One of the most exciting new mechanics in MLB The Show 25 is Ambush Hitting, a high-risk, high-reward approach that gives batters a chance to capitalize on the first pitch. Inspired by real-life strategies, this feature rewards players who correctly anticipate a pitch while penalizing those who guess wrong.
How To Use Ambush Hitting in MLB The Show 25
If you want to take advantage of Ambush Hitting, here's how it works:
- Activate Ambush Hitting before the pitch by moving the right thumbstick left or right to select the side of the plate you expect the ball to be thrown.
- A visual cue will confirm that Ambush Hitting is active.
- If the pitcher throws the ball in your chosen zone:
- Your PCI (Plate Coverage Indicator) expands, giving you a better chance at making solid contact.
- Your timing window increases, making it easier to square up the ball.
- If you guess incorrectly:
- Your PCI shrinks, making it harder to put the ball in play.
- Your chances of making solid contact drop significantly.
This mechanic forces players to think ahead—should you attack early, or wait for a better pitch?
Note: Ambush hitting can currently only be performed with the zone-hitting interface.
Can You Turn Off Ambush Hitting?
Yes! If you prefer a more traditional batting experience, Ambush Hitting can be disabled in the settings. It's also an option in online play, meaning some opponents may use it while others stick to standard hitting strategies.
Pros & Cons of Ambush Hitting
✅ Why You Should Use It:
- Helps aggressive hitters capitalize on early mistakes from pitchers.
- Increases power and contact when you guess correctly.
- Adds a new layer of strategy to at-bats.
❌ Things to Watch Out For:
- Guessing wrong shrinks PCI, making solid contact much harder.
- Can lead to bad habits like chasing breaking balls.
- Overuse can make your approach too predictable.
Final Thoughts
Ambush Hitting in MLB The Show 25 is a powerful tool when used correctly. It rewards aggressive players who can anticipate pitches, but those who rely on it too much may find themselves whiffing on bad swings.