When can you start playing MLB The Show 22?

MLB The Show 22 doesn’t release for everyone on every platform until April 5, but early access for MVP and Digital Deluxe Editions begins at midnight ET on April 1.

This will apply to the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions of the game. The entire game will be available for customers on the Sony platforms who have pre-ordered the eligible versions of the game.

Depending on when you’re reading this article, you may still have time to get in on the early access offer. Customers who have purchased the MVP or Digital Deluxe Editions have had access to pre-load the game, which will save them time once the clock strikes 12 am ET.

The full review of MLB The Show 22 will go live between April 3-4 after ample time to play each mode has been allotted. This year’s game offers Co-Op online play in Diamond Dynasty as well as traditional online play. An expanded version of March to October, some under-the-hood improvements to franchise mode, a more fleshed-out narrative engine for Road to the Show, the series’ first steps toward eSports functionality, and of course, more additions to Diamond Dynasty.

Here is a look at the Diamond Dynasty and eSports breakdown:

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There is a new DD mode called Mini-Seasons in addition to some new legends. We’ll take a look at everything in the full review.

MLB The Show 22 Early Access is almost ready to begin, and that means the countdown is rolling towards release time.

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Table of contents

Latest - Game Pass bundle arrives

MLB The Show 22 Early Access Countdown to Release Time

How to Preload MLB The Show 22, Download Size

We've got all the details you need on how to preload and download size so you can start playing MLB The Show 22 as soon as Early Access kicks off.

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Latest - Game Pass bundle arrives

If you're an Xbox Game Pass subscriber and have been hesitant to snag the MVP or Deluxe Edition of MLB The Show 22 because you'll get access via the subscription, there is still a way to play early.

Players who are eager to hop into the action can now take advantage of the MLB The Show 22 Xbox Game Pass Early Access Bundle.

This unique bundle built specifically for Game Pass subscribers offers Early Access along with several extra in-game bonuses.

We've got more details here on how the bundle works and what you'll receive.

MLB The Show 22 Early Access Countdown to Release Time

MLB The Show 22 Early Access is almost here, and that means players will soon be able to get a jumpstart on their Franchise or Diamond Dynasty team.

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MLB The Show 22 is set for a worldwide release date of April 5, 2022, but players who have Early Access can start even sooner.

Only players who pre order the MVP Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition of MLB The Show 22 gain Early Access, which unfortunately also means players on Nintendo Switch will all have to wait for the official launch day.

MLB The Show 22 Early Access begins on April 1, 2022, and here's the official release and unlock time across various time zones:

• Midnight ET on April 1, 2022
• 11pm CT on March 31, 2022
• 9pm PT on March 31, 2022
• 5am BST on April 1, 2022

You can also use the countdown clock above to know exactly when the MLB The Show 22 Early Access release time will arrive.

We've got more details here on how to pre order, and there's still time to do that now and be ready for Early Access.

How to Preload MLB The Show 22, Download Size

While players can place their pre order now for MLB The Show 22, the only way to play the moment Early Access begins is to preload the title.

The moment of release timing is also a perk specific to digital editions, as players waiting on the arrival of a physical copy will likely not be able to play the moment Early Access starts.

If you've placed a pre order for a digital version of MLB The Show 22 on PS4 or PS5, the ability to preload the game should already be live.

The same is true on Xbox, but there's an extra trick if you're having any trouble with the preload on Xbox or won't be securing your pre order until later.

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Players who have the Xbox mobile app connected to their console with the ability to remotely install games are able to install any game, purchased or not.

While the games installed this way aren't playable until you've actually purchased the title, it's a great trick to force your console to preload a title as soon as possible.

MLB The Show 22 reportedly has a full 72 GB size on PS5, and we can confirm it's just 68.02 GB on Xbox Series X|S.

That actually comes in just a hair lower than last year's 73.4 GB file on Xbox Series X|S, likely signaling some optimization in game modes like Stadium Creator and others.

Once you've got the game installed and a confirmed pre order, it's just a matter of waiting for Early Access to begin and the title to unlock.

Can you play MLB The Show 2022?