Solo Leveling Arise Pros And Cons: Is This Game Worth Playing In 2025?

As Monopoly Go Happy Harvest With Looney Tunes season progresses into its later stages, the shortlist for the next Golden Blitz is becoming clearer than in previous rounds.

If the official voting continues at the previous pace, Sets 16, 17, 18, and 19 are likely to be more noteworthy than Sets 20 and 21.

Based on the current situation, I believe the four stickers most likely to advance to the next round of Golden Blitz voting are: Rustling Corn, Picking Pickles, Lemon Squeezy, and Tinfoil Hats.

The biggest variable is Set 19. Extraterrestrial could also replace Tinfoil Hats to secure the final shortlist position.

Narrowing the Shortlist

First, it's important to clarify that it's no longer necessary to re-screen all Gold Stickers from Happy Harvest With Looney Tunes album, as previous rounds have already eliminated many contenders.

Sets 13 and 14 are essentially out of the running for Golden Blitz, as their Golden Stickers - Honey, I'm Home, and Rudy Root - have already been voted into Golden Blitz by Monopoly Go community.

Set 15, since it didn't appear in the previous round of Golden Blitz voting, doesn't seem likely to be considered again in the next round.

Meanwhile, Set 16's Family Portrait and Set 17's The Goods have already been voted on, so these two can also be excluded from the next prediction list.

Therefore, Golden Stickers most likely to appear in Golden Blitz voting are basically those from Sets 16 - 21 that haven't been processed yet.

Judging from the distribution of the remaining Stickers in these sets, the upcoming Golden Blitz will likely gradually transition from the previous Stickers to 5-Star Gold Stickers.

5-Star Gold Stickers

Happy Harvest With Looney Tunes albums directly related to the next round of Monopoly Go Golden Blitz voting have 5-Star Gold Stickers, primarily including:

• Set 16: Rustling Corn;
• Set 17: Picking Pickles;
• Set 18: Lemon Squeezy;
• Set 19: Tinfoil Hats and Extraterrestrial;
• Set 20: Gourd-geous, Toppled, and With the Band;
• Set 21: Sylvester, Hector, Suspicious Gift, and Elmer Fudd.

From a distribution perspective, Sets 16, 17, and 18 each have only one relatively clear 5-Star Gold Sticker candidate: Rustling Corn, Picking Pickles, and Lemon Squeezy, respectively. Set 19 still has two more releases: Tinfoil Hats and Extraterrestrial, making the candidates for Set 19 more difficult to predict.

My Prediction

Based on the remaining Monopoly Go Stickers for Happy Harvest With Looney Tunes album, I'm leaning towards releasing one each for Sets 16, 17, 18, and 19 in the next round.

This is mainly because Golden Blitz has been gradually moving towards later sets. The earlier sets have already undergone several rounds of processing. If this pace continues, extending from Set 16 to Set 19 in the next round would be more natural than jumping directly to Sets 20 and 21.

Furthermore, this wouldn't prematurely deplete the large number of unprocessed 5-Star Gold Stickers in later sets, allowing for more candidates for Golden Blitz in subsequent rounds.

The Four Most Probable Voting Candidates

Based on the current situation, my personal favorite lineup for the next round of Monopoly Go community voting is:

• Set 16 Rustling Corn
• Set 17 Picking Pickles
• Set 18 Lemon Squeezy
• Set 19 Tinfoil Hats
• The Strongest Alternative: Extraterrestrial

Of course, the biggest uncertainty currently lies with Set 19.

Both Tinfoil Hats and Extraterrestrial have a chance to advance to the next round of voting, so it's difficult to determine which one has a higher probability.

This also means that, besides the previously predicted combinations, another equally possible combination is:

• Rustling Corn
• Picking Pickles
• Lemon Squeezy
• Extraterrestrial

If the first three positions do indeed come from Sets 16, 17, and 18, then the last position will likely be between Tinfoil Hats and Extraterrestrial. Therefore, if you are already preparing your Golden Blitz swap resources, both Set 19 cards are worth keeping an eye on.

Sets 20 and 21 Will Have to Wait

Sets 20 and 21 certainly have a chance, but given Golden Blitz's current pace, I'm more inclined to save them for later rounds.

These two Monopoly Go sets still contain a significant number of unprocessed 5-Star Gold Stickers. Set 20 has Gourd-geous, Toppled, and With the Band, while Set 21 has Sylvester, Hector, Suspicious Gift, and Elmer Fudd.

