Rocket League News

As we’re a full month into the New Year, it's time for Rocket League’s first game update of 2024 and a look at some of what’s coming! Tomorrow’s game update adds a new anti-smurfing measure: a higher Competitive Minimum Level Requirement. The update also refreshes the Esports Shop for the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) 2024 Season. Read on for more details!
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[h2]NEW MINIMUM LEVEL FOR THE COMPETITIVE PLAYLIST
[/h2]We’ve seen a lot of community chatter lately around allowing players to bypass the minimum level required to play in the Competitive Playlist by partying up with other players. Smurfing is something that we know is frustrating, so we wanted to share a bit of the design philosophy behind that original decision and why we are making some changes in tomorrow’s update.

The Competitive Minimum Level Requirement was introduced when Rocket League became playable for free in 2020 and was meant to serve a couple of purposes. While we wanted to make it more difficult to smurf, one of the main goals was to make sure that new players were not blocked from playing with friends. The Casual experience back then was rife with early quitting and was considered by many as a less enjoyable experience.

We therefore made the decision to let players experience Rocket League in the best way possible at that time, with friends in the Competitive Playlist.

At that time we also started making changes to the Casual Playlist, with the goal of making it an equally enjoyable experience to Competitive play. We now feel we’ve reached that goal, and because of that, our thinking has changed around the need to allow players to bypass the Competitive Minimum Level Requirement.

In tomorrow’s update, the Competitive Minimum Level Requirement will be raised from Level 10 to Level 20, and now every player in a Party will need to be Level 20 or higher in order to queue for the Competitive Playlist. These changes are some of several gameplay improvements we are working on this year to minimize behavior that can lead to unfair matches.
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[h2]ESPORTS SHOP 2024
[/h2]
With the official RLCS broadcasts beginning last weekend and continuing this weekend on February 9 for Europe, there’s no better time to grab new team gear! The Esports Shop is adding ten new teams alongside 21 existing teams from last Season. Each team will have a new 2024 Octane Decal, 2024 Fennec Decal, 2024 Dominus Decal, and 2024 Player Banner in the Shop beginning tomorrow after the game update.

The new teams are:

[h3]ASIA-PACIFIC [/h3]

• Elevate

[h3]EUROPE[/h3]

• Gentle Mates

[h3]MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA[/h3]

• Rule One

[h3]NORTH AMERICA[/h3]

• M80
  
• OG
  
• Rebellion

[h3]OCEANIA[/h3]

• Pioneers

[h3]SOUTH AMERICA[/h3]

• KRÜ Esports
  
• Ninjas In Pyjamas

[h3]SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA [/h3]

• Limitless

--[h2]MORE TO COME IN 2024[/h2]
For this year, we’re planning the usual rhythm of new Seasonal content, as well as focusing on new features and tweaks to existing systems to improve gameplay. One example is a tweak to the Arcade Playlist rotation that we’ll share later this month! Stay tuned for details on this change and more throughout the year.
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Check out the full patch notes and refreshed Esports Shop after the game update goes live tomorrow, February 6 at 4 PM PST / February 7 at 12 AM UTC!

Why should graffiti be reserved for the road? In Sovereign Krew: Aftermarket, the Sovereign Krew brings street art from the road to the Arena. Bring a taste of the outside to your next match with street-ready Decals and Wheels!

Sovereign Krew: Aftermarket is live now ‘til January 25—pick up these new items in the Item Shop while Sovereign Krew’s running the show.

The “Krew Made” and “Krew Loyal” Decals—both animated in-game!

[h3]Aftermarket Decals and Wheels[/h3]
It doesn’t hurt to rep the krew that’s on top. With most of the new Decals, put the “SK” initials atop your car, surrounded by a street art-inspired design only SK’s capable of. The Krew Supreme Octane Decal features bold intertwined strokes while the SK Life Fennec Decal wraps your car in unapologetically stylized emblems.



You only have one chance to make a first impression, so make it count. The First Impression Breakout Decal is a canvas of different patterns—sure to make an impact. Don’t just break out with Breakout: the Sovereignteenth Dominus Decal is missing the “SK” initials… because it goes all out with the full “Sovereign Krew” moniker and a monster-like design.



Love the process of street art creation? The universal Krew Made Decal animates to show the making of classic Krew graffiti. Maybe you see potential in art beyond its completion—the universal Krew Loyal Decal waves like the surface of the sea. Keep keepin’ things in motion with the new Del Rey and X-Opps Wheels. 


