MLB The Show 25 is set to revolutionize the Diamond Dynasty experience with the removal of the Sets & Seasons format, bringing back a yearlong progression system that ensures your hard-earned player cards remain usable throughout the entire game cycle. Alongside this fundamental change, Sony San Diego (SDS) is introducing exciting new game modes, refining existing content, and enhancing multiplayer rewards. Let’s dive into everything new for Diamond Dynasty in MLB The Show 25.
Yearlong Progression Returns
Gone are the days of losing access to your best cards due to seasonal resets. With the return of a yearlong progression system, all cards earned in Diamond Dynasty will remain viable throughout MLB The Show 25. This change allows players to build their dream squads without worrying about forced roster resets, offering a more engaging and rewarding team-building experience.
Diamond Quest: A Roguelike Adventure
One of the most innovative additions to Diamond Dynasty is Diamond Quest, a single-player roguelike-inspired board game mode. Players navigate an 8-bit styled board, completing challenges, facing off in three-inning stadium matchups, and battling bosses to earn valuable rewards. The game board is randomized, ensuring a fresh experience with each run. Higher difficulty settings provide an increased chance of obtaining premium rewards, making this a true risk/reward mode.
Additionally, a new currency called Peanuts will be exclusive to Diamond Quest, allowing players to unlock perks that enhance gameplay. Whether you thrive on short-term risk or enjoy the thrill of unpredictable challenges, Diamond Quest is shaping up to be one of the most exciting new additions to MLB The Show 25.
Weekend Classic: A High-Stakes Competitive Mode
Taking inspiration from Weekend League in EA FC’s FIFA Ultimate Team, Weekend Classic introduces a high-stakes competitive mode at the end of each Ranked Season. Running for the last four days of each season, this mode divides players into tiers based on their Ranked Season rating and offers escalating rewards depending on performance.
The more games you win, the better your prizes, making Weekend Classic a must-play event for those looking to maximize their Diamond Dynasty rewards. Expect intense matchups and exclusive prizes that reward skill and consistency in high-pressure games.
Team Affinity: A New Approach
Team Affinity returns with a fresh approach, featuring My Journey Programs that track and reward performance using player cards from all 30 MLB teams. Unlike previous iterations where teams were grouped into divisions, each team now has its unique path, allowing for more personalized progressions.
Completing stat-based missions with team-specific players will unlock exclusive items, customized team content, and some of the best Diamond Dynasty rewards available. SDS also confirmed that Team Affinity will receive continuous updates throughout the year, ensuring the program remains engaging as the MLB season unfolds.
Multiplayer Program Unification
In past versions of Diamond Dynasty, Ranked, Battle Royale, and Events had separate reward tracks. MLB The Show 25 is changing that by introducing a singular Multiplayer Program, allowing players to progress across all three modes simultaneously.
Whether you prefer solo or co-op play in Ranked, enjoy drafting a 26-man team in Battle Royale, or thrive in the ever-changing landscape of Events, your progress will now contribute toward the same rewards. This streamlined approach offers greater flexibility and rewards players for playing the modes they enjoy most.
Spotlight & My Legacy Programs Debut
Two new program types are set to enhance the Diamond Dynasty experience:
- Spotlight Programs: Replacing Monthly Awards, these programs will highlight top MLB performances on a weekly and monthly basis, offering new challenges and rewards that reflect real-world baseball action.
- My Legacy Programs: These programs will track cumulative in-game stats like hits, home runs, and strikeouts. Achieving statistical milestones will earn players unique rewards, including exclusive player icons.
Both programs are designed to provide continuous engagement, rewarding players for both real-life baseball fandom and in-game accomplishments.
A Return to Classic Programs
Fans of older MLB The Show games will be pleased to hear that Inning Programs and Player Programs are making a comeback. Inning Programs, which were last seen in MLB The Show 21, offer long-term objectives with major rewards. Meanwhile, Player Programs allow players to complete missions and moments centered around specific MLB stars, unlocking their special cards as a reward.
Classic programs will continue the theme of a longer grind for rewards that will not be as high overall but will have a longer life cycle this season. The change is refreshing as the past programs were basic and the grind felt similar each time. The inning programs always brought a different variety of content during each drop which is awesome that it is returning.
Final Thoughts
MLB The Show 25 is set to deliver the most expansive and rewarding Diamond Dynasty experience yet. By removing Sets & Seasons, SDS is giving players more control over their lineups while introducing fresh content like Diamond Quest, Weekend Classic, and revamped Team Affinity. With enhanced multiplayer rewards and the addition of Spotlight and My Legacy Programs, Diamond Dynasty is poised for its best year yet.
As the release date approaches, expect further details and breakdowns of these new features. One thing is certain—MLB The Show 25 is bringing major improvements to Diamond Dynasty, making it an exciting time for both new and veteran players alike.