Adding many Stickers from Sets 20 and 21 in the next round would be tantamount to prematurely using up a batch of important late-game candidates.

In contrast, progressing from Sets 16 - 19 onwards would better align with the pace of the earlier rounds and leave Sets 20 and 21 for later Golden Blitz.

With the next Golden Blitz lineup still unconfirmed, follow EZG Facebook for the latest Monopoly GO updates and Player's Choice Giveaways, and @ your friends or followers who are also keeping an eye on the next vote.

Considering the current pace of progress and the distribution of the remaining 5-Star Gold Stickers, I still favor the next round of Monopoly Go Golden Blitz community voting to select one sticker from each of Sets 16 - 19.

Rustling Corn, Picking Pickles, and Lemon Squeezy are currently the three clearest candidates, while the last spot is more likely to be contested between Tinfoil Hats and Extraterrestrial.

If you want to prepare for resource swapping in advance, focusing on these five sticks at this stage is sufficient.

In August 2026, a developer announcement dropped a bombshell on ARC Raiders player community:

The fifth Expedition window would open on September 8th and close on September 29th, and thereafter - until early 2027 - there would be no more Expedition events in the game. Simultaneously, the fifth Expedition adjusted the content and rewards of this gameplay.

Players, upon seeing this announcement, engaged in heated discussions regarding the rewards of the fifth Expedition and the suspension of Expedition event.

Controversy Over Rewards of Fifth Expedition

The adjusted reward structure of the fifth Expedition can be considered the trigger for player discontent.

Specifically, the rewards for this Expedition included Zenith Outfit, random Blueprints, up to 16 additional stash slots, and a maximum of 15 Bonus Skill Points.

Furthermore, Expedition Buffs - including experience bonuses, dismantling material bonuses, and repair value bonuses - could stack up to 3 levels.

Meanwhile, the rewards for the fifth Expedition follow a mechanism: the more damage a player deals during Expedition, the higher the reward level they unlock.

The problem is that these rewards are no longer attractive to most veteran players in ARC Raiders who have already reached the level cap:

Since Bonus Skill Points cap is 15, and the game has already completed five Expeditions, veteran players have long since maxed out their Skill Points, making this reward meaningless to them;

The cap for additional stash slots is also only 16, so once that cap is reached, this reward is essentially nonexistent.

If veteran players want specific Blueprints, they can simply spend their time on the numerous farming methods shared in the player community, acquiring them much faster, rather than spending a lot of time and effort participating in Expeditions.

Ironically, the official statement is that the reward cap was set to prevent a large gap between veteran and new players. However, in practice, it hasn't truly helped new players level up faster; it has only reduced the rewards available to veteran players.

Expedition's Suspension

While announcing details of the fifth Expedition, the official ARC Raiders team also announced the suspension of the event - a move that ignited player discontent.

The official reason given for the suspension was that they had carefully reviewed feedback on Expedition and realized that issues such as the tight registration window and reward structure required more than just gradual fixes; a complete overhaul was needed.

To allow sufficient time for adjustments, they decided to suspend Expedition event, with a revised plan to be announced in September.

However, the complexity lies in the fact that Expedition system is the most important gameplay element in ARC Raiders' endgame.

Expedition is essentially a progress reset system - players can reset their character's progress to obtain various ARC Raiders Items, permanent buffs, and limited-time rewards.

For many veteran players who have already reached the level cap, Expedition is currently the only content worth looking forward to in the game.

So, what does suspending Expedition mean? After completing the fifth Expedition, players will face a complete lack of content - while the game offers other regular gameplay, none are as substantial as Expedition.

One player with 400 hours of playtime angrily commented, "You guys have one of the best games ever made, and you keep messing it up. It's unplayable right now".

Root Problem

However, the rewards from the fifth Expedition and the pause of Expedition are merely the surface of the problem. What truly angers players is ARC Raiders' prolonged content drought, rampant cheating, and a crisis of trust with the developer.

Content Drought and Rampant Cheating

In May 2026, the developer announced that they would change the game's monthly updates to a major update every six months, with the next major update, Frozen Trail, not expected to launch until October.

Therefore, from May to October, for a full five months, players can only wait with the existing maps and gameplay.

During this period, the only thing that could excite players was Expedition, a mode that allowed them to revisit existing content and find something new to enjoy.

