Welcome to MLB The Show 25! Whether you’re a seasoned baseball gamer or stepping up to the plate for the first time, this guide will help you get started and build a solid foundation for success.

---

1. Learn the Basics of Gameplay

MLB The Show 25 offers various control schemes for batting, pitching, fielding, and baserunning. Start with the default settings, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what feels right. Here’s a breakdown of what each button does on PlayStation and Xbox:

2. Batting Controls (Default – Zone Hitting)

Action	PlayStation	Xbox
Swing (Normal)	X	A
Swing (Power)	Square	X
Swing (Contact)	Circle	B
Aim PCI	Left Stick	Left Stick
Bunt	Triangle	Y
Check Swing	Tap swing button	Tap swing button
Guess Pitch / Call Time	R2	RT

Tips: Use Zone Hitting for maximum control. Focus on timing and pitch recognition.

3. Pitching Controls (Default – Meter Pitching)

Action	PlayStation	Xbox
Select Pitch	Pitch button (X, Circle, etc.)	Pitch button (A, B, etc.)
Aim Pitch	Left Stick	Left Stick
Start Pitch (Begin Meter)	X	A
Set Power	Hold and release X	Hold and release A
Set Accuracy	Tap X	Tap A
Step Off Mound	Circle	B

Tip: Meter Pitching offers balance of control and simplicity. Use Practice Mode to perfect your rhythm.

4. Fielding Controls

Action	PlayStation	Xbox
Throw to First	Circle	B
Throw to Second	Triangle	Y
Throw to Third	Square	X
Throw Home	X	A
Jump	R1	RB
Dive	R2	RT
Switch Players	L2	LT
Move Player	Left Stick	Left Stick

Tip: Start with Auto Fielding and use Button throwing. Move to Button Accuracy as you improve.

5. Baserunning Controls

Action	PlayStation	Xbox
Advance All Runners	L1	LB
Retreat All Runners	L2	LT
Advance Individual Runner	Left Stick + Base Button	Left Stick + Base Button
Steal Base	L2 + Base Button	LT + Base Button
Slide Direction	Right Stick	Right Stick

Tip: Learn to time your steals based on the pitcher’s motion. It takes practice!

6. Choose the Right Game Mode

MLB The Show 25 offers several game modes:

• Road to the Show (RTTS): Create a player and rise from the minors to the big leagues.
• Diamond Dynasty: Build your ultimate team using cards.
• Franchise Mode: Manage a full organization as GM.
• March to October: Experience highlights of a condensed season.
• Exhibition/Online Play: Jump into quick matches with friends or players online.

For beginners, start with RTTS or March to October.

7. Master the Controls

Use Practice Mode to refine your skills and get used to timing, fielding, and pitching. You can also adjust the difficulty as you improve.

8. Understand Player Attributes

Each player has specific stats like Contact, Power, Speed, and Fielding. Knowing these helps you build better teams and understand your RTTS player’s strengths and weaknesses.

9. Customize Your Settings

Tweak the camera angles, gameplay sliders, and HUD settings for your comfort. Many players find a custom batting camera improves hitting dramatically.

10. Use Tutorials and Tips

Don’t skip the in-game tutorials. They’re helpful for learning controls, new mechanics, and strategy tips.

11. Play, Learn, and Improve

The more you play, the better you get. Focus on fundamentals, experiment with settings, and enjoy the ride!

---

Final Thoughts

MLB The Show 25 can feel overwhelming at first, but stick with it. This guide is a great starting point, and with practice, you’ll be making highlight plays in no time. Good luck, rookie!