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As the release of MLB The Show 25 approaches on March 18, 2025, the excitement is palpable for another deep dive into virtual baseball. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, this latest installment promises to deliver a polished experience with new features. But one question is on many players' minds: will MLB The Show 25 be available on Xbox Game Pass?

The Answer: No Game Pass for MLB The Show 25

Unfortunately, if you're hoping to play MLB The Show 25 through Xbox Game Pass, you're out of luck. Multiple reliable sources, including the official Xbox page, gaming news outlet Pure Xbox, and The Times of India, confirm that the game will not be included in Xbox Game Pass at launch or throughout 2025. This is a notable shift from the past four years, where MLB The Show 21 through 24 were available on Game Pass, allowing subscribers to enjoy the series without an additional purchase. A direct statement from the developers notes, “The game will not be on platform subscription services in 2025” (Pure Xbox).

If you're planning to jump into MLB The Show 25 this year, you'll need to purchase it outright to enjoy all the action. And if you're looking to build your Dream Team faster, having enough MLB The Show 25 Stubs is essential for unlocking top-tier players, upgrading gear, and dominating in Diamond Dynasty mode.

Why the Change?

The decision to exclude MLB The Show 25 from Game Pass has sparked lively discussions in the gaming community. While no official explanation has been provided by Sony or the developers at San Diego Studio, fans have speculated on possible reasons. One theory is that Sony, the game's publisher, may be aiming to boost full-price sales by requiring players to purchase the game outright. Another possibility is that changes in licensing agreements between Sony and Microsoft have altered the terms that previously allowed the series on Game Pass. Some fans on forums like Reddit have praised the move, suggesting that it reflects confidence in the game's value as a premium product, with one user stating, “Props to SD Studio—they believe they put out a product worth full price on all platforms” (The Show Community Forum).

Impact on Players

For Game Pass subscribers, this news might sting, especially if you've grown accustomed to playing MLB The Show titles through the service. The absence of MLB The Show 25 means you'll need to buy the game to experience its new features, with pricing set at:

Additionally, older titles like MLB The Show 24 will be removed from Game Pass by late March 2025, so if you're mid-franchise or enjoying older content, you'll need to act fast or consider purchasing MLB The Show 25 to continue your journey (The Times of India).

This change could hit casual players hardest, as many relied on Game Pass to try the series without committing to a full purchase. A poll conducted by Pure Xbox showed that 45% of respondents would have tried the game on Game Pass but are unlikely to buy it at full price, while 18% might wait for a sale, and only 10% plan to buy it solely because it's not on Game Pass.

What's New in MLB The Show 25?

Despite the Game Pass absence, MLB The Show 25 offers plenty to get excited about. The game introduces The Amateur Years in Road to the Show, letting you start your career from high school and college, adding depth to the role-playing experience. Another standout is Diamond Quest, a roguelike mode where you earn rewards through moments and boss encounters. Improvements to trade logic and defensive WAR also enhance gameplay, making this a robust entry in the series (Xbox Official Page).

The game supports cross-platform play across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, so you can connect with friends regardless of their console. These features make MLB The Show 25 a compelling option for dedicated baseball fans, but the full-price purchase might give some players pause.

Is It Worth the Purchase?

Deciding whether to buy MLB The Show 25 depends on your gaming habits. If you're a die-hard baseball fan who loves diving into Road to the Show or competing in Diamond Dynasty, the new features and polished gameplay might justify the $69.99 price tag. The cross-platform support and updated modes add longevity, especially for those who play online or with friends. However, if you're a casual player who relied on Game Pass to test the waters, you might want to wait for a potential sale later in the year, as some fans predict discounts could hit by May or June (Reddit Xbox Discussion).

For those sticking to older versions, MLB The Show 24 remains a solid option until it leaves Game Pass, and you could continue your franchise there or pick it up at a lower price later. However, keep in mind that the community for older titles tends to dwindle as new releases take center stage, especially after the baseball season ends.

Looking Ahead

The absence of MLB The Show 25 from Game Pass marks the end of a four-year tradition, and it's unclear whether future titles will return to the service. Some fans worry this could impact the game's popularity on Xbox, with one Reddit user noting, “If they wait till October to come to Game Pass, the game is generally dead by then” due to competition from other sports titles like Madden and NBA 2K. Others remain optimistic, arguing that MLB The Show remains one of the best sports games available, Game Pass or not.

While it's disappointing that MLB The Show 25 won't be on Xbox Game Pass, the game's new features and immersive gameplay make it a strong contender for your gaming library. Whether you're crafting your path to the Hall of Fame in Road to the Show or battling it out in Diamond Quest, there's plenty to love. If you're ready to step up to the plate, MLB The Show 25 might just hit a home run for you. For those hesitant about the price, keep an eye out for sales or consider sticking with older titles for now. Either way, the love for virtual baseball keeps us coming back to the diamond.