The longest part of the Retro World Series Program isn't unlocking David Ortiz. It's earning 2,026 Parallel XP with Tampa Bay Rays players and another 2,026 with Milwaukee Brewers players. Start checking your collection early, especially if you're considering spending MLB 26 stubs on extra players. You might already have enough eligible cards to build a lineup for each club, and those two missions can take several sessions.
What the Reward Path Offers
There are 14 tasks worth 50 points altogether, so you'll need to complete every one to reach the 99 OVR Ortiz card. Along the way, the program hands out three other 99 OVR players and a Deluxe Choice Pack. Here's how the milestones compare:
10 points: Brooks Robinson, third base, plus 1,000 XP
20 points: Tom Glavine, starting pitcher, plus 1,000 XP
30 points: Bob Gibson, starting pitcher, plus 1,000 XP
40 points: Deluxe Choice Pack, plus 1,000 XP
50 points: David Ortiz, plus 2,026 XP.
That's 6,026 XP across the full track. The four player cards can't be sold on the Community Market, so judge them by how much they'll help your team rather than what they might earn you.
Take On the Moments
Ten Moments account for 30 points, with each one worth three. They revisit World Series performances, from Freddie Freeman's walk-off grand slam to Bill Mazeroski's Game 7 winner. You'll also step into spots involving Robinson, Glavine, Gibson, Ortiz and other postseason names. Check the objective before you jump in. A pitching task might ask for strikeouts or a clean inning, while a hitting task could require more than simply getting on base. Mix speeds when you're on the mound, and don't force a power swing if the objective only calls for a hit.
Build Your Mission Lineups
The two smaller team missions are a welcome change of pace. Earn 270 Parallel XP with New York Yankees players and 110 with St. Louis Cardinals players for five points apiece. Play vs CPU, Conquest, Mini Seasons and Diamond Quest give you offline options for working on them. After that, the Rays and Brewers requirements are much larger. Fill as many lineup spots as you can with eligible players, then use those squads while tackling other content. Pitchers can contribute too, particularly if you're comfortable getting strikeouts. Check the program screen every few games; one club may need more attention than the other.
Make the Most of Your Time
The Moments are a good place to begin because they put three cards on your roster without requiring a full team build. You can then work through the smaller missions while setting up for the longer ones. If you're looking at MLB 26 stubs for sale to fill gaps, check your existing collection first. Live Series cards may be enough for the team missions, and you don't need a lineup of stars to earn Parallel XP. Once Ortiz joins your squad, see whether he fits any other active missions you're working on.