Therefore, if even Expedition is stopped, players will lose their last source of fun.

To make matters worse, cheating in ARC Raiders has become increasingly serious recently. Despite the game using Easy Anti-Cheat system, players report that cheaters are still rampant. This has led to deep disappointment among players.

Trust Crisis

Besides the lack of content and rampant cheating, the developers' actions in recent months have gradually eroded player trust. This problem already existed with Riven Tides update.

While this update brought new maps, a new giant enemy called Turbine, and a completely new questline, player feedback was poor.

However, the developers' response to the negative player feedback was simply to suspend game updates.

Furthermore, the developers' frequent changes to update schedules and inconsistent statements over the past few months have gradually eroded player trust.

Therefore, these players are likely to interpret Expedition suspension announcement with the worst possible assumptions about the developers' intentions.

In short, these are the player reactions and controversies surrounding ARC Raiders' fifth Expedition.

However, the developers have announced that they will release an announcement regarding Expedition's adjustment plan in September. If you don't want to miss this news, you can follow EZG Facebook, and we will provide the latest updates.

Hopefully, this September, the developers will provide players with a satisfactory answer regarding Expedition issue.

With Gamescom 2026 in full swing, the atmosphere surrounding Path of Exile 2 is reminiscent of the period leading up to its official launch. New information is emerging one after another, with a leaked gameplay video from Gamescom showcasing the new sword-based combat in Patch 1.0.

Based on the currently revealed gameplay, swords in Path of Exile 2 appear to feature very pronounced combo gameplay. Parry, charge, stance, and the seamless transitions between skills are likely to be crucial components of the sword-based gameplay.

This gameplay might be very interesting in POE 2 campaign, but by Patch 1.0 endgame, will we really have enough time and space to execute these combos?

Sword

From the content revealed at Gamescom, Duelist utilizes numerous sword moves, and clear combo transitions can be seen during combat. Besides Patch 1.0 sword gameplay, the official Path of Exile 2 team also showcased some monsters and bosses we hadn't seen before.

Some areas resembled Coliseum, and monsters resembling Hell Hounds appeared, capable of breathing fire from above; these are likely content from Act 5. Notably, sword attacks aren't simply a continuous stream of POE 2 skills. Many skills appear to have a charge up process, and their effects vary depending on your current state.

Based on the skill descriptions shown at Gamescom, sword gameplay will largely revolve around Parry, charging abilities, and chaining skills - these are currently the areas you should focus on most.

You can use the middle mouse button for parry, enter Blood Stance with the right mouse button, and then unleash a Blood Wave with the left mouse button. Other skills will also gain additional effects during Blood Stance.

If you use two swords, it seems you can gain Blood Stance; entering this state will also change the effects of other sword skills. Another direction is Sand Stance, which seems to lean more towards charge up gameplay. You need to build up power before unleashing your skill to deliver a stronger attack.

Cyclone

Of all the content showcased for Path of Exile 2 at Gamescom, Cyclone is undoubtedly one of the most exciting parts for players. Based on the current skill gem information, Cyclone doesn't require charges; it primarily consumes mana.

Cyclone also has a unique mechanic: if you pass over a Ground Surface with an Elemental Effect, you may absorb the corresponding POE 2 ground effect and transfer it to enemies hit by Cyclone.

For example, when you pass over Chilled Ground, Cyclone can absorb this effect, subsequently inflicting the corresponding Chilled Ground debuff on enemies hit.

Current information on POE 2 Patch 1.0 also indicates that Cyclone requires the use of dual swords or a single two-handed sword. This also means you might not use Cyclone while equipped with a shield or buckler, and Giant's Blood may also be restricted.

Giant's Blood is the keystone in Path of Exile 2 that allows characters to use two-handed weapons. Therefore, if Cyclone itself requires dual swords or a single two-handed sword, then equipping two two-handed weapons while using Giant's Blood might prevent you from continuing to use Cyclone.

Of course, these limitations still need to be confirmed after Patch 1.0 is officially released. Additionally, Cyclone will exhibit different changes under Blood Stance and Sand Stance. Blood Stance allows skills to generate Blood Waves.

Sand Stance, on the other hand, releases Sand Discs in the first few seconds of POE 2 Channeling. This indicates that Stance is not simply a matter of attribute switching, but may directly alter the attack method of sword skills.

