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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Rocket League (2018) is a sports action game where you drive futuristic cars to score goals with an oversized football. It's a game that sounds ridiculous but is actually a huge amount of fun to play and requires a lot of expertise. What's not obvious from the start is the level of control that can be achieved with the cars. Experts can use the cars' jet-powered mechanics to fly and flip and dribble the ball with great skill - so much so that there are professional leagues where players compete for big prizes in front of huge crowds.

For children, the e-sports-style competition of online play is a big draw, but they will also enjoy playing with other family members in the same room. Young players will spend time practising mechanics (ability to control the car on the ground and in the air), rotation (intelligent positioning in relation to a teammate and competitor cars), and kickoffs (racing to the ball at the start). They practice the mechanic side of the game using training packs to repeat hard manoeuvres.

To get started use the tutorial, free play modes and play with other family members. It will seem near impossible at first but with practice, you can start to develop better control of the car and the ball.

Our examiner, Rich Adams, first checked Rocket League 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Ellen Robertson and updated 3 weeks ago.
Too complex for your family? There are lots of games similar to Rocket League. Here are some easier younger-rated games:

Play StylePlay Style

This is an Action, Simulation and Sports game with Communication and Traversal elements. You can play with 1 to 4 players in the same room or as a 8-player online game. 4 on the same console, although more advanced players compete as the sole player on their own console against online opponents. You can play in online games with up to 3 players on each side.

Cross-Platform: You can play against people on different systems: Xbox One, Switch, PC and PS4.

 
You can play this game in the following styles:

DurationDuration

Play Time: It takes between 5 minutes and 10 minutes to play a round of this game. Matches last 5 minutes although there is overtime if the match is tied at full-time, which extends the time. To get good at the game and achieve the coveted Grand Champ status, you need to put in many hundreds of hours.

BenefitsBenefits

This game is good if you want to:

 
This game has helped players develop their Identity, Knowledge and Society as part of the following pathways:

This game has been the inspiration for the following activities:

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 3.
 
Users Interact: The game enables players to interact and communicate with each other, so may expose players to language usually associated with older rated games.

Skill Level

10+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it’s important for parents and guardians to ensure they understand in-game purchases and have spending limits set-up. Although younger players can enjoy mucking around with the cars and the ball, Rocket League only really comes to life as you get the level of skill to play competitively. It can then become an avid hobby and introduction to esports for teenagers.

Our Game Pathways reveal how 13 - 15 year-olds play this game:

Account Rating

  • You need be 18-years-old to to subscribe to Xbox Live Gold for online play, but can then configure family accounts for younger players to play online with Xbox One.
  • You need be 18-years-old to subscribe to Nintendo Online, but can then create accounts for children of any age to play online with Nintendo Switch.
  • You need be 18-years-old to subscribe to PlayStation Plus for online play, but can create sub-accounts for younger players of 7-years or older to play online with PlayStation 4.

CostsCosts

Rocket League

XBox Store Xbox One Free
PlayStation Store PS4 Free
Steam Store PC Free
Switch Store Switch Free
App Store Mac Free
This game is free to play, but there are other costs associated with this game:
  • In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
  • In-Game Pass: Purchase a season/battle pass to gain access to limited in-game purchases, reward items and other aspects of the game.
  • You need a subscription to play online:
    • You need to purchase a Nintendo Online subscription to play online with Nintendo Switch.
    • You need to purchase a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online with PlayStation 4.
    • You need to purchase a Xbox Live Gold subscription to play online with Xbox One.
 
Rocket League used to include "loot box" style items you paid to unlock, but this switched to Blueprint items that you can see before you purchase. You can purchase a premium Rocket Pass that unlocks content including new premium customizations, battle-cars and player banners. It also gives an XP Boosts to speed progression. 
 
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
 

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 28/08/2018

Price: Free

Out Now: Mac, PC, PS4, Switch and Xbox One

Skill Rating: 10+ year-olds

Players: 1-4 (8 online)

Genres: Action, Simulation, Sports (Communication and Traversal)

Accessibility: 31 features

Components: 3D Third-Person

Developer: Psyonix Studios (@PsyonixStudios)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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