Rocket League is a high-octane hybrid of arcade-style soccer and vehicular mayhem with easy-to-understand controls and fluid, physics-driven competition. It’s one of the most popular and critically acclaimed sports games of all time, with a thriving community of millions of players worldwide.

If you’re new to Rocket League, or if you’re looking to improve your skills, this guide is for you. We’ll cover everything from the best settings and controls to advanced mechanics and strategies.

Rocket League Settings

The first thing you should do when starting Rocket League is to adjust your settings to make the game feel comfortable and responsive. Here is a detailed breakdown of the most important settings:

Camera settings

• Field of view: This setting controls how much of the field you can see. A higher field of view will give you a wider view, but it can also make the game feel more zoomed out and make it more difficult to track the ball. A lower field of view will give you a narrower view, but it will also make the game feel more zoomed in and make it easier to track the ball. Start with a field of view of 110 and adjust it from there until you find a setting that you feel comfortable with.
• Height: This setting controls how high your camera is positioned above your car. A higher height will give you a better view of the field, but it can also make it more difficult to control your car. A lower height will give you a worse view of the field, but it will also make it easier to control your car. Start with a height of 100 and adjust it from there until you find a setting that you feel comfortable with.
• Angle: This setting controls the angle of your camera. A higher angle will make your camera look down more on your car, while a lower angle will make your camera look up more on your car. Start with an angle of -4 and adjust it from there until you find a setting that you feel comfortable with.
• Stiffness: This setting controls how quickly your camera moves. A higher stiffness will make your camera move more quickly, while a lower stiffness will make your camera move more slowly. Start with a stiffness of 0.50 and adjust it from there until you find a setting that you feel comfortable with.

Controls

There are a variety of different control schemes available in Rocket League. The default control scheme is a good starting point, but you may want to experiment with different schemes to find one that feels more comfortable and intuitive to you.

One popular control scheme is to use the following bindings:

• Jump: X
• Boost: RB
• Dodge: A

This control scheme allows you to jump, boost, and dodge without having to move your fingers off of the movement buttons.

Another popular control scheme is to use the following bindings:

• Jump: B
• Boost: RB
• Dodge: LB

This control scheme is similar to the default control scheme, but it moves the jump button to the B button. This can be useful for players who find it difficult to reach the X button with their thumb while also pressing the other buttons.

Ultimately, the best way to find the right controls for you is to experiment and try different things. There is no one-size-fits-all control scheme, so find a scheme that feels comfortable and intuitive to you.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity settings control how quickly your car reacts to your inputs. A higher sensitivity will make your car turn more quickly, but it can also be more difficult to control. A lower sensitivity will make your car turn more slowly, but it will also be easier to control.

It is important to find a sensitivity setting that feels comfortable and responsive to you. There is no one-size-fits-all sensitivity setting, so experiment with different settings until you find one that works for you.

Choosing the right car

There are many different cars to choose from in Rocket League, each with its own unique stats and handling characteristics. It is important to choose a car that suits your playstyle.

If you are new to the game, a good car to start with is the Octane. The Octane is by far the most popular car used amongst amatuers and professionals. 

Other popular cars include the Dominus and the Fennec. One thing to keep in mind is all cars belong to one of only six hitboxes. Meaning, and for example, the Octane has the same hitbox as the Fennec. However, there is a quasi placebo effect that will trick you into cars feeling more unique. 

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right car for you is to experiment and try different cars. See which cars you feel most comfortable driving and which cars you can hit the ball most consistently with.

Experiment in free play mode

Free play mode is the perfect place to experiment with different cars, settings, and mechanics. Take some time to drive around and get a feel for how your car moves. Try different aerials, dribbles, and shots. The more you practice, the better you’ll become.

Here are a few specific things to practice in free play mode:

Aerials

Aerials are one of the most important skills in Rocket League. They allow you to hit the ball from different angles and with more power than you could from the ground.

To perform an aerial, you need to first jump. Once you are in the air, you can use your boost to propel yourself in any direction. You can also use your dodge button or air roll button to rotate your car in the air.

To hit the ball with an aerial, you need to position yourself correctly and press the boost button at the right time. If you hit the ball too early, you will not get much power. If you hit the ball too late, you will miss it.

There are many different types of aerials, each with its own unique benefits and challenges. Some of the most common types of aerials include:

• Basic aerial: This is the most basic type of aerial. To perform a basic aerial, simply jump and boost towards the ball. Hit the ball with the side of your car to get the most power.
• Flip aerial: This type of aerial involves flipping your car in the air to hit the ball. This can be used to hit the ball with more power or to hit the ball from a different angle.
• Double jump aerial: This type of aerial involves jumping twice in the air to hit the ball. This can be used to hit the ball from a higher angle or to reach the ball that is further away.

It is important to practice different types of aerials in free play mode so that you can use them effectively in matches.

Dribbling

Dribbling is the ability to control the ball with your car. This can be useful for getting past defenders or for setting up shots.

To dribble, simply drive your car close to the ball and press the boost button. The ball should stick to the front of your car. You can then use your movement buttons to control the direction of the ball.

