MLB The Show 21 Game Modes Explained (Online & Offline Modes)

May 2023 · 5 minute read

MLB The Show 21 is back and boy have they knocked it out of the park with the Game Modes (pun intended). There are some new game modes to choose from in MLB this year and the old ones have gone from strength to strength. MLB has been at the forefront of sports games for a few years now and this version rightly shows why. So scroll down and read below about the various game modes in MLB The Show 21.

Which game modes are there in MLB The Show 21?

MLB The Show 21 will give you 3 main gameplay modes to pick between as well as 2 alternate modes. The three gameplay modes are:

On top of all this, there are a further 6 standalone modes included as well. These are the ones that are making a return from previous MLB titles. They are as follows:

Road To The Show Mode

The Road To The Show is the classic story mode in the game. And we aren’t exaggerating when we say that it has been executed beautifully. With the in-game video podcasts, there is much more depth to your character’s storyline which makes for a more involving experience. Combine this with the Call-Up featurethat takes you from the Minor Leagues straight to the MLB and you can’t help but appreciate RTTS. The ability to get drafted along the way and keep playing in the League will give you the sensation of stepping into the shoes of a Ballplayer. RTTS is possibly the best story mode out of all the sports-based games as it has been wonderfully streamlined and improved over the years.

 MLB Franchise Mode

This usually tends to be the forgotten gameplay mode, but, is still very very relevant. This mode gives more of a manager-like perspective to MLB with stuff like player value metrics, budget management, and returning trades. While this mode seems to have been left alone for The Show 21, the only noticeable difference that we can find is that the Budget responsibilities seem to have been pulled back a bit.

Diamond Dynasty Online Game Mode

Diamond Dynasty is a fun, online mode where you can go head to head against players worldwide and now with the Cross-Platform ability, it is that much better. The Diamond Dynasty mode seems to have undergone a massive revamp. Ranked play facilities and the season mode add a bit of a competitive edge to the game in general. The rewards mechanic for Diamond Dynasty seems to have been smoothened out further. Add to this the 3 inbuilt modes in Diamond Dynasty, Battle Royale, Conquests and Moments, MLB The Show 21 has managed to hold on to its throne atop the other sports games.

What is the Retro Mode in MLB The Show 21

The Retro Mode is exactly what it says on the cover. It brings back the old TV visuals and graphics from games of the past. This is super slick and makes you feel like you’re watching a ballgame from the 80s. It is a pretty cool touch to include and is sure to evoke some emotional responses from fans of the game. While it may be a gimmick it is really well done with period-correct uniforms, stadiums, HUD graphics, and scoresheet. It is a good way to burn off some free time and just have a chilled-out gameplay experience.

Showdown Mode

In the Showdown mode, you will have to draft a random team of players. You will have to complete various challenges as you play this mode in MLB. As you keep on playing this mode you can upgrade the players in your team. Towards the end of these challenges, you will face a final boss in the Showdown mode. Completing all these challenges and beating this boss will get you some stubs,experience points, and vouchers. You can use these vouchers to get some higher-rated players in the game.

Loadouts Mode (Non-Gameplay)

The Loadouts is another handy feature in MLB. It allows you to equip your ballplayer with various different items such as headgear, sleeves, eyewear, etc. You get the idea. The best thing about this Loadout mode is the fact that all these additional items provide some additional boosts that help to bolster your gameplay. These Skill Boosts help to increase your player’s overall level in the game. Getting the rarer Diamond Dynasty items will give much larger boosts to your character.

Stadium Creator Mode (Non-Gameplay)

The Stadium Creator mode in MLB The Show 21 is only available on Next-Gen consoles because of their higher-grade components. You can do as your heart desires and build up your dream stadium. All this is to help personalize the game to your taste and make it to your liking. You can literally do anything you dream of with this mode. There is even an option to download and use readymade fields and parks designed by other users and players.

This is everything you need to know about all the game modes in MLB The Show 21. If you are new to the game you can have a look at our Beginner’s Guide which has some handy Tips and Tricks. If you want to blaze through the game have a look at how you can earn XP fast.

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