[h3]Sovereign Krew: Aftermarket Mega Bundle (1800 Credits)[/h3]

• Krew Supreme Octane Decal
  SK Life Fennec Decal
  First Impression Breakout Decal
  Sovereignteenth Decal
  Krew Made Decal
  Krew Loyal Decal
  Del Rey Wheels
  X-Opps Wheels

[h3]Sovereign Krew: Aftermarket Mega Bundle + Saffron Fennec (2200 Credits)[/h3]

• Saffron Fennec Car Body
  Krew Supreme Octane Decal
  SK Life Fennec Decal
  First Impression Breakout Decal
  Sovereignteenth Decal
  Krew Made Decal
  Krew Loyal Decal
  Del Rey Wheels
  X-Opps Wheels

[h3]Sovereign Krew: Aftermarket Decal Bundle (1500 Credits)[/h3]

• Krew Supreme Octane Decal
  SK Life Fennec Decal
  First Impression Breakout Decal
  Sovereignteenth Decal
  Krew Made Decal
  Krew Loyal Decal

[h3]Sovereign Krew: Aftermarket Wheel Bundle (500 Credits)[/h3]

• Del Rey Wheels
  X-Opps Wheels

[h3]Individual Items[/h3]
Show your Krew loyalty with Cyclone or give your Octane the makings of a magnum opus. Along with Saffron Fennec, the universal Krew Loyal and Krew Made Decals will be available in the Item Shop individually:

• January 10 - 14: Saffron Fennec Car Body (700 Credits)
  
• January 18 - 22: Krew Loyal Decal (300 Credits)
  
• January 22 - 26: Krew Made Decal (300 Credits)

The Krew reigns supreme now more than ever. Sovereign Krew: Aftermarket runs until January 25. 

New year, new Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) Season, and we've got all the details you need to get up to speed.

Read on to learn more about the format, schedule, and how you can sign up to play against the best players in the world’s most prestigious Rocket League tournament for a global prize pool of over $4,300,000.

[h3]STREAMLINING THE FORMAT[/h3]
First up is the RLCS format, which is getting a new coat of paint for the 2024 RLCS Season. We’re increasing open competition, focusing on long-term sustainability, and widening prizing for more players than ever before.

The 2024 RLCS Season will have three in-person tournaments.

• RLCS Major 1
  
• RLCS Major 2
  
• Rocket League World Championship
  

To qualify for each RLCS Major, there will be three online Open Qualifier tournaments in each region, for a total of six online Open Qualifiers in 2024. Each online Open Qualifier will now use a standardized format across the year. This change aims to provide clarity for both new and seasoned fans:

1. Open Double Elimination bracket to determine the top 16 teams in each region.
   
2. 16-team Swiss System to determine the top 8 teams in each region.
   
3. 8-team Single Elimination bracket to determine standings in each region.

RLCS Points will be awarded to the top teams at the end of each Open Qualifier. After each Major’s 3rd Open Qualifier, the top teams in each region determined by their regional RLCS Points standings will qualify and compete internationally in the next in-person Major:

[h3]MAJOR QUALIFIED TEAMS[/h3]

• North America (NA): Top four (4) teams
  
• Europe (EU): Top four (4) teams
  
• Middle East & North Africa (MENA): Top two (2) teams
  
• Oceania (OCE): Top two (2) teams
  
• South America (SAM): Top two (2) teams
  
• Asia-Pacific (APAC): Top (1) team
  
• Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Top (1) team
  

Each RLCS Major will use the same standardized format as the Open Qualifiers, but with international stakes and extra RLCS Points to secure on the path to the Rocket League World Championship:

1. 16-team Swiss system to determine the top 8 teams.
   
2. 8-team Single Elimination bracket to crown a RLCS Major Champion.
   

After RLCS Major 2 ends, the top teams who earned the most cumulative RLCS points for the entire 2024 season in each region will be invited to the Rocket League World Championship to compete for the ultimate title - Rocket League World Champions:

[h3]WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIED TEAMS[/h3]

• North America (NA): Top four (4) teams
  
• Europe (EU): Top four (4) teams
  
• Middle East & North Africa (MENA): Top two (2) teams
  
• Oceania (OCE): Top two (2) teams
  
• South America (SAM): Top two (2) teams
  
• Asia-Pacific (APAC): Top (1) team
  
• Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Top (1) team

In addition,

• Prizing distribution has widened significantly in all regions.
  
  • Each Open Qualifier will now award the top 128 teams cash prizes in both North America and Europe!
    
  • Each Open Qualifier will now award the top 64 teams cash prizes in South America, Oceania, and MENA!
    
  • Each Open Qualifier will now award the top 32 teams cash prizes in APAC and SSA!
• The minimum age to compete in the 2024 RLCS is now 13 years old to further open the league for more players to compete in and win cash prizes.
  
  • Parent or Guardian permission will continue to be required for all minors to compete.
  • Each Minor that participates in any in-person event will require a Parent or Guardian to attend.
    
  • Coaches and Managers must be at least 18 years old.
• The Esports Shop will also refresh early in the season with 30+ teams debuting new custom decals and player banners
  

For more information on 2024 RLCS Season specifics, please refer to the Official Rules, which will be released soon and will be found here.

[h3]NEW SCHEDULE & SIGN-UPS[/h3]
You can start signing up for events in your region on January 17th! Head over to the RLCS 2024 Season page then to get you and your team signed up and ready to compete!

Please keep in mind that Roster Lock for the first Regional event of the Season is January 22nd. Make sure you get signed up before then!

