To get the best out of baserunning in MLB The Show 26, adjusting your settings can make a huge difference. Whether you're trying to control your runners manually or letting the AI help out, there are several options to tailor your experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to fine-tuning your baserunning settings and getting the most out of every play.
1. Accessing Baserunning Settings
To start adjusting, head to the Main Menu and follow these steps:
Go to Settings (the gear icon).
Select Controls.
Then, choose Baserunning.
This will bring up all the options you need to customize your baserunning experience.
2. Core Baserunning Settings
Here’s a breakdown of the key settings you can adjust:
Baserunning Interface
Buttons (Recommended for Beginners): This setting gives clear button mappings for each runner. You press a base button to send your runner to that base. It's the easiest option for those just starting out.
Analog (Recommended for Advanced Players): With this setting, you control individual runners using the Left Stick, and then use face buttons to target specific bases. This allows faster decision-making, especially in complex situations, but requires more precision and practice.
Baserunning Decisions
Auto: The AI controls all the runners automatically. This is the simplest option, but it may lead to mistakes, especially on close plays.
Assist: The AI assists in baserunning but gives you more control over certain decisions. This can be a middle ground between fully manual and auto.
Manual (Recommended for Competitive Play): With manual control, you make all the decisions about when and where to move your runners. It gives you the most control and reduces the risk of mistakes, especially in high-stakes situations.
Sliding Decisions
Auto: The game decides when to slide for you.
Manual: If you choose manual, you’ll control whether to slide head-first or feet-first by using the right stick. This gives you more control over the outcome of close plays at the bases.
3. Competitive Tips for Baserunning
If you want to step up your game, consider these advanced tips:
Turn Off Auto Baserunning: If you’re aiming for higher-level play, disable auto baserunning. This prevents any unwanted automation errors and ensures your runners only move when you want them to.
Manual Selection: Instead of relying on AI, use the Left Stick to point directly at the specific runner you want to control. Then, press the corresponding base button to send them to their destination. Mastering this will make you quicker in decision-making.
Runner Stopping: On Xbox, holding RT (or R2 on PlayStation) will stop your runner immediately. This is great for adjusting your baserunner's positioning and avoiding unnecessary outs.
4. Setting Up for Success
Mastering your baserunning settings takes practice, but customizing them to suit your playstyle can lead to more control and fewer mistakes. Whether you're a beginner or aiming to compete at a higher level, adjusting your settings will give you the edge on the base paths.