MLB 26 All Star Update Guide 5th Inning XP Farming

The MLB The Show 26 All-Star Update arrives on July 9, bringing new All-Star content, the 5th Inning XP Reward Path, Moonshot Event, Conquest rewards, and new player missions.

For many players, the biggest challenge will not be finding things to do. It will be knowing what to complete first.

When multiple programs launch at the same time, many players waste valuable time by jumping between different modes. They complete random missions, play a few games in different playlists, and miss the chance to stack multiple rewards together.

The smarter strategy is to create a connected farming route where every game helps progress several objectives.

By preparing your Diamond Dynasty roster before the update and following the right order after launch, you can maximize 5th Inning XP, collect free rewards, and build your All-Star lineup faster than most players.

Before July 9 Prepare Your Diamond Dynasty Account

A few minutes of preparation before the All-Star Update can make a huge difference.

Claim Free All-Star Rewards First

Before jumping into games, collect every free reward available.

Small rewards can become extremely valuable during a major content drop because they provide extra cards, collection progress, and additional resources.

Free All-Star Prediction Choice Pack

The Show Shop should be your first stop after the update goes live.

The free All-Star Prediction Choice Pack gives players an opportunity to add another card without spending Stubs.

The prediction deadline is July 13, so players have time to make their choice.

When selecting a prediction, focus on players with:

Elite power numbers
Strong real-life performance
High popularity
Potential All-Star impact

With Citizens Bank Park hosting the 2026 All-Star Game, powerful hitters with strong pull-side hitting ability could become popular choices.

Players with profiles similar to Aaron Judge or Yordan Alvarez are always attractive because elite power translates extremely well into Diamond Dynasty gameplay.

Open Your Scouting Report Reward Pack

Do not forget to check your inbox.

Players who completed the Scouting Report requirements before July 6 should claim their reward pack immediately.

Even if the reward does not completely change your roster, early packs can provide:

Collection progress
Extra lineup options
Sellable cards
Additional MLB The Show 26 Stubs

During a major update, every free resource matters.

The Fastest 5th Inning XP Farming Route

The most efficient way to progress through the All-Star Update is not playing one mode repeatedly.

The key is combining different systems together.

Your ideal progression route:

All-Star Conquest → Build All-Star Lineup → Moonshot Event → Mini Seasons

Each mode prepares you for the next one.

Start With All-Star Conquest To Build Your Foundation

The All-Star Conquest map should be your first major gameplay target.

However, the objective is speed, not difficulty.

Do not waste time trying to dominate every game on higher difficulties.

Focus on:

Fast territory expansion
Efficient simulations
Rookie or Veteran matchups
Quick stronghold completion

The biggest value from Conquest comes from stacking early rewards.

You can collect:

Show Packs
Special reward packs
Program progress
Free Diamond players

These free players are especially important because they can immediately become part of your Moonshot Event lineup.

Build Your Moonshot Event Farming Lineup

After collecting your early All-Star rewards, switch your focus to Moonshot.

This will likely become one of the fastest ways to gain 5th Inning XP during the opening days of the update.

The reason is simple:

Moonshot creates the perfect environment for offensive production.

Strong hitters face weaker pitching, which means more opportunities for:

Home runs
Extra-base hits
RBIs
Parallel XP
Player missions

Instead of completing objectives separately, Moonshot allows you to progress multiple rewards at the same time.

For maximum efficiency:

Put your strongest power hitters near the top of the lineup
Use Event eligible players whenever possible
Focus on extra-base hits and home runs
Avoid unnecessary delays between games

A strong Moonshot session can advance your Event rewards, player programs, and 5th Inning XP together.

Use Mini Seasons For Extra Progress

After spending time in online modes, Mini Seasons becomes a reliable secondary option.

Major updates often bring intense online competition because thousands of players are chasing the same rewards.

Mini Seasons allows you to continue progressing without matchmaking pressure.

Use the same All-Star themed lineup and continue earning:

XP
Packs
Program progress
Additional rewards

It is the perfect cleanup activity after your main Moonshot grind.

Protect Your MLB The Show 26 Stubs During The Market Rush

One of the biggest mistakes players make during a major update is spending all their currency immediately.

New All-Star cards usually become extremely expensive during the first few hours because demand is high and supply is limited.

Avoid panic buying.

Early market prices are often inflated because:

Everyone wants new cards
Pack supply is still low
Hype is at its peak

After more players complete programs and open rewards, prices usually become much more reasonable. The smartest strategy is to earn rewards first and buy cards later.

Save Resources For The MLB Draft Content

The upcoming MLB Draft content could introduce new cards with strong long-term Diamond Dynasty value.

Draft-related players often attract attention because they can offer:

Unique attributes
High potential
Strong gameplay value

Players who save their MLB The Show 26 Stubs will have more flexibility when the next content wave arrives.

MLB The Show 26 All Star Update Day One Checklist

Before July 9:

Prepare your Event lineup
Organize your power hitters
Save some Stubs
Open available rewards

After the update:

Claim free All-Star rewards
Complete Conquest quickly
Add free Diamond players
Move into Moonshot farming
Finish extra progress through Mini Seasons

The most efficient All-Star Update route is:

Claim rewards → Complete Conquest → Build your lineup → Farm Moonshot XP → Save Stubs for future content

Preparing before the update is the difference between following the hype and taking advantage of it.

Which All-Star player are you targeting first in MLB The Show 26? Many players are already watching names like Paul Skenes because his pitching style could become a major online advantage.

The U4GM Team