Playing defensively inMLB The Show 24is just as important as swinging the bat. Preventing the opposing team from scoring and gaining momentum is key to victory, butnot all players can be Derek Jeterwhen it comes to preventing runs. That’s why utilizing the proper fielding settings to the player’s strength will be as important as the equipment they apply to their team members.
There are four different settings for fielding options inMLB The Show 24, ranging from extremely helpful to allowing the game’s AI to take over. Not all options are suitable for play, and some may be better left on the bench. Regardless of opinion, different players use different settings to play to their strengths, and it’s important to make the right choice before hitting the field.
Drifting Ball
The Drifting Ball style allows players to see a direct line to where the ball will land once it’s hit, with a ball icon indicating the exact placement of the landing. For weak-to-average players, this scope will be larger, leaving room for error and the chance to drop a ball. Some of the best fielders will see the pinpoint precision of where the ball will go, making it easy for them to catch it without worry.
Drifting Ball is likely the setting most players will lean towards, as it offers a user-friendly experience without taking away the challenge of playing defensively. It’s also an opportunity to viewtheMLB The Show 24graphicsin all its glory, while making the leap for a diving catch to end the inning.
Track Ball
For players looking for a higher degree of difficulty when playing at the opposite end of the ball, Track Ball could be the way to go. This option removes the ball icon from play, replaced by a silver lining that makes things much harder to find when the ball is hit high up into the air. This mode will have players fumbling and potentially missing out on easy catches, especially those who have become acquainted with the Drifting Ball mode.
For players aiming to be the hero in theirRoad To the Show playthrough, it may not be advised to try this fielding setting, as it will leave a sour taste in the mouth when a routine catch is missed. For experienced users with a knack for tracking balls, the higher degree of difficulty may be worth it.
Catch Indicator Off
If tracking the ball wasn’t hard enough, removing all indicators besides the red outline may be the thing nightmares are made of. Baseball purists could argue that minimal distractions on the field lead to easier decision-making and a cleaner look, but whencover athlete Vladimir Guerrero Jr.cranks one out into left field, players are surely going to be missing the giant ball indicator from the Drifting Ball setting.
Only consider this one if playing at the highest difficulty while being one of the best players in the game. IfMLB The Show 24had an insane difficulty setting like most action-adventure games do, using this setting would be a step in that direction.
Auto Fielding
When a ball is hit deep and into left field, using this setting will allow players to put down their controller and wait for the next batter to walk up to the plate. Auto Fielding allowsthe AI ofMLB The Show 24to take over the defensive side of the game, get into the catching lane of the ball, and throw it back to the infield in hopes of an out. Of course, the downside is that this mode also relies on the team’s fielding metrics, meaning a team with lower fielding stats will be more likely to drop a pop fly.
Despite this feeling like the easiest and wisest mode to go with, especially for new players, it may be frustrating to watch outfielders drop the easy pop fly, allowing the opposing team to score a run that becomes the difference between a win and a loss.
