MLB The Show 26 brings Halloween to Diamond Dynasty with Spooky Conquest, an offline challenge launched on October 26, 2026. The map offers more than a seasonal change of scenery: completing it rewards 99 OVR Willie Mays and earns 20 points toward the Spooky Program, enough to unlock 99 OVR Spooky J.R. Richard. If you're building a stronger Diamond Dynasty roster, collecting these free cards is a good first step before spending your MLB Stubs on other upgrades.

Conquest combines map control, resource management, and short baseball games against CPU opponents. Your goal is to expand your territory, build up your fan base, and capture opposing strongholds while completing the objectives shown in the game.

Here's what to expect:

• Capture territories: Expand into neighboring spaces to establish control of the map.

• Manage your fans: Move reinforcements toward the areas where you plan to attack.

• Challenge strongholds: Play three-inning games to capture enemy strongholds.

• Complete map objectives: Follow the listed requirements to finish the challenge and collect its rewards.

Ordinary territory battles can often be simulated, but stronghold games require you to take the field. Saving your time for these important matchups makes the map easier to manage.

The biggest reason to complete this event is the pair of high-rated legends available through two connected reward systems.

• 99 OVR Willie Mays: Earned by completing Spooky Conquest.

• 20 Spooky Program points: Progress earned through the Conquest completion.

• 99 OVR Spooky J.R. Richard: Unlocked at the program's 20-point milestone.

• 4,000 XP: Awarded alongside Richard at the same milestone.

These are separate rewards, so don't expect both cards to appear in the same reward screen. Willie Mays comes from the Conquest challenge, while Richard is claimed through the Spooky Program track.

The 20 points also carry you through the opening program rewards: a Spider Web Banner at five points, a Deluxe Pack at 10, and a Mummy Icon at 15. If you're considering whether to buy MLB Stubs to improve your lineup, claim these event rewards first and see which positions still need an upgrade. If you're looking at cheap MLB Stubs as another way to improve your squad, compare the available upgrades against the cards you've already earned.

You don't need to attack every stronghold immediately. A steady expansion plan usually makes the map easier to handle.

1. Expand Before Taking Major Risks

Start by capturing nearby empty territories. Building a connected area gives you more room to move fans and prepare for the next attack. Avoid spreading your forces too thin across several fronts, especially when an opposing stronghold is nearby.

2. Build Up Your Fan Advantage

Before attacking a stronghold, reinforce the surrounding territories. Having enough fans gives you more flexibility when choosing an attack difficulty. If you prefer a quicker run, take a moment to build a comfortable advantage instead of rushing into a difficult matchup.

3. Simulate Easy Battles

Simulation is useful when you have a clear advantage in ordinary territory battles. Save your time and focus on the three-inning stronghold games, where your pitching decisions, hitting approach, and bullpen management can make a real difference.

4. Check Every Objective

Read the goal list before making your first move. Some Conquest maps include requirements involving territory totals, fan counts, stealing fans, or specific turns. Check whether Spooky Conquest requires any of these tasks before skipping a phase or finishing the final stronghold.

Absolutely. Spooky Conquest offers an efficient way to add Willie Mays to your collection while earning enough program points for J.R. Richard. The challenge also provides a break from online competition, making it useful for players who prefer offline Diamond Dynasty progression.

Complete the map first, claim both legends, and then review your remaining roster needs. Players browsing MLB Stubs for sale should make the most of the free Halloween rewards before committing additional resources to their lineups.