-selection slots you receive later in your career.
Once you reach the majors, you’ll have more control over your career path and roster destination than before. You can request trades, discuss position changes or a move to DH with coaches, and coordinate free-agency plans with your reps. You’ll also get timely alerts when you’re in consideration for milestone awards like Rookie of the Year or MVP, letting you influence your season at key moments.
Hitting stat milestones in Road to the Show — home runs, consecutive games reaching base, and more — now unlocks a wide range of dynamic perks. For instance, the Heart Attack perk increases your exit velocity when your team is trailing and mounting a comeback. There are more perks than ever, and a new perks menu clearly shows what each perk does and how to upgrade it. You decide which perks will matter most for your individual journey.
Recognizing that not everyone wants to play every at-bat of a roughly 2,000-game Hall of Fame career, Road to the Show 26 lets you simulate portions of your career. Simulated performance is tied to your overall rating, so your choices still shape the outcome even when you skip the action.
Your recent hot streak gives an extra boost — a 57 overall could simulate as a 67. You can move through sims faster without losing your real momentum. Now you'll also get alerts before big moments. You can keep simming or jump in for key events like chasing records or big matchups, making the path to Cooperstown feel shorter.
There are more update videos planned for the game, as the March release draws closer. The game can be pre-ordered today on all platforms - that is PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X|S. The full game releases on March 17, but those who buy the Digital Deluxe Edition can get access on March 13.
These screens below are from the Nintendo Switch version.
