MLB The Show 25: Guide to Beating Diamond Quest on GOAT Difficulty
This guide isn't about "playing fair" or showing off skill. Instead, it focuses on strategies to cheese the CPU so you can collect rewards without having to sweat through every stadium matchup. After all, nobody wants to grind for 30 minutes only to lose a stadium game and walk away empty-handed.
Whether you're a seasoned Diamond Dynasty veteran or a newcomer trying to avoid blowing all your MLB 25 Stubs on marketplace shortcuts, this guide will show you how to tilt the odds in your favor.
Why GOAT Difficulty in Diamond Quest Feels So Unforgiving
Unlike Showdown or Conquest, Diamond Quest on GOAT doesn't just test your ability to hit or pitch, it punishes every mistake. Stadium games feel especially cruel:
Lose one, and you may have wasted nearly an hour of grinding.
Even victories can feel unsatisfying if you had to scrape by while the CPU turned every blooper into a web gem.
Rewards are inconsistent, and sometimes it feels like the effort outweighs the payout.
That's why many players are turning to optimized strategies rather than brute-forcing wins.
The Core Strategy
The simplest and most effective way to beat Diamond Quest on GOAT difficulty is to lean on team speed. Hitting home runs against elite CPU pitching isn't reliable, but bunting, stealing, and putting pressure on the defense often works surprisingly well.
Build a Speed-Heavy Lineup
Prioritize players with 85+ speed.
Even bronze or silver cards can get the job done here, meaning you don't have to drain your MLB The Show 25 Stubs to buy expensive stars.
Contact and vision stats help, but speed is your MVP stat.
Play Small Ball
Drop bunts to force the CPU into tough fielding plays.
Use hit-and-run to keep infielders moving.
Steal bases aggressively, the CPU struggles more with quick runners than with sluggers.
Pitch to Contact
On GOAT, trying to paint corners consistently is tough. Instead, focus on keeping the ball low in the zone and forcing weak grounders.
Don't nibble too much, walks will hurt more than giving up the occasional single.
This approach won't guarantee wins every single time, but once you get the rhythm, you should find yourself winning 80% or more of your games. With practice, you can push that number closer to 95%.
Example Budget-Friendly Lineup
You don't need a team full of 99 OVR players to beat Diamond Quest. In fact, many lower-rated cards with speed become hidden gems. Some examples of budget-friendly archetypes to target:
Middle Infielders with High Speed: Even bronze-tier shortstops or second basemen can thrive with bunt-and-steal tactics.
Outfielders with Range: Helps both offensively and defensively. A fast center fielder can save runs on deep drives.
Contact Hitters with Bunt Ability: Perfect for small-ball execution.
The beauty of this setup is that it doesn't cost much. You can pick up many of these cards for just a few hundred MLB 25 Stubs on the marketplace. Save your big Stub investments for Diamond Dynasty stars that you'll use in ranked or events.
Tips to Increase Your Win Rate
Use Consistent Camera Angles: A Strike Zone camera for both pitching and hitting helps with timing and pitch recognition.
Don't Swing for the Fences: On GOAT, the CPU rarely gives meatballs. Stay disciplined and look for singles rather than home runs.
Practice Baserunning: Learning how to read CPU pickoff moves and jumps will make stealing bases nearly automatic.
Bullpen Management: Even on GOAT, the CPU struggles with variety. Mix in off-speed pitches after fastballs to disrupt timing.
Why This Method Works
The AI on GOAT difficulty is programmed to shut down conventional slugging strategies. However, it's less consistent against constant pressure from speed. By forcing quick plays on defense and staying aggressive on the basepaths, you flip the script. The CPU is suddenly reacting to you rather than dominating the pace of play.
Think of it as leveling the playing field without needing to spend hundreds of thousands of MLB The Show 25 Stubs on an all-star roster.
Is Cheesing Worth It
Some purists will argue that beating Diamond Quest "the right way" is more satisfying. That may be true, but if your main goal is unlocking stadium rewards or progressing programs, efficiency matters. Spending an hour on a failed attempt is far more frustrating than stealing a win with bunts and steals.
Besides, San Diego Studio has built MLB The Show 25 in a way that rewards creativity. If speed cheese works, it's simply another tool in your arsenal.
Final Thoughts
Beating Diamond Quest on GOAT difficulty doesn't have to be a nightmare. By building a speed-focused lineup, relying on small-ball tactics, and pitching to contact, you can win consistently without relying on superstar-heavy squads. This strategy not only saves time but also saves MLB 25 Stubs, since you don't need to overspend on elite hitters just to edge out CPU teams.
At the end of the day, it's about working smarter, not harder. With the right approach, you can secure stadium rewards, progress through Diamond Quest maps, and still have plenty of MLB The Show 25 Stubs left over to build your dream Diamond Dynasty roster.
So, lace up those cleats, stack your lineup with speed demons, and get ready to run circles around the CPU, even on GOAT difficulty.