What is Rocket League?

What coaches, parents, and players need to know about Rocket League

Updated over a week ago

Table of Contents


What is Rocket League

Rocket League is a fantastical sport-based video game, developed by Psyonix. Many would say it’s like “soccer with cars". It features a competitive game mode based on teamwork and outmaneuvering opponents. Check out more in this video about Rocket League. Rocket League is rated E for Everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the objective?

Players work with their team to advance the ball down the field and score goals in their opponents’ net. Rocket League is a technical game which involves high-level dexterity and fast-paced gameplay. While one of the most welcoming elements of the game is its accessibility and familiarity with traditional sport (soccer), the best players are highly advanced and have fine-tuned their mechanics and team strategies.

How is Rocket League played?

Each team starts on opposite sides of the field, as either the Blue or Orange team. When the timer begins, players race to be the first to hit the ball with their car. Once the ball is in play, the clock winds down until a team scores by hitting the ball into the opposing team’s goal, at which point players return to their starting positions and repeat that process until time runs out. The team with the most goals at the end of regulation wins. If there is a tie, the teams play periods of overtime until a winner is determined.

Offense

Defense

Flying

What cars can I choose from?

What makes Rocket League different from Soccer are its competitors: rocket powered cars. Players choose their vehicle before each game and have various customization options. During the game, cars earn “boost” by driving over lit circles on the field, and can “fly” by combining boosting with jumping.

What's the Rocket League Championship Series?

Each year of Rocket League Esports culminates in the Rocket League Championship Series. The best teams from Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America compete for more than $1,000,000 in prizing and their shot at becoming World Champions. To reach that point, teams have to prove themselves over the course of qualifiers, tournaments, and Regular Seasons in their local regions.

Is Rocket League educational?

Rocket League requires a tremendous amount of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity from players to achieve and sustain success. Schools and players in high school have had a great experience with the game, and continue to experience its many benefits, such as:

  • Sense of Community

  • Character Development

  • Scholarship Opportunities

  • Embodies ISTE Standard

  • Increase Achievement

  • STEM Engagement

“With a background in developing school to career opportunities, I am a full supporter of esports at both the middle and high school levels. I see the value of esports through the lens of providing student agency, a link to STEM education and developing a school-to-career pipeline.” - Eric Dion, Principal at Ralph C. Mahar, MA

How to Download Rocket League

Rocket League requires the Epic Games Launcher download.

  1. Check your IT Specifications.

    • Before you begin, check to make sure your computer has enough storage to complete the installer. Rocket League requires about 7GB of space.

  2. Download and Install Epic Games Launcher.

  3. Download and Install Rocket League.


About PlayVS

PlayVS is building the infrastructure and platform for amateur esports, starting with high schools. We work directly with game publishers and states to build and operate sanctioned leagues across the country. Through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), PlayVS is empowering students to compete in esports on behalf of their high school, with the opportunity to win a championship, just like any other youth sport. Contact your local school’s principal or athletic director to get a program started and learn more at www.playvs.com. Questions? Email us at hello@playvs.com.

Helpful Resources


V3.0 - 12/6/21 // Reformatted to match FAQ style article & image added

V4.0 - 8/25/23 // Added how to download -AK

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