Suggestions for New Player

[SethC]

Hi all, first time user and IÂ’m looking forward to playing OOTP26. IÂ’ve set-up a new game (not in challenge mode) and have seen a few YouTube tutorials on creating the right setttings which IÂ’ve done while watching. Now that IÂ’ve done that, any suggestions on how to get into the nuts and bolts of the game from there? What I should be focusing on first? More videos or ideas etc.? Thanks!

[luckymann]

For mine, get a pen and a brand new notepad, keep them handy, and just get into a few new saves, noting things down as you come across them, either for future reference or specific questions on here.

Start off simple and small, then expand in keeping with your improved knowledge and developed understanding of the type of save(s) you want to conduct or that interest you, as well as the different things you want to achieve with them.

The game's possibilities are virtually endless, which means it can be quite overwhelming to start with, especially if you don't apply some sort of systematic process to the learning curve.

The learning, just like the fun, is mainly in the doing.

Enjoy!

G

[Pelican]

As Yoda says, "there is no try; there is only do". In this case, there is no "right" or "wrong" way to start playing. Whatever you choose, you will learn something. As long as you save and backup frequently, you can reverse and restart.

One basic choice is whether you are most looking forward to acting as a field manager (playing individual games and making decisions on lineups and subs and strategy) or as a GM (making trades and signing free agents). Yeah, you probably want to do both! My approach is to set up a season, include Spring Training. You can use the exhibition games to get up to speed on game play. And ST allows you a month or more to work on roster management. All before the games count.

Another early choice is current versus historical rosters - or a mix, or fictional players. Current seasons are probably the easiest to set up. But you could play 1938 with no color bar, injuries toggled off, so no ALS for Lou Gehrig.

There are so many "rabbit holes" to explore, if you have a special interest. You'll soon learn about the "mods" for stadiums, uniforms, logos that can be downloaded or created. How about an expansion draft? Or spending hours working on your MLB team's minor league system, or the amateur draft, or international players.

Granted, the game seems overwhelming at first. So many options. But it is designed for playing "right out of the box" while you learn. And the setup lets you explore the myriad options for settings. No worries, you will find your own favorite settings and eras and roles.

Don't hesitate to navigate these message boards for help and advice and guidance. There are no stupid questions. (I would love to go back to 2021 and see some of mine!) It helps to be humble and realize the distinct possibility of "user error". If you know a fair amount about [IRL] baseball, that will get you through, because OOTP is super realistic and mirrors the challenges of running a team.

As someone said to me early on, when you really get into it, please don't forget to eat and wash up or neglect your family or your job. LOL. It's that immersive, and there is never an ideal stopping point.

[JaBurns]

Basically have fun, experiment with setups. I would start with a small league so it is easier to follow the league. The depth in OOTP is nothing short of amazing. Ask any questions here, someone will always help.