Along with a new format comes a new schedule*. You can find a detailed schedule, as well as a broad overview of 2024 below:



[h3]RLCS MAJOR 1[/h3]

• Open Qualifier #1 - Double Elimination Stage: January 26 - 28
  
• Open Qualifier #1 - Swiss Stage: February 2
  
• Open Qualifier #1 - Single Elimination Stage: February 3 - 4
  
• Open Qualifier #2 - Double Elimination Stage: February 9 - 11
  
• Open Qualifier #2 - Swiss Stage: February 16
  
• Open Qualifier #2 - Single Elimination Stage: February 17 - 18
  
• Open Qualifier #3 - Double Elimination Stage: February 23 - 25
  
• Open Qualifier #3 - Swiss Stage: March 1
  
• Open Qualifier #3 - Single Elimination Stage: March 2 - 3
  
• RLCS Major 1: March (to be announced)
  

[h3]TRANSFER WINDOW[/h3]

• April 1 - 14
  

[h3]RLCS MAJOR 2[/h3]

• Open Qualifier #4 - Double Elimination Stage: April 19 - 21
  
• Open Qualifier #4 - Swiss Stage: April 26
  
• Open Qualifier #4 - Single Elimination Stage: April 27 - 28
  
• Open Qualifier #5 - Double Elimination Stage: May 3 - 5
  
• Open Qualifier #5 - Swiss Stage: May 10
  
• Open Qualifier #5 - Single Elimination Stage: May 11 - 12
  
• Open Qualifier #6 - Double Elimination Stage: May 17 - 19
  
• Open Qualifier #6 - Swiss Stage: May 24
  
• Open Qualifier #6 - Single Elimination Stage: May 25 - 26
  
• RLCS Major 2: June (to be announced)
  

[h3]ROCKET LEAGUE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP[/h3]

• September (To be announced)
  

*All dates are subject to change, and if any changes occur there will be an announcement from the official Rocket League Esports social handles and in the RLCS Discord server.

As always, catch all the English broadcasts on Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and in Fortnite's Legends Landing island. Regional broadcast schedules and watch locations are to be announced.

[h3]GL & HF![/h3]
We're just getting started with the 2024 RLCS Season. We'll have additional information, broadcast schedules, news, content, and more as the Season gets underway. Keep it locked to Rocket League Esports on Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date. We'll see you out there on the RLCS pitch!

The most wonderful time of the year in Rocket League is back! Frosty Fest is officially underway and running now ‘til January 3.

This year, we’re spreading the festive cheer with Challenges, wintry rewards (with some Golden Gifts thrown in!), and returning Limited Time Modes. It is the season of giving after all!

[h3]BREAKIN’ THE ICE: FROSTY FEST CHALLENGES AND REWARDS[/h3]
If the season weren’t chilly enough, make it even colder with frosty accessories. Available until the end of the event, tackle 12 Frosty Fest Challenges to earn new Toppers, Antennas, a Decal, and more! Every Challenge has a reward for completion.



Is curling your favorite sport (besides Soccar)? Roll around the Arena with the Curling Stone Wheels. If you like keeping a spare, don’t leave the Curling Stone Topper behind!

Speaking of Toppers, use the Oh No Snowman Topper to fulfill a snowman’s melting wish of riding on top of a car. While the snowman sits atop, make it feel at home with the Mountaintop Octane Decal.

For completing one of the more difficult Challenges (Play 20 Online Matches), you’ll unlock a Golden Gift that pulls from the Impact, Secret Santa, and Accelerator Series. You can complete this Challenge up to five times, which means you can earn up to five Golden Gifts! 🎁

[h3]HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: RETURNING LTMS[/h3]
A special time of year means special ways to play—the Winter Breakaway and Speed Demon Limited Time Modes (LTMs) are back for Frosty Fest.

[h3]WINTER BREAKAWAY (DECEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 20)[/h3]


The Soccar ball gets subbed for a Hockey Puck in the Winter Breakaway LTM! Stay frosty while you throw down 3v3 on a snowy Throwback Stadium.

[h3]SPEED DEMON (DECEMBER 20 - DECEMBER 27)
[/h3]
Too cool to chill? The Speed Demon LTM is a lightning-quick variant of Boomer Ball with unlimited boost at double the power. With that in mind, expect plenty of collateral damage—but don’t worry about getting taken out too much. You’ll be back behind the wheel in no time with 1-second respawns!

There’s plenty in 2023’s Frosty Fest to keep you busy, so don’t get left out in the cold! Frosty Fest is back now until January 3.

A new game experience is coming to Fortnite, this time featuring some of that high octane football you know and love from Rocket League. You can jump in and play Rocket Racing inside Fortnite starting tomorrow, December 9 2023.

The trailer itself - shown off at The Game Awards - is a cinematic one. So we don't know exacly how it'll play. But, judging from the LEGO Fortnite release we all jumped into today, it'll probably be quite distinct from the base game. Thankfully, we won't have to wait long to play it.

It all looks like Tim Sweeny's metaverse push is seriously in-action. This was first put out there in 2022 when Sony invested heavily in the idea, and recently they doubled down on that recently too. It's a real shame that at the same time, folks from the Epic Games suffered from layoffs earlier this year.

Read more