To keep the ball dribbling, you need to keep your car close to the ball and keep pressing the boost button. If you get too far away from the ball or if you stop pressing the boost button, the ball will roll away.

There are many different dribbling techniques that you can learn. Some of the most common dribbling techniques include:

• Basic dribble: This is the most basic type of dribble. To perform a basic dribble, simply drive your car close to the ball and press the boost button. Keep your car close to the ball and keep pressing the boost button to keep the ball dribbling.
• Flick: A flick is a technique that can be used to hit the ball with a lot of power while dribbling. To perform a flick, simply drive your car close to the ball and press the boost button. Then, quickly flick your movement stick in the direction that you want to hit the ball.
• Air dribble: An air dribble is a technique that allows you to dribble the ball while in the air. To perform an air dribble, simply jump and boost towards the ball. Hit the ball with the side of your car to get the most power. Then, use your boost and dodge buttons to control the direction of the ball while in the air.

It is important to practice different dribbling techniques in free play mode so that you can use them effectively in matches.

Go through the beginner training daily in Rocket League

The beginner training mode in Rocket League is a great way to learn the basics of the game. It covers everything from driving and jumping to shooting and aerials. Each training exercise is designed to teach you a specific skill, so it’s important to go through them all and practice regularly.

One of the best ways to use the beginner training mode is to set a goal for yourself each day. For example, you could try to beat your best time in the “Dribbling Challenge” or complete the “Aerial Training” without missing a single shot. By setting goals for yourself, you’ll stay motivated and see improvement faster.

Here are some additional tips for using the beginner training mode:

• Focus on one skill at a time. Don’t try to learn everything at once. Pick one skill that you want to improve and focus on that one skill until you’ve mastered it.
• Be patient. It takes time and practice to learn new skills. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually see improvement.
• Make it fun. The beginner training mode should be fun. If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’re less likely to stick with it. So find a way to make it fun for yourself, whether it’s by setting goals for yourself or by practicing with a friend.

Understand the long-term journey

Rocket League is a challenging game that takes time and practice to master. Don’t expect to become a Grand Champion overnight. It takes years of dedication and hard work to reach the highest levels of play.

But the long-term journey is what makes Rocket League so rewarding. As you improve your skills and climb the ranks, you’ll experience a sense of accomplishment that you won’t find in many other games.

Here are some tips for staying motivated on your long-term Rocket League journey:

• Set realistic goals. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals. Instead, set small, achievable goals for yourself, such as improving your rank by one level or learning a new mechanic.
• Celebrate your successes. It’s important to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. This will help you stay motivated and keep moving forward.
• Take breaks. It’s important to take breaks from Rocket League, especially if you’re feeling frustrated or burnt out. Come back to the game when you’re feeling refreshed and ready to play your best.

Understand the physics of Rocket League

One of the most important things to understand in Rocket League is the physics of the game. How does your car move? How does the ball bounce? Once you understand the physics, you can start to make better decisions and hit more accurate shots.

Here are some of the basic physics concepts that you need to understand in Rocket League:

• Momentum: Momentum is the tendency of an object to continue moving in the direction it is already moving. The heavier an object is, the more momentum it has. The faster an object is moving, the more momentum it has.
• Inertia: Inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its motion. The heavier an object is, the more inertia it has.
• Friction: Friction is the force that resists the motion of two surfaces against each other. The greater the friction, the more difficult it is for the surfaces to move against each other.

These are just a few of the basic physics concepts that you need to understand in Rocket League. There are many other concepts that you can learn, but these are a good start.

Here are some tips for using your understanding of physics to improve your gameplay:

• Use momentum to your advantage. When you’re hitting the ball, try to use your momentum to get more power. For example, if you’re driving towards the ball at a high speed, you’ll be able to hit it with more power than if you’re standing still.
• Use inertia to your advantage. When you’re trying to defend your goal, try to use your inertia to stay in position. For example, if you’re jumping towards the ball, try to keep your momentum going so that you can block the shot.
• Be aware of friction. Friction can affect your car’s movement and the ball’s bounce. For example, if you’re driving on the grass, your car will have more friction and will slow down more quickly. If you’re hitting the ball on the ground, it will have more friction and will bounce more slowly.

By understanding the physics of Rocket League, you can make better decisions and improve your gameplay.

Don’t always try to hit the ball

One of the most common mistakes new Rocket League players make is trying to hit the ball every time it’s in their reach. Often referred to as ballchasing, this is not always the best strategy.

Sometimes, the best thing to do is not hit the ball. If you’re out of position, or if you don’t have a good shot, it’s better to let your teammate hit it.

Here are some tips for knowing when not to hit the ball:

• Be aware of your positioning. If you’re out of position, it’s better to let your teammate hit the ball. You don’t want to get in their way or accidentally hit the ball in the wrong direction.
• Be aware of the other players on the field. If there are other players closer to the ball, or if they have a better shot, it’s better to let them hit it.
• Be patient. Don’t feel like you have to hit the ball every time it comes your way. There will be times when it’s better to wait for a better opportunity.

