If you’ve been playing MLB The Show for years, you’ll know that Road to the Show (RTTS) is a major part of the franchise’s appeal. It’s always been about building your player’s career, but in MLB The Show 26, it feels like there’s been a shift. The story elements are more present, and the experience feels a lot more personalized. If you’re trying to figure out what’s different this time around, or if you’re wondering whether the changes are worth your time, this guide should help clear things up.

What's New in RTTS This Year?

One of the first things you'll notice when diving into RTTS in MLB The Show 26 is how much more involved the story is. In previous years, it was mostly about your player’s progression through the minor leagues to the big leagues, with a few character moments sprinkled in. This time, the developers seem to have put more emphasis on story arcs that tie directly into your player's journey.

In MLB The Show 26, you start off in a more personalized way, with a narrative-driven introduction. Instead of just a basic training camp or some generic starting point, the game makes your player's backstory feel more fleshed out. Whether it's a family legacy, a hometown connection, or a specific ambition, your player has more of a character now, and the game puts that character in situations that feel like they matter beyond the field.

Does This Change Impact Gameplay?

Absolutely. While the story is more present, it doesn’t slow down the core gameplay. The on-field action still takes center stage, but now it’s tied into your player’s progression in a way that feels meaningful. You’ll find yourself making decisions that impact not just your skills, but also your relationships with teammates, coaches, and the media. For example, a key moment might happen when you're asked about a trade rumor or a potential contract negotiation. How you respond can affect your standing in the clubhouse or your fan popularity.

These moments aren’t just filler—they actually influence the way the game treats you as a player. If you choose to play the media game well, you might find yourself getting better endorsements and perks. Conversely, if you’re abrasive or keep to yourself, you might earn respect but miss out on some of the perks that come from being a media darling.

These decisions tie into your player’s career arc in a more realistic way than before, making it feel like your actions off the field matter just as much as those on it.

How Does the Story Impact Player Progression?

In MLB The Show 26, the story-driven elements also tie directly into how you level up your player. In past years, progression was often straightforward: hit a certain number of home runs, make a few good plays, and your player would level up. This year, things feel more like an organic growth. The choices you make—whether in interviews, team events, or social media interactions—can give you boosts in certain areas. For example, if you get a reputation for being a great team player, you might see an increase in team chemistry, which can boost your performance during games.

The key here is that you’re not just grinding for numbers. You’re playing a role and watching how that role impacts your career, which gives you a greater sense of purpose. It feels like you’re building a story, not just a stat sheet.

Can You Still Build a Custom Player?

Yes. MLB The Show 26 doesn’t force you to go all-in on the story. You can still create a custom player from scratch, choose their position, and start your career the way you want. But even when you do this, the game doesn’t forget the story aspect. As you progress through your career, the narrative elements will still come into play. They help make sure your player isn’t just some nameless figure on the field.

If you prefer more control over your player’s story, the game still lets you decide what kind of persona they have—whether you want them to be a confident, cocky player, a humble workhorse, or someone who stays quiet and focused. But even within these choices, the game introduces storylines that evolve based on how you interact with the world around you.

How Does the MLB The Show 26 Stubs Store Play a Role?

As in previous years, the MLB The Show 26 Stubs Store is available for those who want to speed up their progression or unlock specific items and equipment. You can use stubs to purchase gear, unlock special attributes for your player, or even get cosmetic items that change how your character looks. If you’re someone who prefers to skip some of the grind and get right to the action, the store gives you an opportunity to purchase things that help you boost your stats and level up your character faster.

However, the stubs store doesn’t detract from the core story-driven experience. It’s an optional feature for those who want to progress faster, but the narrative and decision-making in RTTS remain central to the game. Whether you use stubs or not, the story elements continue to shape your career.

Do the Story Elements Feel Forced?

One concern players might have is that the story elements will feel too forced or intrusive, disrupting the flow of the game. From my experience, that’s not the case in MLB The Show 26. The story is well integrated, and while there are moments where you’ll be asked to make decisions or participate in cutscenes, they don’t take away from the core gameplay. If you’re someone who likes to focus purely on baseball, you can still do that. But the story elements do offer a nice change of pace and add a layer of depth to the overall experience.

The key here is that it doesn’t feel like you’re being dragged through a scripted journey. Instead, the story unfolds naturally around your character’s development. The game lets you guide your own path, with the story responding to your decisions and actions.

Does This Make RTTS More Fun?

In my opinion, the story-driven changes in MLB The Show 26 make RTTS more engaging. It’s not just about stats and rankings anymore; it’s about the character you’re building, both on and off the field. The story arcs feel relevant and give your player a sense of purpose, and the interactions with teammates, coaches, and the media make the world feel more alive. It’s the kind of depth that makes you care about what happens next, which can make the grind feel less like a grind and more like a journey.

If you’ve always liked RTTS but wished it had more substance, MLB The Show 26 delivers. The game strikes a balance between traditional gameplay and new, more immersive story elements that make you feel connected to the career you’re building.

If you’re a long-time MLB The Show player who’s wondering what’s different in MLB The Show 26, the increased focus on story in RTTS is the biggest change. While you still get all the action and progression you expect, the added narrative depth makes your player's journey feel more meaningful. Whether you’re responding to trade rumors or deciding how to handle media pressure, your choices now have a more direct impact on your career.

The game still allows for customization, and if you’re someone who likes to use the MLB The Show 26 Stubs Store, you can still do that to speed up progression. However, the heart of RTTS remains rooted in creating a meaningful experience. It’s not just about playing baseball; it’s about the story of your player’s career, and that’s a shift that makes this year’s edition stand out.