BR in MLB The Show 22: A Hilarious (and Hopefully Helpful) Guide for Baseball Newbs (and Not-So-Newbs)
So, you've decided to dive headfirst into the glorious chaos that is MLB The Show 22's Battle Royale, or BR. Buckle up, buttercup, because you're in for a wild ride. This ain't your grandpappy's nine-inning snoozefest (although, shoutout to grandpappy for appreciating the finer points of the game). This is winner-takes-all, last-man-standing baseball mayhem, with a healthy dose of "wait, how did I just pull a diamond Nolan Ryan out of a pack?!"
Step 1: Taking the Plunge (and Not Drowning)
A. Embrace the Grind: Look, BR ain't for the faint of heart (or thumbs). You're gonna take some lumps. But hey, that's how Babe Ruth learned to call his moonshots, right? Just remember, every loss is a learning experience (or an excuse to uninstall the game... temporarily).
B. Drafting Your Destiny: Here comes the fun (and potentially rage-inducing) part. You'll be drafting a team from a mishmash of bronze, silver, and even some lucky diamond players. Pro-tip: Don't be afraid to grab that funky lookin' bronze reliever with the mysterious "Cheesy Curveball" pitch. You never know, it might become your secret weapon (or it might just cheese you right out of the competition).
C. Conquest for Casuals: Feeling overwhelmed? BR ain't your only option. Conquest mode is a great way to earn packs, build your team, and improve your skills before venturing into the BR jungle. Think of it as baseball boot camp... with less yelling.
Step 2: Hitting Like a Champ (or at Least Not an Embarrassment)
A. Patience is a Virtue (Especially at the Plate): Unless you're facing a pitcher who throws beach balls, resist the urge to swing at everything. You'll flail more than a drunken penguin at a disco ball. Take some pitches, work the count, and watch for that fat fastball you can crush into the cheap seats (metaphorically, of course).
B. PCI Placement: Mastering the Art of Not Looking Silly: The PCI, that little green crosshair thingy, is your best friend (and worst enemy) at the plate. Learn to place it like a brain surgeon and watch the dingers fly. There are tons of guides and practice drills online to help you master this crucial skill.
C. Don't Be a K machine: Here's a secret: strikeouts are the enemy. Every out counts in BR, so put the ball in play and make the defense work (unless it's a clear shot to the moon, then by all means, unleash your inner Babe Ruth).
Step 3: Pitching Like a Pro (Even if You're a Sweaty Mess)
A. Pinpoint Pitching: Not for the Faint of Thumb: This new pitching mechanic is fancy and all, but it can also make you feel like you're trying to tie your shoelaces with oven mitts on. Don't get discouraged! Practice makes perfect (or at least less embarrassing).
B. Mix it Up: Don't be a one-trick pony. Fastball city might work for a bit, but eventually, those batters will be sitting on it like a birthday cake. Throw in some off-speed pitches, changeups, and maybe even that funky "Cheesy Curveball" you drafted. Keep hitters guessing and their timing off-kilter.
C. Locate, Locate, Locate: Accuracy is key. Aim for the corners of the strike zone and let the movement of your pitches do the dirty work. A perfectly placed fastball on the edge of the zone is way more effective than a wild heater sailing over the batter's head.
Step 4: Victory Royale (or Maybe Not, But At Least You Had Fun... Right?)
A. Stay Calm and Baseball On: Things will get stressful. You'll make bad decisions. Your opponent will hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth with two outs. But hey, that's BR! Keep your cool, adjust your strategy, and focus on the next pitch (or swing).
B. Celebrate the Wins (and Learn from the Losses): Did you just pull off a 12-0 run and become the BR champion of the world (or at least your living room)? Do a victory dance! High five your cat! Did you lose every game in embarrassing fashion? Watch some replays, see what went wrong,
