Highlights

  • MLB The Show 24 is pushing boundaries with animation upgrades, women ballplayers, and new Storylines content.
  • Diamond Dynasty changes in The Show 24 aim to address fan feedback by removing card sets, extending seasons, and improving ways to collect cards.
  • With new free card packs, revamped Team Affinity, and longer seasons, Diamond Dynasty in The Show 24 will seemingly cater to both hardcore and casual fans.

Few franchises have simulated the action of baseball better than MLB The Show, and the upcoming MLB The Show 24 looks to continue that tradition with gusto. Developer San Diego Studio has established a reliable formula for the series that has found success year after year, but recently it has found new ways to experiment with America's pastime. MLB The Show 24 could be one of the franchise's most experimental entries in a long time, as animation upgrades, the addition of women ballplayers, and new Storylines content look to push the boundaries of what's possible for a baseball sim.

One of the most significant changes coming to MLB The Show 24 concerns the popular Diamond Dynasty game mode. The Show's answer to Madden NFL Ultimate Team, Diamond Dynasty allows gamers to build a team of current players and past legends by collecting cards of varying tiers. Last year's MLB The Show 23 introduced a slew of changes to Diamond Dynasty with mixed results, as many die-hard fans took issue with how content was structured. SDS, fortunately, took a lot of notes from fan feedback, and has updated Diamond Dynasty in MLB The Show 24 to help make it a more satisfying experience.

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Sets Are Gone & Seasons Are Longer In Diamond Dynasty

In MLB The Show 23, SDS made an effort to mix up Diamond Dynasty by implementing content seasons and card sets. The idea behind this change was essentially to expedite team building, so more gamers could build a high-tier team in less time. What quickly happened, however, was content became stale after only a couple of seasons, as certain ballplayers received high-level cards across multiple sets. Many cards felt like less of an upgrade, and more like the same card with a new coat of paint.

The Show 24 is remedying this issue by getting rid of card sets, extending the length of seasons, and reintroducing the power creep from previous games. Cards will now be added on a season-by-season basis, and once a new season starts, cards from the previous season will no longer be usable in competitive matches. With seasons now lasting three months, lower tier cards will have a greater chance to shine, and gamers will have more time to experience the satisfaction of upgrading their team. On paper, SDS's changes could be the best of both worlds for hardcore and casual Diamond Dynasty fans.

More Ways To Collect Cards In Diamond Dynasty

Earning cards in Diamond Dynasty can be a grind, one that not all fans have the time or patience to participate in. The Show 23's grind was particularly troublesome, as not only could it be lengthy, but the rewards often didn't justify the work. The Show 24 won't be getting rid of grinding for cards altogether, but it will make building a team less time-consuming with new card packs. At the beginning of each season, fans can choose one Cornerstone card from a free pack, and seasonal starter packs will also help build their collection. Team Affinity will also receive an overhaul, with three waves of releases each season.

MLB The Show has long been known for having one of the more player-friendly card collecting game modes in the sports genre, and The Show 23 dealt a blow to that reputation. Though SDS isn't reverting to the content structure from previous years, The Show 24's Diamond Dynasty changes should make a considerable difference. Hardcore Diamond Dynasty fans will be able to grind and still feel a sense of fulfillment, and casual players will have more options to build a competitive team in less time. Hopefully, as the year moves on, this new approach to Diamond Dynasty will prove to be a good one.