The most popular game mode in MLB The Show is Diamond Dynasty, letting you collect player cards and build dream rosters. But with hundreds to choose from, how do you build a winning team? This guide will equip you to master player cards and dominate the competition.
Understanding ratings
Start by learning the fundamentals. Each card has a variety of ratings that define a player’s strengths and weaknesses. There are a few to be aware of, but here’s a rundown of the most important:
- Contact (CNT): This refers to how well a batter hits the ball.
- Power (PWR): This is a measure of how hard a batter hits the ball (think home runs!).
- Fielding (FLD): This tells you about a fielder’s catching ability.
- Arm (ARM): With this feature, you’ll gauge the fielder’s throwing power.
- Pitching (PIT): This is the pitcher’s overall effectiveness.
Building your team
There are a few factors that you should consider when you’re building your team, including:
- Team chemistry
Just like in real baseball, good team chemistry is essential to your success in MLB The Show. Players with good chemistry receive boosts to their attributes, so make sure to consider synergies between teammates as you’re selecting your cards.
- Positions
You aim to fill all fielding positions with competent players. Focus on the strengths of each player and how these can be used to your advantage – for example, a strong catcher with a weak arm might be offset by a great throwing second baseman.
- Balance
While it might be tempting, it’s not going to work out if you stack your team with all-star hitters – pitching depth is crucial. You need to choose a good mix of well-rounded players who can contribute both offensively and defensively.
Advanced tips
Once you’ve built your team, take advantage of these advanced tips to get the best out of your MLB The Show experience.
- Specialties: Look for cards with “Bronze” or “Silver” fielding specialties for the very best plays in specific positions.
- Hidden Attributes: Certain quirks that aren’t reflected in ratings can make a player a gem – a speedy outfielder with a cannon for an arm, for example. Experiment to find these hidden gems.
- Live Series Cards: These cards reflect real-life player performance, so a hot hitter in real life will have a better card in-game. Keep your roster updated for an extra edge.
- Cornerstone Cards: These have been newly added to MLB The Show 24 and can help you boost your squad significantly, giving you a major advantage.
Learning the ins and outs of Diamond Dynasty and mastering player cards will help you build the best team and skyrocket your players to success.
By understanding ratings, building a balanced team, and considering hidden gems, you’ll be well on your way to mastering player cards and becoming an MLB The Show champion. But, of course, these are only tips, and ultimately, you can play the game and build your team for your enjoyment. The most important thing is that you’re having fun!