I’ve been playing Rocket League for about two years now, and I still haven’t been able to put it down. In those two years, I’ve had several crews; I’ve destroyed people; and to be honest, I’ve also been destroyed (several times). I’ve worked hard, constantly practicing with the hopes and dreams of becoming a professional eSports champion. However, after many disheartening comments from fellow players such as “my teammate sucks,” or “Phil, you’re a Legend? lol”, I realize that I’m trash, and my eSport championship dreams may be a tad bit far-fetched.
Rocket League has an in-depth tutorial that teaches all of its core concepts. It even teaches advanced techniques that make every rookie feel comfortable and ready to play. The tutorial is actually quite fun and isn’t a chore to go through. Once you finish, you’re energized, pumped, and ready to go. Then, you hop online to play with your peers and realize (very quickly) you have no idea what the hell you’re doing. While you are in the midst of ultimate destruction, the opposing team gleefully fills the chat box saying things like…
The purpose of this article is to make you aware of the importance of three things that will help get you started. I didn’t learn the importance of these things until after I finished the tutorial (and also after taking many MANY L’S).
Face-offs
I feel as if people downplay the importance of Face-offs. On the surface, they seem like just another component of the game. It’s the first thing you have to do before the match even starts. But let me tell you, I have won and lost games directly because of face-offs. I have achieved amazing comebacks that wouldn’t have been possible if I had not taken them seriously. I’m not here to give you specific tips or to teach you techniques (Different players have techniques and styles that they are comfortable with. It’s all about hitting those angles).
I simply want you to take them seriously. They can and will shift the momentum of the game in your favor.
Practice Boost Management or You Will Lose
Listen, every seasoned Rocket League player knows that you should never, ever, ever be caught without boost…
When you attempt to hit the boost button and hear that dreaded clicking sound, it’s at that moment you know you’ve f***** up. No boost=No chance. You can’t fly without boost. You can’t properly defend the goal without boost. Basically, playing without boost is a major handicap. A handicap that your opponent will not hesitate to exploit. Although having boost at all times is important, picking the correct time to get boost is even more important. You need to be aware of how much boost you currently have and how much you need.
Rotations
This is thee absolute most important part of Rocket League that is not mentioned AT ALL in the tutorial. The only way to learn rotations is by diving in head first. You have to get your feet wet. There is no other way. You WILL NOT be successful in team based modes (2v2, 3v3, or 4v4) without knowing how to rotate. There are positions or places on the field every player on the team must have covered and/or be aware of. Unlike other professional sports, man-to-man defense isn’t really a thing in Rocket League. It is more position based plus a whole lot of situational awareness. Based on the location of the ball, the defending team can and will rotate positions on the field. This is the standard defensive/offensive strategy for most random competitive matches. Random meaning you have not joined a party and partnered up with other players. Instead, you are being placed with random people you have never played with before.
However, if you have your own team that you are familiar with, then you may play a more position favored style. In this play style, you have a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of your teammates. Maybe you are an excellent goalie, who prefers to stay back and protect the net while your teammates are offensive juggernauts who prefer to be on the attack. Play styles tend to vary depending on the familiarity you have with your teammates. If you are playing with random people though, it’s best to stick with the default rotations until you can communicate and learn your teammates play styles.
Well that’s my list. I hope it helps some of the newer players out there. I’ll see you out on the field.
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Some Guy In Space 