Endgame

The real issue worth discussing in POE 2 Patch 1.0 isn't how flashy sword skills look, but whether combo gameplay can adapt to Path of Exile 2 endgame. In campaigns, this design easily made combat more engaging. You needed to observe enemy movements, parry, choose the appropriate stance, and then follow up with a skill.

For players who enjoy more strategic gameplay, this was clearly more interesting than simply repeatedly spamming skills. But POE 2 endgame is a different story. As characters level up, monster density, character damage, and skill range all increase.

Entering the map means facing numerous monsters, various mechanics, and the need to quickly farm Path of Exile 2 Currency. If every attack requires parrying, charging, and switching stances, the operational cost of combos could become too high.

This is currently the biggest problem facing sword design. When Huntress was first released in POE 2, some players already expressed dissatisfaction with parrying and combo-based gameplay. 

However, Parry is already a fairly strong mechanic, and it's not absolutely necessary to play in POE 2 endgame. Therefore, we can't immediately conclude that sword will become a burden just because it emphasizes combos.

Another crucial issue is that Gamescom Gameplay doesn't fully represent the character strength of Patch 1.0. The characters used for demonstrations are usually pre-built builds, and gameplay demos are often adjusted to be more difficult. Meanwhile, sword final stats, skill scaling, and balance are clearly not yet fully determined.

Therefore, seeing sword require combos now doesn't mean you must stick to the full combo to fight monsters in Patch 1.0. Character growth in Path of Exile 2 is inherently very high. As the build matures, skill damage and range will change significantly.

Even if sword requires careful play in the early stages of POE 2, it's possible to clear large groups of monsters with a single skill combo in the late game.

If combos primarily serve as additional damage output during campaigns and boss fights, while the basic skills themselves still possess sufficient damage and mob-clearing capabilities, then this playstyle might become a defining characteristic of sword, rather than a limitation.

Want to see more PoE 2 content? Follow EZG Facebook through the top navigation bar for new builds, guides, game updates, and community news. We also host giveaways from time to time!

Gamescom only showcased a portion of Path of Exile 2 Patch 1.0, and this sword design is quite promising. If the basic skills can ultimately be made sufficiently fluid, and combos provide a higher skill ceiling, then sword playstyle might simultaneously excel in campaigns, boss fights, and endgames, becoming a major feature of PoE 2 melee combat system.

Diablo 4 Season 14 has brought players numerous significant system changes so far, including new season content, adjustments to Mythic Uniques, and class balance updates.

Among all class builds, while Thorns builds remain one of the most distinctive playstyles in the game, since the start of the season, a large number of players have felt that the mechanics still lack the depth to compete with other mainstream builds.

The most requested feature from the community is Splintering Damage build within Thorns, which has been eagerly awaited.

Current Status of Thorns in Season 14

Thorns has always been one of the most unique mechanics in Diablo 4. Unlike traditional pure damage builds that rely on spellcasting skills or maximizing critical strike chance, Thorns builds allow players to convert enemy attacks into counterattacks.

This unique mechanic, combining offense and defense, makes Thorns builds highly attractive to players who enjoy different combat rhythms.

Thorns players no longer need to constantly chase enemies and strictly manage skill usage resources as before. Instead, they can focus more on providing effective survival tools when enemies attack, while punishing those who try to attack them.

However, with Diablo 4 introducing a more robust progression system and more complex build interactions, many players feel that Thorns build in Season of Death Awakening is starting to feel outdated.

Diablo 4 Season 14 has continuously adjusted the energy sources related to Thorns. For example, previous balance adjustments increased several Thorn values, including Paragon node adjustments and Spiritborn-related bonuses, indicating that the developers are still actively monitoring this mechanic.

But for players who love Thorns, simply increasing damage numbers is not enough. A more important question is whether Thorns' mechanic should transcend being a passive reaction to enemy attacks?

The Biggest Problem

The traditional Thorns build has a fatal weakness: players cannot fully control the timing of damage triggers.

Unlike Whirlwind, Bone Spear, or Lightning Storm, Thorns require an enemy to attack the player first to trigger. This causes several problems:

1. Limited Player Control

Typical damage-dealing builds in Diablo 4 Season of Death Awakening allow players to decide when to attack enemies, which enemies to attack, and how to maximize their damage output window.

