Rocket League guide: football with rocket cars
Also known as: Car football game, Car soccer game
Rocket League explained: football played with rocket-powered cars, standard 3v3 matches, boost, jumps, aerial hits and beginner tips to score more goals.
- Type
- Video game
- Players
- 1–8
- Age
- Ages 3+
- First released
- 2015
- Developer
- Psyonix
- Platforms
- Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Rocket League is a sports game by Psyonix, first released in 2015, in which rocket-powered cars play football with a giant ball. The idea sounds silly, but the physics are consistent and precise, which has made it one of the most played competitive games of its kind, with a professional scene of its own. It became free to play in 2020, and players on different consoles and computers can usually play together. Matches are short and easy to understand: put the ball into the other team's goal. What keeps players coming back is how much skill the game allows, from simple first touches to spectacular flying shots high above the field. Seasons add new cosmetic items and events.
Our verdict
Rocket League is easy to understand in seconds, yet it can take years to master. A five-minute match is a good fit for a short break, and team play rewards communication and positioning, not just speed. The moment you score your first aerial goal is unforgettable. Because it is free to start and runs on many devices, it is simple to get friends together for a match.
What works
- Instantly understandable idea with deep skill.
- Short matches that fit any schedule.
- Free to play with wide cross-platform support.
What does not
- Steep learning curve for advanced aerial moves.
- Ranked matches can feel stressful for casual players.
How to play Rocket League
Each team defends a goal on an enclosed arena with curved walls. Standard matches are three against three and last five minutes; if the score is level, overtime continues until the next goal wins. You drive with acceleration and steering, and you can jump, double jump and flip in any direction to hit the ball hard. A boost meter lets your car accelerate faster and even fly; you refill it by driving over small and large boost pads on the field. Cars can drive up walls and onto the ceiling, which opens creative plays. Hitting an opponent at full speed can destroy their car for a few seconds. Beyond standard football, the game offers one-against-one and two-against-two playlists, plus extra modes based on basketball, ice hockey and more. Training packs let you practise shots and saves alone.
Tips for new players
- Do not all chase the ball; take turns attacking and staying back to defend.
- Collect small boost pads often instead of driving across the field for the big ones.
- Use free play mode to practise jumping and hitting the ball in the air.
- Turn the camera so you can see the ball at all times with the ball-cam setting.
Good for
Rocket League: common questions
Is Rocket League free?
Yes. Rocket League became free to play in 2020. Optional purchases are cosmetic and do not change how a car performs.
How long is a Rocket League match?
A standard match lasts five minutes of game time. If the score is tied, sudden-death overtime continues until one team scores.
Can I play Rocket League alone?
Yes. You can play against computer opponents, use training modes or join online matches with random teammates.
Rocket League belongs to its owners. Playdonya is not connected to them and does not sell this game; the cover is our own illustration.