By learning when not to hit the ball, you’ll be able to make better decisions and improve your gameplay.

Flip to get a speed boost

Flipping your car can give you a short burst of speed. This can be useful for getting to the ball quickly or for defending your goal.

To flip your car, press the jump button and then press the dodge button in the direction you want to flip. You can also flip in the air by pressing the jump button and then pressing the dodge button in the direction you want to flip.

Here are some tips for using flips to your advantage:

• Use flips to get to the ball quickly. If you see a ball that you want to hit, you can use a flip to get to it more quickly.
• Use flips to defend your goal. If an opponent is shooting at your goal, you can use a flip to get into position to block the shot.
• Use flips to reposition yourself. If you’re out of position, you can use a flip to get back into a better position.

Flipping is a versatile mechanic that can be used in a variety of situations. By learning how to flip effectively, you’ll be able to improve your gameplay in a number of ways.

Don’t focus on your individual points in Rocket League

Rocket League is a team game. Focus on winning the match, not on scoring the most points.

If you’re focused on scoring the most points, you’re more likely to make mistakes. You might try to hit the ball even when you’re out of position, or you might take bad shots.

Instead, focus on winning the match. This means making good decisions and playing for the team. If you do that, you’ll naturally score points and help your team win.

Play a lot of casual

Casual mode is a great way to practice and improve without the pressure of ranked matches. In casual mode, you can experiment with different strategies and mechanics without worrying about your rank.

Here are some benefits of playing casual mode:

• It’s a low-stress environment. You don’t have to worry about your rank or your teammates getting upset if you make a mistake.
• It’s a great place to experiment. You can try out new strategies and mechanics without worrying about losing rank.
• It’s a good way to warm up before playing ranked matches. You can get used to the feel of the ball and your car before playing in more competitive matches.

Save your replays and go over key moments

Saving your replays is a great way to identify areas where you need to improve. You can watch your replays and pay attention to your mistakes. This will help you learn from your mistakes and avoid making them again in the future.

Here are some tips for using replays to improve your gameplay:

• Focus on one area at a time. Don’t try to focus on everything in your replays. Instead, focus on one area, such as your positioning, your shooting, or your aerials.
• Identify your mistakes. Once you’ve identified your mistakes, try to understand why you made them. Were you out of position? Did you hit the ball with the wrong part of your car? Once you understand why you made your mistakes, you can start to work on fixing them.
• Practice regularly. Once you’ve identified your mistakes, practice fixing them in free play mode. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at avoiding those mistakes in matches.

Pay attention to where your teammates are

Communication and teamwork are essential for success in Rocket League. Always be aware of where your teammates are and what they’re doing. This will help you make better decisions and avoid getting in their way.

Here are some tips for paying attention to your teammates:

• Use quick chat. Quick chat is a great way to communicate with your teammates without having to type. Use quick chat to let them know where you are and what you’re doing.
• Be vocal. If you see something important, or if you need help from your teammates, don’t be afraid to speak up. Communication is key to success in Rocket League.
• Play defensively. Often times, you will have one or more teammates looking to make a play on offense. Instead of double or triple committing, learning to play defense will prevent easy goals against your team.

1v1 matches in Rocket League

1v1 matches are a great way to improve your individual skills. They force you to focus on your own gameplay and to make quick decisions.

When playing in 1v1 matches, it is important to be aware of your opponent’s position at all times. You also need to be able to quickly switch between offense and defense.

Here are a few tips for playing in 1v1 matches:

• Stay aware of your opponent’s position at all times. This will help you to anticipate their moves and to defend against their attacks.
• Be able to quickly switch between offense and defense. This will help you to capitalize on your opponent’s mistakes and to prevent them from scoring on you.
• Don’t be afraid to try new things. 1v1 matches are a great place to practice new mechanics and strategies.

Being intentional about what you are working on

Don’t just play Rocket League aimlessly. Decide what you want to improve and focus on practicing that skill. For example, if you want to improve your aerials, spend some time practicing different types of aerials in free play mode.

It is also important to set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t expect to become a Grand Champion or Supersonic Legend overnight. Set smaller goals for yourself, such as improving your rank by one level or being able to hit a shot consistently in the air.

Here are a few tips for being intentional about what you are working on in Rocket League:

• Identify your weaknesses. What are the areas of your gameplay that need improvement? Once you have identified your weaknesses, you can start to focus on practicing those skills.
• Set realistic goals. Don’t expect to become a Grand Champion overnight. Set smaller, more achievable goals for yourself, such as improving your rank by one level or being able to hit a certain type of shot consistently.
• Track your progress. Keep track of your progress towards your goals. This will help you to stay motivated and to see how you are improving over time.
• Be patient. It takes time and practice to improve at Rocket League. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep practicing and you will eventually see improvement.

Improving your Rocket League Gameplay

Rocket League is a challenging but rewarding game. It takes time and practice to master, but it is a lot of fun along the way. If you are new to the game, or if you are looking to improve your skills, I hope this guide has been helpful.