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If you've been playing MLB The Show 26 for any time now, you've probably noticed the Pressure, Confidence, and Influence (PCI) system is a big part of hitting. Getting your PCI in the right place for every pitch can make or break a game, but it can also be tricky to master. In MLB The Show 26, there are some new ways to control the PCI, giving players more control over where their bat is in the strike zone. This guide is here to answer the common questions about how to fine-tune your PCI experience.

What is the PCI and How Does it Work?

First, let's make sure we're on the same page about what the PCI actually is. The PCI (Plate Coverage Indicator) shows you where the batter’s “sweet spot” is in the strike zone. When you aim the PCI over the ball, you’re more likely to make solid contact and get a better hit. If your PCI is off-target—like too high, low, or outside—you might swing at bad pitches or make weaker contact.

In MLB The Show 26, the PCI system is designed to mimic real-life plate discipline and bat control. A bigger PCI generally means a larger area of the strike zone you can hit. Smaller PCI means you need to be more precise in your pitch selection and timing.

How Has the PCI Changed in MLB The Show 26?

One major change in MLB The Show 26 is the added flexibility to control the PCI size and placement. Now, players can adjust their PCI settings with a higher degree of customization, giving you more options for how your bat reacts to pitches. In practice, this means you can have a PCI that is either very big or small, depending on your preferences and play style.

For example, the Zone hitting mechanic has been fine-tuned for players who want to focus on precision. You can also choose between having a dynamic PCI that shrinks or grows based on pitch type, or you can lock it in at a fixed size to keep things consistent.

What Are the New PCI Control Options?

MLB The Show 26 allows you to adjust your PCI in a few ways. Here's a breakdown of what these options mean:

PCI Size – In previous versions of the game, the PCI size was somewhat locked based on the batter’s stats and attributes. Now, you can increase or decrease the PCI size at will. If you want a more forgiving PCI, you can increase it, which might help in hitting tough pitches. Conversely, if you want more challenge and precision, you can shrink it down.

PCI Placement – Now, you're able to fine-tune where your PCI sits at all times. Want to keep it centered at all times for easier tracking? You can do that. Or maybe you prefer to have it closer to the top of the zone, anticipating high fastballs? That’s possible too.

PCI Anchoring – Anchoring is a great feature that allows you to set a specific spot in the strike zone as your point of focus. This is helpful for players who struggle to cover the entire strike zone or for those who like to focus on one part of the zone, like high fastballs or low curveballs.

Dynamic PCI – The dynamic PCI system shrinks and expands based on the pitch type. For example, if a pitcher throws a high fastball, your PCI might shrink, meaning you have to be more precise. Conversely, if a pitcher throws a slower pitch like a curveball, the PCI can expand, giving you a larger area to work with. This feature rewards good pitch recognition and allows for a more realistic hitting experience.

Hitting View – There are several new camera options to choose from when hitting, and some players prefer different angles to help them line up their PCI more effectively. These settings can adjust the way you see the pitch coming in, giving you a better read on location, speed, and break.

How Do These Changes Affect My Hitting?

Now, with all these options, you might be wondering how they actually play out in a game. Well, if you prefer a bigger PCI, you might notice that hitting becomes a little easier, as you have more room to make contact with the ball. This is especially useful for players who don’t have the best pitch recognition or who want to focus more on timing rather than pinpoint precision.

On the other hand, if you're someone who likes a smaller PCI, you’ll need to be on your game. You’ll have to time your swings perfectly and be very selective about which pitches you swing at. But if you make contact with a pitch inside a small PCI, you’ll likely feel the payoff of the challenge—your hits will be more rewarding.

Having control over PCI placement also helps a lot with pitch recognition. With more freedom to adjust the PCI, you’ll be able to predict and react to the pitch better, whether you're anticipating a fastball or a breaking ball. The more you practice, the more you'll be able to get the PCI exactly where you want it, which leads to better hitting performance overall.

Should I Adjust My PCI Size for Different Difficulty Levels?

Definitely. In MLB The Show 26, difficulty settings make a big difference. On higher difficulty levels, pitchers have more precision and variety in their pitches, so you might want a larger PCI to give yourself a better chance at making contact. On lower difficulty settings, where pitches are slower and easier to predict, a smaller PCI might make things more fun and rewarding, as it challenges your timing and accuracy more.

In general, if you're struggling on higher difficulty levels, don’t be afraid to expand your PCI size for a more forgiving experience. As you get better, you can start dialing it back to increase the challenge.

Is There a Way to Get Better at Controlling the PCI?

Yes, improving your PCI control comes down to a few key factors: pitch recognition, timing, and practice. Here are some tips to get better:

Read the Pitcher’s Motion – Knowing what pitch is coming is half the battle. Try to predict what the pitcher might throw based on the count, the game situation, and the pitcher’s tendencies.

Practice with Different Settings – Spend some time in the batting cages or practice mode experimenting with different PCI settings. Find out what works best for you. Sometimes, adjusting the size or dynamic settings can make all the difference.

Use the Training Drills – Take advantage of the training drills offered in the game. These are great for developing muscle memory for timing and placement.

Adjust the Difficulty – Start on a lower difficulty and gradually increase it as you get more comfortable with the new PCI controls.

Can I Get More Stubs to Help Me Unlock Better Equipment?

If you’re looking to get more stubs for buying packs, unlocking better players, or customizing your team, you might want to consider picking up some cheap MLB The Show 26 stubs. Whether you’re trying to improve your roster or get better gear to support your hitting, stubs are a fast way to boost your progress.

The new PCI controls in MLB The Show 26 give players a lot more freedom to customize their hitting experience. By adjusting PCI size, placement, and dynamics, you can create a setup that fits your style, whether you prefer a more forgiving hitting experience or want to challenge yourself with more precise contact. Like anything in MLB The Show 26, it takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll notice a big difference in how well you can control the strike zone.
You can find MLB The Show 26 stubs available at U4N: https://www.u4n.com/mlb-the-show-26/stubs