One of the most difficult jobs in MLB The Show 24 is taking the mound and facing off against some of the best batters in the world. The life of a pitcher is not an easy one, regardless of whether they open or close out a game, but it has to be done. Strike them out and become a hero, or succumb to the sound of the crack of a bat.

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Luckily, life can become easier with the correct settings in MLB The Show 24's pitching mode, and it all buckles down to the experience of the player and their comfort level with the style of pitching. No one mode fits all, and choosing the best one will help pitchers of all levels bring the heat on the mound.

Pinpoint

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  • Recommended for the best and most experienced pitchers.

Some of the most experienced baseball gamers will default to pinpoint pitching, and for good reason — its name perfectly states what it takes to effectively use this mode. Using the right analog stick, players are required to trace out the line drawn for them, meeting the circle at the end at just the right time. Having perfect timing will send a perfect pitch to the desired destination.

This is an excellent mode for pitchers with lower control stats, as it grants the player the opportunity to counteract that using pinpoint precision. Pair that with some decent MLB The Show 24 equipment, and veterans will be throwing heaters right down the middle and chasing the scariest of batters away.

Meter

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  • Recommended for Novice level players looking for some challenge and control.

Meter pitching falls somewhere between a more difficult approach to pitching while remaining user-friendly and easier to pick up in the long run. Players will need to time their pitches using the meter above, landing as close to the top as possible, before hitting the bottom for a two-tap process.

A pitcher's control stat will come into play here, as pitchers with a poor control stat will find their meters whipping back and forth with little time to react. This may not be the easiest mode in MLB The Show 24, but with some patience, and a decent bullpen, meter pitching may be the more desired approach for reaction-based settings.

Pure Analog

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  • Recommended for novice players who have quick thumbs and a decent bullpen.

Pure analog pitching is rather unique compared to the prior two modes, as it puts the player's ability to utilize both analogs simultaneously. To effectively pull off a good pitch, pull back the right analog stick below the line to wind up, and direct where the pitch is going with the left analog stick. Once confirmed, push the right analog quickly to release the pitch.

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A player's journey in the Road To The Show mode may be difficult for an up-and-coming pitcher, but having full control of the direction and power of each pitch in both thumbs is perfect for those unwilling to learn the more difficult settings. It's a perfect compromise for players still looking for a challenge.

Pulse

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  • Recommended for casual and novice gamers looking for less of a challenge.

Pulse pitching separates itself from the previous three settings, as it takes power out of the equation and focuses more on timing. This makes choosing pitchers with a higher quality of pitches and velocity all the more important, as their stats will be factored into how quickly they can get the ball across the plate.

Since not much has changed since last year, players should know what to expect from MLB The Show 24 and its various pitching choices, and pulse pitching may be the best early-game choice. Simply choose the type of pitch to throw down the middle, and focus on the pulse circles, tapping it at the moment it reaches its smallest point.

Classic

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  • Recommended for beginners and newcomers looking to make use of strong bullpens.

The easiest choice for new players and those who don't want to stress about timing and power, casual pitching requires very little action. All that is needed is which pitch to throw, and the rest is up to a player's stats. Arm power and accuracy, mixed with control, will have pitchers frustrating the opposing team's batting lineup.

Classic pitching is perfect for players looking to admire the beautiful animation of MLB The Show 24, while still remaining competitive in their pursuit of glory. It's best to try this mode out and get a full understanding of what each pitch can do before moving on to one of the more difficult settings for a more dynamic playing style.

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MLB The Show 24
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Released
March 19, 2024
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
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Developer(s)
San Diego Studio
Genre(s)
Sports