Scann Plays kicks his latest video off by going over how different equipment and even different controllers make an impact on your gameplay and he doubles down on making sure you are providing yourself the best chance to eliminate input lag. MLB The Show 25 is a game where reaction time means everything so being able to have the least amount of input lag will give you a massive advantage in the game. One tip Scann calls out that I do think is important to highlight is playing with a controller plugged in versus a Bluetooth/wireless controller because although the difference may be down to seconds that can be a deciding factor between a hit or a strike. Lastly, he covers his must-haves when it comes to thumbsticks KontrolFreek’s Performance Thumbsticks and Precision Rings find the top spots. 

Must Have Accessories for MLB The Show 25 

Scann then shows his own control that features the teal Lotus Performance Thumbsticks which he enjoys the most thanks to the concave design and comfortable grip that allow him to be precise with both thumbsticks. He also mentions how many other players use high rise thumbsticks like KontrolFreek’s Inferno Performance Thumbstick that comes with 1 high rise and one mid rise that allows for versatility and overall improved aim. 

The second must-have accessory for his thumbsticks is the KontrolFreek Precision Rings which easily pop on over your default thumbstick and eliminate a common issue where you overextend your thumbstick when hitting. According to Scann Plays, Precision Rings prevent this from happening because you can, “aim your PCI right in the middle of the zone easier. I find if you don't have these on it's really easy to slam your stick all the way to the edge of the zone and miss everything in the middle of the zone”. As someone who has a lot of experience playing standard FPS games, Scann Plays understands that learning to utilize the left thumbstick for aiming instead of the right thumbstick, takes practice and extended playtime to master. 

Best Hitting Settings to Change in MLB The Show 25 

Scann recommends three key areas you can alter in your settings that will give you the best advantage when it comes to hitting especially if you are new to the game. Changing the hitting interface to Zone allows you to have the most user input when it comes to hitting because you can move your PCI to exactly where you think the ball will be. This setting will give you the most consistent input as you are learning to hit and is effective at any difficulty setting or game mode. 

Anchoring your PCI is a newer feature that Scann encourages players to check out because it allows you to have specific PCI shifts in your strike zone based on scenarios pre-selected in the menu. When it comes to PCI visual settings Scann has three variants that he uses depending on the game mode or difficulty. For his standard go to set up he has the following: 

• PCI Center - Altitude, PCI Inner - None, PCI Outer - None, PCI Color - Yellow, PCI Opacity - 70%, PCI Fadeout - None 

If you are newer to MLB The Show Scann’s recommended settings are: 

• PCI Center - Circles, PCI Inner - Basic, PCI Outer - Basic, PCI Color - Yellow, PCI Opacity - 70%, PCI Fadeout - Outer 

His recommendation for when playing on Legend difficulty is: 

• PCI Center - Altitude, PCI Inner - None, PCI Outer - Reverb, PCI Color - Yellow, PCI Opacity - 70%, PCI Fadeout - None 

Lastly, when it comes to the best hitting settings, 3 camera view options will give you the best advantage. Changing your hitting view to Strike Zone, Strike Zone 2, or Strike Zone i, will set you up for the best angle and is easier for newer players also. Trying out each of these setting recommendations in Custom Practice is the best way to explore which works best for your playstyle and skill level. The more time you spend playing and going up against different pitchers will allow you to be better prepared and learn to predict what pitches are coming. 

Optimize Your Pitching Settings For Max Results 

Unlike hitting, pitching gets more into the “nitty-gritty” of baseball and there are a few settings you can change that will make the hard work of learning pitching worth the time and effort. Pinpoint is the top recommended Pitching Interface by Scann Plays because it is the most rewarding and will indicate your pitch's expected aim with a fluctuating grey circle. Depending on where you aim your pitch the size will change to reflect the expected accuracy you will have based on the input. Changing your camera view to Strike Zone can give you an advantage by allowing you to see the pitch how the batter would see it and this can help you when deciding where to aim your throw. For newer players, the best Pitching Ball Marker is Chevron which uses arrows to designate which way a pitch is going to break but Scann prefers to use the Pitch Trail Fade marker which is not as intrusive visually. Being able to utilize all these settings together for Pinpoint pitching can allow you to be versatile and eventually have an easier time tunneling pitches together to fool or bait batters. Tunneling is a technique that allows a pitcher to mimic the same release point and motion of a pitch with different results based on how the pitch breaks out of the pitcher's hand. 

Ultimately these settings will only matter the more you practice and play against both real and simulated players to get a true feel for your game. The Custom Practice mode is the best feature when practicing because you can play on any difficulty and work on both hitting and pitching to learn which styles and settings work best against all kinds of players.