Whether you’re new to Rocket League or have been playing for some time and are looking to enhance your skills, we’re here to assist you in your journey and provide you with valuable tips to help you progress.

Authored by Alexander Schuster7-minute read Released on December 6, 2023, at 3:56 AM UTC

Summary

Gamepad or keyboard and mouse?Camera configurationsSelecting the appropriate vehicleGrasp the fundamentals.Enhance leadership effectiveness.Grasping the concept of rotationsSteer clear of pursuing the ball excessively.Group & InteractionMaintain a hopeful outlook and exercise patience.

Rocket League has just marked its 8th anniversary, and the excitement surrounding the game has reached new heights. At first glance, the concept seems straightforward: fast-paced 3v3 matches featuring cars that soar through the air, aiming to score by hitting a giant ball into the rival’s net. However, as is commonly the case, the intricacies lie beneath the surface: mastering Rocket League demands significant time and focused practice. Here are some tips to kick off your journey:

Gamepad or keyboard and mouse?

To begin with, you need to determine if you prefer to use a controller or a mouse and keyboard setup. Controllers offer certain benefits compared to mouse and keyboard, and many gamers find it simpler to achieve precise control with a gamepad. This preference is evident even among professional players, with a majority opting for controllers and only a handful choosing mouse and keyboard. The enhanced movement capabilities provided by a 360° joystick are often valued over the limitations of four buttons.

Ultimately, the professional player known as “Fruity” secured the European championship title in 2019 alongside MnK. While the distinctions may not be as significant in the grand scheme, the key factor is that the setup resonates with you. It is essential to dedicate yourself to a single control scheme to maintain your familiarity and muscle memory.

Camera configurations

Adjusting camera settings can provide a significant edge in gameplay. To start, it’s essential to turn off the “Camera Shake” feature. The vibrations caused by each impact can distract you from focusing on the ball, making the experience frustrating.

The Field of View (FOV) configuration influences the extent of visibility you have of the playing area and your vehicle. When set to lower values, the perspective focuses closely on the car, providing a more detailed view of the field. Conversely, higher values expand the view, allowing you to see more of the surroundings. Having a broader perspective can be a significant benefit in the fast-moving gameplay.

The “Distance” setting regulates the positioning of the camera relative to the car, while the “Height” setting dictates the elevation of the camera above the vehicle. Additionally, the camera angle influences the downward tilt of the camera.

The “Swivel Speed” controls how quickly the camera rotates around your position. Meanwhile, the “Transition Speed” determines the fluidity of the camera’s movement when switching the ball camera on and off.

Selecting the appropriate vehicle

At first glance, the selection of cars appears to be vast. However, a closer examination of the competitive landscape reveals that only three vehicles truly stand out: Octane, Fennec, and, to a lesser extent, Dominus. Since the inaugural season, Octane has established itself as the premier choice in the game. It boasts nearly no drawbacks and enjoys widespread popularity across all skill levels, making it the ideal versatile option.

Fennec may seem slightly less agile and more lethargic, yet it delivers a bit more punch in its shots. Furthermore, its optics align more accurately with the actual hitbox compared to the Octane. Dominus excels in offense with its powerful shots, but its flat design and wide turning radius may require some adjustment. It’s advisable to try out each vehicle individually before choosing your preferred one.

Grasp the fundamentals.

Begin by honing the fundamental mechanics of the game, such as boosting, jumping, and controlling the ball. Utilizing the “training mode” and free play options can be effective for getting accustomed to the controls in a low-pressure environment. You’ll quickly realize that striking the ball with precision can be quite challenging. The key to improvement is consistent practice. Establishing specific training objectives or dedicating a few practice rounds in training mode before each game can be beneficial for warming up.

Enhance leadership effectiveness.

Boosting is a crucial element in Rocket League. To execute impressive aerial maneuvers or achieve remarkable saves, you need a fully charged boost tank. Pay attention to the placement of boost pads across the field and plan your paths to ensure you consistently collect boosts. The six large boost pads, positioned at the perimeter of the arena, replenish your tank to 100% and regenerate every 10 seconds.

A good boost is already halfway to success.

The minor boost pads provide a 12% increase and regenerate every 5 seconds. The arena contains 28 of these pads. At the beginning of the match, whether at kickoff or following a demolition, every player starts with 33% boost. It’s essential to keep your boost tank adequately filled to respond swiftly during the game and to effectively engage in both offensive and defensive plays.

Position

Your placement on the field is crucial. Effective positioning demands focus, consistent practice, and a keen understanding of the ongoing match. By honing your positioning, you can optimize your abilities on both the defensive and offensive fronts, leading to improved decision-making during the game.

A good guideline is to place yourself in a way that allows you to assist your teammates without being too close to them. The goal is to maximize your coverage of the field while remaining near enough to your teammate to respond to potential threats from opponents or to capitalize on any mistakes or turnovers.

Grasping the concept of rotations

The principle of rotation is a crucial tactic in Rocket League designed to maximize the utilization of the field, facilitating efficient offensive plays while ensuring a solid defense. Team members shift their positions to effectively cover the field. This rotation entails a continuous transition between offensive and defensive roles.

When a player engages in an offensive play, such as attempting a shot or delivering a pass, they subsequently fall back, allowing a teammate to occupy their spot. As one player advances to challenge for the ball, another player simultaneously retreats to maintain a strong defensive stance. This rotation also provides the opportunity to recharge the boost for the next offensive move. This system guarantees that there is consistently at least one player prepared to either strike or defend the ball.

Steer clear of pursuing the ball excessively.

Many newcomers to Rocket League often find themselves constantly pursuing the ball, a habit known as ball chasing. However, a more effective approach is to concentrate on strategic positioning. Chasing the ball can result in a disordered style of play, increasing the strain on your defense. If a teammate is already in a favorable position to engage with the ball, it’s best to trust their judgment and allow them to take the lead. This not only enhances the overall flow of the game but also enables you to concentrate on your positioning for potential passes or rebounds.

Steering clear of ball chasing demands considerable patience and self-control. Identifying the right instances to pursue the ball comes with significant experience. Essentially, if a teammate is already heading towards the ball, it is more advantageous to position yourself strategically to respond swiftly.

Group & Interaction

Ideally, having fellow Rocket League enthusiasts among your friends can enhance your gaming experience, allowing you to grow your skills together. The option to use voice chat provides a significant edge in this regard. However, you can also effectively communicate with random teammates through the quick chat feature. Simple phrases like “I got it” or “Defending” can make a big difference. Be sure to customize your Quickchat buttons in the menu with the most essential phrases.

What an incredible save!

Particularly in the lower tiers, it can be quite disheartening when teammates overlook the fundamental aspects of Rocket League. In these situations, focus on your own performance and strive to improve. In the worst scenario, the match lasts only 5 minutes. If you come across a skilled teammate, consider forming a group using the “Party up” feature to collaborate in your upcoming matches.

Maintain a hopeful outlook and exercise patience.

Understand that achieving mastery in Rocket League requires significant time and dedication. Many professional players have spent years honing their skills to reach their current level. It can be incredibly disheartening to miss an open goal or experience a streak of bad luck with teammates. Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. Ultimately, you play Rocket League for the enjoyment it brings. If you persist, you’ll discover the thrill of climbing the ranks and continually improving your gameplay.