The launch of MLB The Show 26 is just a few weeks away, and fans are beginning to pre-order their preferred edition to get ready for the early access and worldwide releases. Before the official launch, though, some common questions are floating around in the community. These types of questions always precede a sports game, and often have the same answer as the year prior.
However, you never know with sports game developers. So, in the guide below, you can see whether or not MLB The Show 26 will feature crossplay and cross-progression when it launches in mid-March. We’ll also explain what the features are and how to take advantage of them.
Does MLB The Show 26 Feature Crossplay?
First up, let’s cover the topic of crossplay, which is a feature that’s become an industry-standard in recent years.
Crossplay is a feature that allows players on different platforms to play with or against each other in an online multiplayer setting, much like MLB The Show 26 has with quick play matches or Diamond Dynasty Ranked. If a game has crossplay, then even if you’re on PlayStation 5, but your friend is on Xbox Series X|S, the two of you will be able to play with each other.
Fortunately, MLB The Show 26 is set to feature full crossplay between all platforms at launch in March. This comes as no surprise, as MLB The Show has had crossplay included for several years at this point. Recently, though, crossplay has been expanded to include the Nintendo Switch, meaning even players on a Switch can join up with players on PS5 or Xbox. Of course, PC players might not be able to get in on the action in MLB The Show 26 due to some unfortunate circumstances.
However, if you don’t want to participate in crossplay, meaning you just want to play against players on your console, then you can disable the feature in MLB The Show 26. You can do this by going to your profile from the main menu. If you’re on Xbox, though, you might have to disable crossplay on the console itself, which is done by going to your console’s network settings.
Will MLB The Show 26 Have Cross-Progression?
The other question that you might have is whether or not MLB The Show 26 will feature cross-progression support, which is much different than crossplay.
Cross-progression support means that players can access their account and total progress regardless of what system they’re currently on. For example, if your primary console is a PlayStation 5, cross-progression allows you to swap over to Xbox Series X|S or Nintendo Switch, sign into your account, and keep all of your progress from the PS5. Basically, you never have to start over if you want to switch consoles for whatever reason, as long as you remember your account’s information.
Just like in years past, MLB The Show 26 will support full cross-progression at launch. This has become a staple feature for the franchise, just like crossplay, and it doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon.
If you’re planning to take advantage of cross-progression, though, you’ll have to purchase at least two separate copies of MLB The Show 26. Even with the game supporting the feature, you still can’t buy the game on PS5 and then play on Nintendo Switch using the same account without actually buying the game on the Switch as well.
Obviously, this isn’t going to be practical for most players, but if you have some disposable income, two consoles, and a reason to play on both systems, then buying two copies and taking advantage of cross-progression is totally viable in MLB The Show 26.
And there you have it, all of your questions surrounding crossplay and cross-progression in MLB The Show 26 should be fully answered.
