As players dive into MLB The Show 26, one of the more talked-about features is the Now & Later program. It’s designed to let players transfer value from previous versions of the game to the latest one, making the transition smoother and rewarding for long-time fans. If you're unsure how it works or whether it's worth your time, keep reading. This guide breaks things down, based on what many players have experienced, and helps you understand the real impact of the Now & Later program.
What is the Now & Later Program?
In simple terms, the Now & Later program allows players to transfer certain in-game rewards and items from MLB The Show 23 or MLB The Show 24 to MLB The Show 26. If you've been playing for a while, you know that certain assets—like Stubs, cards, and rewards—can accumulate over time. The Now & Later program aims to give players an incentive for sticking with the franchise across multiple years.
The key to this program is that it lets you take these rewards from older versions of the game and “cash them in” for something useful in MLB The Show 26. It’s a nice way to carry forward your investment and progress from previous titles without starting from scratch every year.
How Do I Participate in the Now & Later Program?
Participating is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind. You’ll need to have progress in MLB The Show 23 or MLB The Show 24. Specifically, you need to have unlocked certain rewards that qualify for transfer.
Here's how it works:
Link Your Accounts: Ensure that your MLB The Show accounts across the different years are linked to your Sony or Xbox account. If they aren’t, you won’t be able to transfer anything.
Complete Specific Milestones: In the older game versions, you’ll need to complete specific milestones or challenges. These may include unlocking certain player cards, completing programs, or reaching certain levels. The game will clearly show what qualifies, so just check your progress in the older titles.
Claim Your Rewards in MLB 26: Once you've met the requirements, you can transfer those rewards directly into MLB The Show 26. This might include things like Stubs, cards, or other rewards, but the specifics can change from year to year.
What Rewards Can I Transfer?
The rewards you can transfer typically depend on the milestones you’ve completed in the older games. In general, expect to be able to transfer the following:
Stubs: These are the in-game currency you can use to buy packs, players, or other items. If you’ve earned Stubs in MLB The Show 23 or MLB The Show 24, you’ll be able to carry them over to MLB The Show 26.
Player Cards: Some player cards you’ve unlocked may be transferred, though this can vary depending on the game’s content for the year. This helps give your squad a head start right away.
XP and Program Progress: In some cases, your experience points or progress through various programs might transfer over, giving you a head start in MLB The Show 26's new programs.
It’s worth noting that some rewards might only be available if you have a certain edition of MLB The Show or if you’ve completed particular challenges. The game usually spells out the specifics, so keep an eye out for any eligibility requirements.
Is It Worth the Effort to Participate?
If you're someone who has played earlier versions of MLB The Show, the Now & Later program can be a great way to make use of those rewards instead of leaving them behind. For long-time players, it can feel rewarding to see all that progress carry over into the new game, saving you time and effort in building your team or stockpiling Stubs.
However, if you're a newer player who didn’t get a chance to play the older versions, the Now & Later program won’t offer you much. That said, there are still plenty of ways to earn rewards in MLB The Show 26, and you can always focus on building your roster through the game's newer content.
Can I Use Stubs I’ve Accumulated in MLB 26?
Yes, absolutely. The Stubs you transfer from older versions of MLB The Show can be used just like any other Stubs you earn in MLB The Show 26. Whether you're buying packs or purchasing specific player cards, the transferred Stubs are fully usable. In fact, if you’re looking to get ahead early, this is one of the best ways to stock up on Stubs quickly.
For those interested in quickly getting your team in shape, you may even want to buy MLB 26 stubs ns if you're looking to give yourself a financial boost. This can help you acquire more packs or players, giving you an edge in the early part of the season.
Are There Any Restrictions?
While the program is generally flexible, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Eligibility: As mentioned earlier, you must have played MLB The Show 23 or MLB The Show 24 to participate. If you’re jumping in with MLB The Show 26 as your first game, you won’t be able to participate in the Now & Later program.
Transfer Limits: Some rewards might only be available in limited amounts. For example, you might not be able to transfer every single Stub you earned or every single player card. It's best to check the specific details within the game to know exactly what you can and can't bring over.
Time Restrictions: The Now & Later program might only be available for a certain period after the release of MLB The Show 26. So, if you're planning to make use of the transfer, don’t wait too long to claim your rewards.
What Happens If I Don’t Participate?
If you choose not to participate in the Now & Later program, you won’t lose anything from the older games. The game will simply not transfer any of your rewards over to MLB The Show 26. You’ll still have access to all the new content, rewards, and programs, but you’ll start fresh without the boost from your previous game progress.
If you’ve been playing MLB The Show for years, participating in the Now & Later program can save you time and make you feel like your past efforts were worth it. But if you’re just looking to enjoy the new game without worrying about past progress, skipping the program is totally fine as well.
Should You Get Involved?
For returning players, the Now & Later program is a practical feature that rewards your loyalty and past progress. If you’ve invested time in earlier versions of the game, it’s worth looking into how you can transfer rewards into MLB The Show 26 to maximize your start in the new game.
Whether you’re looking to boost your roster with player cards or stack up Stubs for future purchases, the Now & Later program gives you a way to carry over value from the past. But if you’re new to the game or simply don’t care about older rewards, you can still enjoy MLB The Show 26 to its fullest.
