October is in full swing, and MLB The Show 25 has brought the chills and thrills with its Spooky Program, a limited-time event packed with daily rewards, themed player cards, XP boosts, and surprise treats. Whether you're grinding for Diamond players, Show Packs, or MLB The Show 25 Stubs just want to give your squad some Halloween flair, this event delivers one of the most rewarding seasonal programs in recent memory.
The Spooky Program fits seamlessly into The Show's evolving cycle of themed content, offering something for both casual players and hardcore Diamond Dynasty grinders. With new missions, collections, and even hidden rewards, the event mixes strategy, excitement, and creativity-making it a must-play for anyone looking to bolster their roster or earn exclusive cosmetics.
The Theme: Tricks, Treats, and Baseball Beats
San Diego Studio has leaned into the Halloween spirit this year, combining eerie presentation with exciting rewards. From pumpkin-orange card borders to creepy sound effects when opening Show Packs, every aspect of the Spooky Program feels designed to immerse players in the theme.
Beyond aesthetics, the program includes "Trick or Treat" missions that offer a risk-reward twist. Players can choose between Trick Challenges, which are tougher gameplay objectives (such as hitting multiple home runs in a single game or recording 15 strikeouts with one pitcher), and Treat Challenges, which are easier but yield smaller rewards. The dynamic lets players decide how hard to grind depending on their playstyle and available time.
These challenges tie into the overall progression path, where XP and tokens unlock everything from themed uniforms to elite-tier player cards. It's a flexible system that rewards engagement across modes-from Ranked Seasons and Battle Royale to Conquest maps and Mini Seasons.
Standout Player Cards
The headline attraction of the Spooky Program lies in its limited-edition player cards. This year's lineup celebrates baseball legends and fan-favorite modern players with eerie twists.
Among the featured stars:
99 OVR "Vampire" Shohei Ohtani - A dual-threat card that boosts clutch stats and stamina at night games. His "Bloodlust" perk increases hitting power after recording strikeouts as a pitcher, making him one of the most unique cards of the year.
98 OVR "Ghost" Ken Griffey Jr. - With a haunting contact boost and gold-fielding tier, this Griffey card pays tribute to his smooth swing and defensive magic. His signature animation and glowing bat make him a fan favorite on any roster.
97 OVR "Zombie" Randy Johnson - Featuring unholy velocity and fear-inducing break on his slider, this version of Johnson dominates opponents and is tailor-made for October's high-stakes gameplay.
96 OVR "Wicked" Mookie Betts - Enhanced fielding awareness and reaction time make Betts a defensive nightmare for hitters, while his boosted contact and speed ensure he's lethal at the plate.
In addition to these headliners, the program offers several mid-tier cards-perfect for those still developing their Diamond Dynasty squads. Completing specific event objectives can net you 90-94 OVR versions of themed players, each with fun quirks like "Night Vision" (better clutch stats in late innings) or "Spirit Boost" (teamwide XP gain during night games).
How to Progress Through the Program
Progressing in the Spooky Program revolves around a combination of XP milestones, collections, and missions. Players can earn XP by completing daily moments, event challenges, or simply playing games across any mode. The program's structure ensures that even casual players can earn valuable rewards without needing to spend countless hours grinding.
Here are the primary ways to progress efficiently:
Daily Moments - Each day offers a themed mini-challenge, such as striking out three batters using a "Monster" card or hitting a home run in a foggy ballpark. Completing these consistently adds up to significant XP.
Conquest Map: Haunted Stadiums - The Spooky Conquest map returns, complete with eerie lighting and themed Strongholds. Capturing every territory unlocks bonus packs, stubs, and exclusive XP boosts.
Collection Bonuses - By collecting a full set of Spooky Program cards, you can unlock an exclusive 99 OVR reward player. This year's mystery reward hasn't been officially revealed yet, but hints point toward a supernatural version of a legendary slugger.
Showdown Challenges - A special "Haunted Showdown" pits your drafted squad against escalating AI teams in eerie, late-night stadium settings. Beating the final boss yields a massive XP payout and exclusive Bat Skin rewards.
Event Games and Ranked Seasons - Using themed players in online games provides multiplier bonuses to XP and Stubs, giving extra incentive to test your new roster in real competition.
The Rewards: More Than Just Cards
While player cards steal the spotlight, the Spooky Program also delivers a variety of other valuable items. Players can unlock Show Packs, Ballin' Is a Habit Packs, Stubs, Bat Skins, and Stadium Items. Themed cosmetics such as pumpkin bat grips, glowing cleats, and spider-web uniforms add a festive flair that stands out during online matchups.
An underrated highlight of the program is the XP Boost Potions, a new feature introduced in MLB The Show 25. These limited-use consumables temporarily double your XP gain for a few games, making it easier to climb through reward tiers. They're perfect for players who want to catch up after missing a few days-or those who simply want to sprint through the final levels before the program ends.
Strategies for Maximizing Your Grind
If you want to make the most out of the Spooky Program, efficiency is key. Here are some expert tips to help you get ahead:
Combine Objectives - When doing Daily Moments, try to complete parallel missions simultaneously (for example, use a Spooky player card while working on a Trick Challenge).
Play at Night - Certain perks and missions activate during evening games, so scheduling your play sessions accordingly can yield extra bonuses.
Stack XP Boosts - Save your XP Potions for longer gaming sessions where you can chain together Conquest wins or Ranked matches.
Track Progress Daily - Because the program includes limited-time missions, missing a day or two can set you back significantly. Keep an eye on in-game timers.
Final Thoughts
The Spooky Program in MLB The Show 25 is a home run for seasonal content-balancing accessibility, creativity, and high-value rewards. It invites players to embrace the Halloween spirit while rewarding consistent engagement and smart play. The themed cards are among the most imaginative designs San Diego Studio has ever released, and the addition of flexible progression paths ensures that every player, whether casual or competitive, has something to work toward.
With its mix of dark aesthetics, competitive challenges, and a steady flow of treats, the Spooky Program proves that MLB The Show 25 isn't just about baseball-it's about atmosphere, fun, and community. Whether you're chasing that 99 OVR Shohei Ohtani or
MLB The Show Stubs just soaking in the eerie vibe, this event captures October baseball at its most electrifying.