Players who plan to jump into Diamond Dynasty early in MLB The Show 26 are always looking for ways to start with extra rewards. One of the best ways to do this is by collecting Now and Later Packs. These packs are special because they reward you in two different games. You earn them while playing MLB The Show 25, and the rewards later carry forward into MLB The Show 26.
For dedicated players, this system provides a valuable head start. Instead of beginning the new game with nothing, you can enter with multiple Show Packs waiting for you. Understanding how these packs work and how to earn them will help you build a stronger roster when the new game launches.
Below is a complete guide explaining what Now and Later Packs are and the best ways to get them.
What Are Now And Later Packs
Now and Later Packs are a unique type of reward introduced for players who continue playing the previous title before the next game releases.
These packs give you two benefits:
• Immediate rewards in MLB The Show 25
• Future rewards in MLB The Show 26
When you open a Now and Later Pack in MLB The Show 25, you receive normal items just like a regular Show Pack. However, the pack also provides a voucher. That voucher is stored on your account and automatically converts into a Show Pack when you log into MLB The Show 26 with the same account.
This means your time spent grinding content in the previous game directly helps you in the next one.
For players who enjoy Diamond Dynasty, this feature can create a strong early advantage.
Sign Up For The Scouting Report
One of the easiest ways to get Now and Later Packs is by subscribing to the official Scouting Report newsletter.
This option requires almost no effort. Once you sign up with your account before the deadline, the rewards are delivered automatically.
Players who subscribed during the promotional period received several Now and Later Packs as a bonus. These packs immediately became available in MLB The Show 25 and also generated vouchers for MLB The Show 26.
If you want easy packs without grinding gameplay, this is the first method you should take advantage of.
Earn Packs Through The 11th Inning XP Path
Another major source of Now and Later Packs comes from the XP reward path in MLB The Show 25.
The 11th Inning program introduced multiple packs that players could unlock simply by earning experience points while playing the game. XP can be gained in many ways, including:
• Playing Diamond Dynasty games
• Completing missions
• Finishing Moments challenges
• Participating in various programs
The more you play, the more XP you earn, and eventually you unlock these special packs along the progression track.
For many players, this becomes the main method of collecting a large number of Now and Later vouchers before the next game launches.
Complete The Dedicated Now And Later Program
Later in the content cycle, a special program was added that focuses entirely on earning Now and Later Packs.
This program includes a set of gameplay challenges that reward progress points. Most of the objectives are simple and can be completed through normal gameplay.
Typical tasks may include:
• Completing Moments challenges
• Accumulating player statistics
• Winning games in Diamond Dynasty modes
• Using specific cards in your lineup
Once you finish enough tasks, the program rewards several Now and Later Packs along the reward path.
Compared to other programs, this one is designed to be fairly quick to complete, making it a reliable source of additional packs.
Play Diamond Dynasty Regularly
Grinding Diamond Dynasty content is the most consistent way to progress toward these rewards.
Every activity in this mode contributes toward programs and XP progression. That means nearly everything you do can help unlock Now and Later Packs indirectly.
Some of the most effective activities include:
• Conquest maps
• Mini Seasons
• Ranked Seasons
• Moments challenges
• Program missions
Even if you are mostly an offline player, you can still complete the majority of these tasks without competing online.
By simply playing the game regularly, you slowly build up the rewards needed to unlock additional packs.
Make Sure You Use The Same Account
One important rule determines whether your vouchers transfer into MLB The Show 26.
You must log into the new game using the same platform account that earned the packs in MLB The Show 25.
If the accounts match, the process is automatic. When you launch MLB The Show 26, the stored vouchers are converted into Show Packs and appear in your inventory.
If you switch accounts or platforms without linking them properly, those rewards may not transfer.
Always double check that your account is connected correctly before the new game launches.
How Many Packs Can You Earn
Players who complete all available programs and rewards can earn a large number of Now and Later Packs.
In total, the system allows players to collect enough vouchers to convert into dozens of Show Packs when MLB The Show 26 launches. This can significantly boost your starting lineup and give you more cards to sell, collect, or use in team building.
For competitive Diamond Dynasty players, that early inventory can be extremely valuable.
