Hitting in MLB The Show 25 can feel like a rollercoaster. One moment you’re hitting home runs, and the next you can’t make contact. Often, this isn’t about skill but about your settings. The Plate Coverage Indicator (PCI) is your best tool for improving consistency at the plate. By fine-tuning your PCI, you can gain better control over your bat, improve your timing, and start turning those strikeouts into clutch hits.
Why Your PCI Settings are Crucial for Hitting
The PCI is only available when you use the “Zone” Hitting Interface. This mode is the preferred choice for competitive players because it gives you direct control over where the bat goes. Instead of just timing your swing, you are actively aiming for the pitch location.
Your PCI settings directly influence how you see and react to the ball. A good setup helps you track the pitch from the pitcher’s hand to the plate, making it easier to square up the ball for solid contact. A cluttered or hard-to-see PCI can do the opposite, distracting you and causing you to miss pitches you should be hitting.
Think of it as customizing your sights on a target. The right settings make the target clearer and your aim more precise.
The Best PCI Settings for Most Players
While personal preference is key, there is a widely accepted baseline setup that works for a majority of players, from beginners to seasoned veterans. These settings offer a great balance of visibility and functionality without cluttering your screen. You can find these options in the main menu under Settings, then Gameplay.
Here are the recommended settings to start with:
- Plate Coverage Indicator: On
- PCI Anchor: Off
- PCI Center: Diamonds
- PCI Inner: Starfighter
- PCI Outer: None
- PCI Color: Yellow or another bright, contrasting color
- PCI Opacity: 80%
- PCI Fadeout: None
This configuration keeps the most important information visible while removing distracting elements like the outer PCI ring. The Starfighter inner PCI is a popular choice because its shape helps you gauge the pitch’s vertical and horizontal movement.
Breaking Down Each PCI Setting and Its Impact
Every single PCI setting has a specific job. Understanding what each one does allows you to make informed adjustments that suit your personal hitting style. Some players need more visual information, while others perform better with a minimalist display.
The key is to find a combination that helps your eyes focus on the baseball without being distracted by the indicator itself.
Here is a simple breakdown of how key settings affect your gameplay:
| Setting | Effect on Gameplay |
| PCI Anchor | Limits PCI starting movement, which can help beginners focus on specific zones. |
| PCI Inner (Starfighter) | Provides a clear focal point to help you track the baseball’s movement. |
| PCI Outer (None) | Removes visual clutter, allowing for quicker reaction times and a cleaner screen. |
| Bright PCI Color | Improves visibility against different batter’s eyes and stadium backgrounds. |
| 80% Opacity | Ensures the PCI is easily visible but transparent enough to see the pitch through it. |
How to Test and Find Your Perfect PCI Setup
The settings listed above are a fantastic starting point, but the only way to find your perfect setup is to experiment. What works for a top player might not work for you. The best place to do this is in Practice Mode, where you can face any pitcher and pitch type without pressure.
Follow these steps to dial in your settings:
- Go to Practice Mode and choose a team to hit with and a pitcher to face. Select a pitcher with a varied arsenal.
- Apply the recommended baseline settings from this guide. Take at least 20-30 swings to get a feel for them.
- Adjust one setting at a time. For example, if you find the “Diamonds” center too distracting, try “Bat” or “Basic.” Take another 20 swings.
- Pay attention to how your eyes track the ball. Is the PCI helping you or distracting you? If you find yourself looking at the PCI more than the ball, try lowering the opacity to 60% or 70%.
- Once you find a setup that feels comfortable and improves your contact, stick with it to build muscle memory.
Alternative PCI Setups for Different Playstyles
Not everyone thrives with the standard “Diamonds and Starfighter” setup. Some players prefer a much simpler view to keep their focus entirely on the pitcher’s release point and the ball’s spin.
If the recommended settings don’t feel right, consider one of these alternatives. A popular minimalist approach is to use only the inner PCI. You can do this by setting the PCI Center and PCI Outer to “None.” This gives you a single reference point to move around the zone.
Another option is for players who find the PCI too distracting. Lowering the opacity to around 50% can make it feel more like a faint guide than an intrusive overlay. This is great for experienced players who have already developed a strong sense of the strike zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best PCI for beginners in MLB The Show 25?
For beginners, using the “Basic” inner PCI with “Diamonds” or “Circles” as the center is a great start. It’s simple, visible, and helps you learn how to track the ball without being overwhelming.
Should I use the PCI anchor?
The PCI anchor can be helpful for new players who struggle with PCI placement, as it lets you preset its starting location in the zone. However, most experienced players keep it off for full freedom of movement and quicker reactions to pitches in different locations.
Does PCI color really make a difference?
Yes, it can. A bright color like yellow, cyan, or red stands out against the background of most stadiums and the catcher’s gear. Avoid colors like black or dark blue, which can easily get lost and make tracking harder.
Why do many players turn the outer PCI off?
The outer PCI ring represents the outer limit of your contact area, but many players find it to be visual clutter. Turning it off simplifies the display, allowing you to focus solely on aligning the center or inner PCI with the ball.
How often should I change my PCI settings?
You should only change your PCI settings when you feel like you’re in a prolonged slump and need a new look. Constantly changing them prevents you from building crucial muscle memory. Find something that works and stick with it.
