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For players stepping into the batter’s box in *MLB The Show 25*, every small edge counts. That’s where Ambush Hitting comes in—a powerful tool introduced by San Diego Studio to help hitters gain an upper hand against elite pitching. If used correctly, this feature can significantly improve plate discipline and contact rates. Here’s everything you need to know about how to use Ambush Hitting in *MLB The Show 25*.
What Is Ambush Hitting in MLB The Show 25?
Ambush Hitting is a new gameplay mechanic available during every at-bat in MLB The Show 25. Essentially, it allows batters to anticipate the location of the upcoming pitch—either on the inner half or outer half of the plate. When the hitter guesses correctly, two key benefits kick in: the Plate Coverage Indicator (PCI) expands, and the timing window becomes more forgiving.
This means greater control when facing pitchers who consistently target one side of the plate. However, incorrect predictions can leave batters vulnerable, so timing and awareness are crucial.
How To Use Ambush Hitting in MLB The Show 25
During each at-bat, the Ambush Hitting controls appear at the bottom of the screen. To activate, simply move the right stick either left or right:
- Left Stick Input: Prepares for a pitch on the left (inner) side of the plate.
- Right Stick Input: Prepares for a pitch on the right (outer) side of the plate.
The selected side will turn gray, visually indicating the expanded coverage zone. Even if the pitch lands outside that area, players can still swing or take the pitch—but without the Ambush bonus.
While it may seem beneficial to use Ambush Hitting on every pitch, doing so can lead to poor results if not timed properly. Pitchers—both AI and human—are unpredictable, often mixing up their sequences to keep hitters guessing. That’s why the best strategy is to read the pitcher’s tendencies and identify patterns before committing to an ambush.
Using this mechanic effectively requires patience and observation. It won’t work every time, but when it does, it can be the difference between striking out and driving in the winning run.
Final Thoughts on Ambush Hitting
Mastering Ambush Hitting in MLB The Show 25 takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes a valuable part of your offensive toolkit. Whether you're playing Road to the Show, Franchise Mode, or online matches, using Ambush Hitting smartly can elevate your performance at the plate.
If you're looking for more tips and strategies, check out our guide on whether to go pro or play college baseball in this year’s Road to the Show.
MLB The Show 25 is now available via Early Access on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.