However, Thorn's build works differently. Players must wait for enemies to attack first, meaning that this build's damage output depends partly on the monster's attack, rather than your Diablo 4 Items and skills.

While this mechanic increases your counterattack damage against a large number of high-difficulty enemies, your damage rhythm becomes very weak against bosses or slower-moving enemies.

2. Weak Growth Potential

Currently, the strongest builds in Diablo 4 Season 14 typically possess the following interaction mechanics:

• Damage Multipliers
• Status Effects
• Crowd Control
• Resource Management
• Skill Rotation

The traditional Thorns build lacks these interaction mechanics. This deficiency makes it feel more like an independent system than a complete combat system, meaning it lacks a growth system.

This is why some players believe Thorns builds need a redesign, rather than simply a numerical increase.

Thorns Splintering Damage

Thorns Splintering Damage is not an official mechanic in Diablo 4 Season 14, but an innovative gameplay element developed by the player community based on Thorns mechanic, aiming to improve the future development of Thorns builds.

The core design principle of this gameplay is that Thorns should inflict continuous effects on enemies, not just instant counterattack damage. In this new damage system, when enemies are attacked by Thorns, they gain a new Splinter effect.

This fundamentally changes the mechanics of Thorns. Previously, Thorns only damaged enemies when they attacked you. Splintering Damage, however, causes enemies to suffer increasingly severe damage penalties over time when they attack you.

How Splintering Damage Could Improve Thorns?

1. Converting Thorns Damage into Damage Over Time

In Splintering Damage system, Thorns damage doesn't disappear immediately after dealing counterattack damage. Instead, it leaves behind splinters after each trigger, continuously dealing damage to enemies.

2. Crowd Control

Another advantage of Splintering Damage is that it grants Thorns stronger battlefield control capabilities.

The more Thorns stacked, the better the control effect on enemies. It not only slows down enemy movement speed but also reduces their attack speed, creating more offensive opportunities for the player.

For Thorns-focused builds, Thorns will no longer be a passive defensive mechanism but rather a complete playstyle.

3. Expanding Damage Range

One of the biggest challenges facing Thorns build is its difficulty in efficiently clearing large groups of monsters.Splintering Damage addresses this by allowing Thorns effects to spread. For example, if an enemy accumulates too many shards, Thorns' effect will erupt or spread, dealing additional damage to nearby enemies.

This mechanism gives Thorns builds an advantage in some of the densely packed monster dungeons in Diablo 4 Season 14.

Future Development

The problems with Thorns can be traced back to Diablo 4 Season of Death Awakening and even Season 13, but the official patch notes, such as Patch 3.2.0 PTR, have not yet revealed any adjustments to Thorns system or gameplay diversity.

Even so, judging from the frequent adjustments and changes made by the official team this season, Diablo 4's seasonal updates are increasingly focused on expanding build options through new item systems, balance adjustments, and class adjustments.

In response to the growing calls from the player community regarding Thorns mechanics and Splintering Damage, the most likely improvements in Diablo 4 will be the addition of new Diablo 4 Unique Items, new Legendary Aspects, and Paragon improvements.

EZG will also be monitoring these changes and updates. Furthermore, to facilitate smoother build construction and map clearing for players, we've provided quick access to a free resource giveaway at the top of the homepage navigation bar.

Click to access the giveaway and follow EZG Facebook to participate in discussions about Thorns gameplay and receive occasional free Diablo 4 resources.

In short, the adjustments aim not only to address the fatal weaknesses of Thorns' mechanic but also to create more reasons for players to actively build around it. Thorns will no longer simply reflect enemy damage but will evolve into a system based on stacking effects, sustained pressure, and battlefield control.

The proposals for Thorns and Splintering Damage represent the expectations of many players for future updates to Diablo 4, and there is still much room for improvement in the official team's efforts to diversify the build mechanics.

FC 27 will be released on September 25, 2026, with Early Access starting on September 18. The game's release is fast approaching, and you can start thinking about what kind of starting team you want to build.

Building a successful starting team hinges on smart investment, tactical discipline, and an understanding of the current meta. Prioritize speed on wingers, physical attributes and defensive solidity for central players, and ensure excellent player chemistry.

This article will recommend a highly cost-effective starting lineup in FUT 27, balancing balance, chemistry, and budget efficiency. Let's take a look!

