In MLB The Show 26, Conquest mode remains a primary way to earn "hidden rewards" by capturing specific territories (hexes) on various maps. Unlike completion rewards, these are found by simply occupying a tile, often without needing to play a game.
Active Conquest Maps & Rewards
| Map Name | Key Player Rewards |
|---|---|
| USA – East Conquest Map |
|
| USA – Central Conquest Map |
|
| USA – West Conquest Map |
|
| World Baseball Classic (WBC) Conquest Map |
|
| Batter Up 3 (Starter Map) |
|
World Baseball Classic (WBC) Conquest Map
This is a major launch-period map focused on the international tournament.
Hidden Rewards: Includes multiple "The Show" packs, stubs, and XP hidden across the map.
Player Rewards: Capturing specific tiles or completing missions on this map can lead to:
- 86 OVR Tarik Skubal (WBC)
- 87 OVR Alejandro Kirk (WBC)
- 88 OVR Seiya Suzuki (WBC)
Completion Reward: 7 "The Show" packs and a repeatable WBC Gold Player Choice Pack.
Diamond Quest Introduction Map
A new mode for MLB The Show 26 that functions similarly to Conquest but with board-game-like risk elements.
Key Rewards: Capturing tiles and completing the map earns non-sellable cards:
- 86 OVR Garret Anderson
- 86 OVR Jonathan Broxton
Launch Map (Legends & Flashbacks)
Features a mix of classic legend players available early in the game cycle.
- Hidden Rewards: Standard "The Show" packs and stubs.
- Available Players: Card rewards include Bobby Grich, Eddie Mathews, Stan Musial, and Bob Feller (all sellable).
General Conquest Tips for Rewards
- Map Completion: While hidden rewards are found in individual territories, completing all goals often yields significantly larger prizes, such as Spring Breakout Choice Packs or high-OVR player cards like Seiya Suzuki (88 OVR) from the WBC map.
- Repeatability: Some maps, such as the "Nation of Baseball" or "WBC" maps, offer repeatable rewards upon full completion, though hidden territory rewards are typically a one-time claim.
- Efficiency: You do not always need to conquer every territory to finish map goals, but you must explore specific non-stronghold tiles to find these "hidden" packs and stubs.
Conquest Strategy Tips
- Simulate Non-Stronghold Games: Save time by only playing games for territories with team logos (strongholds). All other hexes can be "simulated" to resolve instantly.
- Capture Empty Space First: Aggressively take unoccupied territories early. Each hex you own increases the number of "reinforcement" fans you receive each turn, making it easier to overwhelm strongholds later.
- Ignore "Steal Fans": Unless a specific map mission requires it, skip the Steal Fans phase. It adds an extra game that is rarely worth the time compared to just reinforcing naturally.
- Stack Your Offense: Don't waste fans on defense. Keep only one fan per territory on your borders and stack all reinforcements on a single "attack" tile to sweep through the map.
- The "Neon" Trick: If you are struggling to see which tiny hexes you've missed, temporarily change your team's main color to a bright neon (like lime green) in the uniform editor to make your owned territories pop.
