MLB The Show 26 can be a blast, but it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and waste your stubs early on. Whether you’re a new player or someone who’s been playing the franchise for years, the temptation to make impulsive purchases is always there. However, if you can manage your stubs wisely, you'll be in a much better position to improve your team and enjoy the game without running out of stubs too soon.
Here are some practical tips on how to avoid wasting stubs early in MLB The Show 26.
1. Should I Buy Packs Right Away?
One of the first things players often want to do is buy packs as soon as they start the game. It’s tempting to open packs because of the potential rewards, but this is usually not the most efficient way to spend your stubs early on. Packs are random, and while they can yield great cards, the chances are stacked against you. In fact, buying packs can quickly drain your stubs with little to show for it, especially when you're just starting.
Instead, focus on earning stubs through missions, completing daily objectives, and playing modes like Conquest or Showdown. These activities will net you stubs more reliably and can help you build up your roster without spending real money or gambling on pack odds.
If you really feel the urge to open packs, consider waiting until later in the season when you have more stubs saved up and have a clearer idea of what your team needs.
2. How Do I Know Which Players Are Worth Buying?
When you first start MLB The Show 26, you’ll have limited stubs and may not know which players to target. The market can be overwhelming, with hundreds of cards available, so it’s important to make informed decisions.
Don’t rush into buying every player you think will make your team better. A common mistake is to go after big-name stars, but unless you're getting them at a good price, you may be overpaying. Instead, focus on filling out key positions with players who offer the best value. Look for players who are performing well in real-life MLB games, as their ratings might improve during roster updates, increasing their value later on.
Additionally, check the “buy now” prices of cards before making purchases. Compare the prices and make sure you’re not paying too much for a card that won’t give you enough of an upgrade.
3. Should I Focus on Building a Team Early or on Building My Stubs?
Another common question is whether it’s better to invest early in building a solid team or to focus on accumulating stubs first. In general, it’s a smart idea to hold off on building a full team of high-tier players right away. Early in the season, stubs are better spent on grinding and accumulating currency through missions, conquest maps, and other modes.
Once you have a better understanding of which players perform well for you, you can start investing stubs into the right positions. Try to identify areas where you need help—whether it’s pitching, fielding, or hitting—and prioritize filling those spots instead of buying top-tier players that might not fit into your gameplay style.
4. What Should I Do with My Duplicate Cards?
You’ll come across duplicate cards as you play through MLB The Show 26. Whether you get them from packs or earn them through missions, duplicates can quickly take up space in your inventory. So, what should you do with them?
The best way to handle duplicates is to sell them. Depending on the player and their market value, selling duplicates can help you earn back a portion of the stubs you spent acquiring them. This is especially useful when you need stubs to complete other purchases or missions.
Be sure to check the market trends before selling, as some cards might be in high demand while others might be worth much less. If a card is worth a lot, hold onto it until the price peaks before selling. If it’s not worth much, just get rid of it for some quick stubs.
5. Where Can I Find the Best Deals on Players?
There are times when you’ll want to purchase specific cards for your team, but the market can be frustrating, with prices constantly changing. So, where can you find the best deals on players?
Keep an eye on the marketplace trends. If you’re wondering where to buy MLB 26 stubs, there are reliable sources that offer competitive prices on stubs that can help you purchase the players you want. However, it's important to be cautious about third-party sites that may not be trustworthy. Stick to reputable sources and be aware of market fluctuations.
Another strategy is to look for players who might be undervalued at the time due to fluctuations in their ratings or real-life performance. For example, after a bad game or a losing streak, some players' prices will drop temporarily, and this can be an opportunity to pick up a good card for cheap.
6. How Do I Avoid the Urge to Make Impulse Purchases?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of making impulse buys, especially when you’re excited about the game and want to improve your team as quickly as possible. However, making impulsive purchases can easily lead to wasting stubs.
To avoid this, set a budget for yourself and stick to it. Before you buy anything, take a moment to think about how badly you need it. Ask yourself if the player or pack you’re about to purchase will really help you long-term, or if it’s just a temporary fix. If you’re unsure, hold off for a few days, and see if the impulse fades.
Setting goals for yourself, like completing specific missions or grinding for stubs through various game modes, can also help you resist the temptation of making purchases you don’t need.
7. Should I Invest in Program or Event Cards?
Investing in program or event cards can be a smart move, especially since these cards are often tied to limited-time rewards. However, don’t go overboard, as some of these cards may not hold much value after the program or event ends.
If you’re interested in these cards, prioritize those that will contribute to your team’s long-term success. For example, program cards that provide rewards based on their performance in real-life MLB games can be valuable if you want to build a squad for the long run. Event cards can be useful for boosting your team’s overall ratings, but their value might drop significantly after the event is over.
If you decide to invest, keep an eye on which event cards are worth holding onto and which ones are more likely to be replaced by better options in the future.
8. How Do I Save Stubs for Big Purchases Later?
Finally, one of the best ways to avoid wasting stubs early on is by saving for bigger purchases later in the game. While it’s tempting to spend your stubs immediately, waiting and saving for big-ticket players or packs can be much more rewarding.
Save your stubs by focusing on earning them through game modes and avoiding unnecessary purchases. Once you have a stockpile of stubs, you can target specific players or packs that will genuinely improve your team. Patience can pay off in a big way, allowing you to make meaningful upgrades to your squad without burning through your stubs too quickly.
Managing your stubs wisely early in MLB The Show 26 is key to building a successful team and avoiding the regret of wasted purchases. By focusing on grinding and completing objectives, making informed decisions about player acquisitions, and avoiding impulse buys, you'll be able to maximize the value of your stubs and improve your team for the long haul. Be patient, and remember that the game is a marathon, not a sprint.