Strategic Foundation

I believe the key to successfully building a starting lineup in FUT 27 is prioritizing chemistry and tactical stability over high OVR. The market is volatile in the early game, and high-rated cards are often overpriced, so average players should focus on players with high cost-performance ratios.

In the early game, speed is the most crucial attribute, especially in attack and at full-back positions. Players should keep this in mind when selecting players.

My recommended starting formation is 4-2-3-1. It provides defensive solidity with two defensive midfielders (CDM), crucial for survival against the high-pressing tactics common in the early stages of Division Rivals, while also offering fluid attacking options through wingers and central attacking midfielders (CAMs).

Player Recommendations

To ensure high chemistry without spending a fortune, the most effective approach is a mixed strategy, focusing on core leagues and supplementing with high-value players from other leagues.

Goalkeeper (GK)

Spending a large amount of FC 27 Coins to acquire a top-tier goalkeeper early in the game is a trap. Any goalkeeper with an OVR of 83 or higher and good reflexes will suffice. There are many strong and inexpensive options on the market; prioritize goalkeepers who can integrate well with the defense.

Left Back & Right Back (LB/RB)

You need players with high speed and explosiveness in this position. Look for full-backs with a speed of 90 or higher and Quick Step or Rapid PlayStyles. These players are crucial for wingers who can quickly track back.

Players like Jeremie Frimpong perfectly fit this requirement; he's fast and cost-effective. To maximize synergy, consider pairing him with players from the same league or country.

Center Backs (CB)

You should invest more in this position, selecting players over 1.83 meters tall with a sprint speed and defensive ability of 80 or higher, primarily to counter speedy forwards. Players like Jonathan Tah or Ronald Araujo are excellent defensive midfielders in the early game.

Center Defensive Midfielders (CDM)

Players in this position need good passing and dribbling skills to transition the ball from defense to attack. I think Ismael Saibari is a good choice; he has an overall rating of 83 in FIFA 27, balanced attributes, and a physicality of 82. He can participate in attacks and drop back to help defend, making him very cost-effective.

Central Attacking Midfielder (CAM)

This position emphasizes dribbling, vision, and short passing ability. While high-rated players like Bruno Fernandes might seem daunting, players with four-star skills and good balance can still meet your needs.

I believe Rayan Cherki is an excellent value option for this position. He possesses excellent dribbling and ball control, along with impressive skillful maneuvers, making him perfect for players who enjoy creating opportunities through individual skill.

Left Mid & Right Mid (LM/RM)

You need players with speed above 90 and good shooting/dribbling abilities. Having Rapid or Quick Step PlayStyles would be even better. I recommend Lamine Yamal or Khvicha Kvaratskhelia; both are top-tier players in their respective positions and can help you quickly control the game. Of course, for a more cost-effective option, consider Erling Haaland.

Striker (ST)

You need a reliable finisher. If you don't want to spend a fortune, I recommend a fast, four-star weak-footed striker with excellent positional awareness. Lineth Beerensteyn is an excellent value choice.

Although her OVR has slightly decreased in FUT 27, her 90 speed and 82 shooting ability make her an efficient finisher. Most importantly, she's very affordable, saving you coin for other players.

Preparation Recommendations

At the start of FIFA 27, choose your starter pack based on your strategy. Players like Beerensteyn or Frimpong are recommended. Immediately complete the starter basic objectives to unlock your free basic players - a reliable way to strengthen your team for free.

Remember, your initial resources are limited. You can sell any tradable items you don't need to accumulate coins, but be careful not to waste low-rated players, as they may be valuable for early Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) or evolution missions.

Finally, focus on upgrading core positions - defenders and forwards - as upgrading these positions will have the most direct impact on your performance in EA FC 27.

This concludes our initial player lineup recommendations for FUT 27 Ultimate Team. Remember, your journey won't end with this starting lineup. Use early matches to discover and refine your tactical system, identifying its strengths and weaknesses.

Don't be discouraged by initial setbacks. The early game can be chaotic, as each player learns new mechanics, playing styles, and AI actions. All you need to do is trust your players and strategies, believing that they will eventually pay off. Good luck!

Sony has announced its September 2026 PlayStation Plus game lineup, and for baseball fans, the most anticipated title this month is undoubtedly MLB The Show 26. The game will be available on PS+ on September 1st, and PS5 members can claim it immediately.

If you've been wanting to try MLB The Show 26 but haven't quite jumped in yet, this is a great opportunity. This installment not only enhances the series' signature realistic gameplay experience but also focuses more on career progression and roster development.

More importantly, PS+ members get more than just the base game. Sony is also providing a special Jump Start Bundle, offering initial resources for Road To The Show and Diamond Dynasty. For first-time MLB 26 players, starting from scratch after September 1st will be significantly easier.

Enhanced Immersion

MLB 26 doesn't drastically change the core gameplay; the focus is on refining the existing elements.

The newly added stadium effects allow the stadium to accommodate adjustments and functional expansions across multiple modes, further resembling realistic MLB matches in terms of field conditions, environment, and overall presentation.

For players familiar with previous installments, these changes may not provide the same immediate sense of novelty, but they certainly make the entire game feel more complete.

After all, what truly makes MLB The Show series so engaging for long-term play isn't just hitting, pitching, and base running. Player abilities, game strategies, stadium environments, combined with career progression and lineup building, ultimately create a complete baseball experience.

MLB 26 clearly continues in this direction. Players who enjoy single-player progression can continue to dive into Road To The Show, while those who prefer collecting players and adjusting lineups will still primarily choose Diamond Dynasty.

Road To The Show Expansion

Road To The Show remains the most suitable mode in MLB 26 for experiencing player development, and this time, more content has been added to the early career phase.

Players still need to start by creating a player and progress step-by-step towards MLB, but this year there are several more clearly defined growth milestones before officially entering the professional league.

Besides competing for an MLB Draft Combine spot, the game adds 11 new college teams, making the college stage more prominent throughout the professional career.

Players' performance during this stage will influence team and scout evaluations, and also affect their draft prospects. Compared to the past, which focused more on "when to enter MLB," this year's Road To The Show dedicates more time to the pre-draft development process.

This makes the entire path from college games, Draft Combine, to finally entering the professional league more seamless. For players who prefer solo development, this part is also more worthwhile to experience at a leisurely pace.

For players with a fixed roster, this change will also lead to more frequent adjustments later on.

Positions that were previously sufficient may be reshuffled because of a new Red Diamond, while some collections that were previously low priority may become worthwhile to upgrade because of the final reward.

New Red Diamonds

Diamond Dynasty has added new Red Diamond player cards. These cards have appeared multiple times before and will be available in several series, including World Baseball Classic, 2026 All-Star Game, and Pipeline Series.

For long-time Diamond Dynasty players, Red Diamonds will naturally become a new collection goal. Especially after a team is largely established, subsequent activities like farming events, completing collections, or further strengthening the team will revolve around these new cards.

Diamond Dynasty already allows players to assemble MLB players from different eras, gradually building their dream team.

With the addition of these new Red Diamonds, whether a new card is worth pursuing, whether it fills a position in the team, and whether it suits your playing style will all influence the order in which players collect cards and strengthen their teams, as well as how to spend MLB The Show 26 Stubs most efficiently.

Furthermore, Red Diamonds won't only affect top-tier teams. As these cards gradually spread across different Series, players may need to go back and collect previously uncollected cards to complete collections or pursue specific target cards.

In this way, the new Red Diamond feels more like extending the original collection path further than simply adding a higher rarity card to the existing card pool.

PS+ Membership Bundle

PS+ members receive MLB 26 and a limited-time Jump Start Bundle, providing initial resources for Road To The Show and Diamond Dynasty. This can slightly alleviate the early-game pressure for first-time players, at least preventing them from starting with an empty inventory.

However, this type of bundle is more suitable for solving the initial startup problem. After entering Diamond Dynasty, the actual difference in team composition comes from subsequent card acquisition, Collection progress, and Stubs allocation, so it's more like a beginner's aid than directly helping players skip the entire development process.

With MLB The Show 26 arriving on PS+ and more Diamond Dynasty content still ahead, follow EZG Facebook for the latest updates and Player's Choice Giveaways, and @ your friends or followers who might want to jump in with you.

MLB 26 will officially join PlayStation Plus September 2026 lineup for PS5 platform on September 1st. Whether you want to experience Road To The Show professional career or start building your team from Diamond Dynasty, this PS+ offer is an excellent opportunity to get started.

Especially for players who had been observing the market, the cost barrier has been significantly lowered this time. Experiencing all the main modes on PS+ first, and then deciding whether they prefer to spend time on single-player progression or long-term management of Diamond Dynasty, is much easier than getting it directly and then slowly trying it out.