Trading Non-Crate Items in Rocket League: A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you could trade in non-crate items in Rocket League, but with a HUGE caveat: Player-to-Player Trading was removed from Rocket League on December 5, 2023. Before this date, trading in non-crate items was a core part of the game’s economy and progression system. Post-game drops, NCVRs (Non-Crate Very Rares), and other such items could be exchanged with other players or traded up within the game’s trade-in system for rarer items. However, this is no longer the case. Now, everything is aligned with Epic’s policy where items aren’t tradable, transferrable, or sellable.
The Legacy of Non-Crate Item Trading
Before the end of trading, the non-crate system provided a pathway to acquire sought-after items without relying on crates or blueprints. It was particularly significant for players who didn’t want to spend real money but still desired to customize their cars. Non-crate items were earned simply by playing the game, and their value was determined by their rarity and desirability.
The Trade-In System
The trade-in system allowed players to exchange five items of a certain rarity for one item of the next higher rarity. For example, five Non-Crate Commons could be traded up for one Non-Crate Uncommon. Five Non-Crate Very Rares (NCVRs) could be traded up for a Non-Crate Import, which held the potential for valuable car bodies like the Octane or Fennec. This created a cyclical economy where even the most basic items had value.
The End of Trading: Why and What It Means
Epic Games’ decision to remove player-to-player trading was met with significant controversy within the Rocket League community. The rationale behind this decision, as stated by Epic, was to align Rocket League with their broader approach to in-game cosmetics. This aligns with titles like Fortnite. While the end of trading had negative consequences, it also pushes players to play more to earn items.
Alternatives to Trading
While player-to-player trading is gone, there are still ways to acquire items in Rocket League. These include:
- Item Shop: The Item Shop rotates regularly, offering a selection of cosmetics for direct purchase using Credits.
- Rocket Pass: The Rocket Pass offers a tiered reward system where players can unlock items by completing challenges and leveling up. A Premium Rocket Pass unlocks even more rewards.
- Tournaments: Participating in tournaments and earning Tournament Credits allows you to purchase items from the Tournament Store.
- Drops: You can still obtain items through the free drop system in the game after matches.
- Challenges: You can complete weekly and seasonal challenges for rewards.
Trading Restrictions Before Its Removal
Prior to the removal of trading, several restrictions were in place to combat fraud and abuse. These restrictions limited who could trade and how much they could trade:
- Level Restrictions: Players below Level 30 could not trade.
- Trade Limits: Higher-level players had daily trade limits and credit trade limits that increased with their level.
- Credit Purchase Requirement: Players needed to have purchased at least 500 Credits to be eligible to trade.
These restrictions were in place to safeguard the game’s economy and prevent fraudulent activities. It would be interesting to see how game economies are managed, as discussed by the Games Learning Society, as these restrictions shaped how the game was played.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an NCVR in Rocket League?
An NCVR stands for Non-Crate Very Rare. These are items that are earned as drops after matches and are of Very Rare rarity. They were highly sought after because they could be traded up to Non-Crate Imports, which had a chance of being valuable car bodies. NCVRs are useless since the ability to trade was removed.
2. What are Non-Crate Items?
These are items you could receive post-match or through leveling up before the Free to Play update. They aren’t obtained from crates, blueprints, or the item shop.
3. Can I still trade up my Non-Crate Items?
Yes, you can still trade up Non-Crate items to a higher rarity within the game’s trade-in system, but you can no longer trade them with other players.
4. Why did Rocket League remove trading?
Epic Games stated that the decision to remove player-to-player trading was to align Rocket League with their overall approach to in-game cosmetics, where items aren’t tradable, transferable, or sellable.
5. Is it illegal to sell Rocket League items for real money?
Yes, selling in-game items for real-world money is against the End User License Agreement (EULA) and Terms of Service (TOS) of Rocket League.
6. Can I get banned for trading Rocket League items?
While you can no longer trade, prior to the trading ban, engaging in unauthorized real-money transactions could result in a ban. Now, it is more likely that you’ll get banned for toxic in-game behavior or cheating.
7. What happens to my inventory after the trading ban?
Your inventory remains unaffected by the trading ban. All items you own will still be available for use in the game.
8. How do I get a Fennec now that trading is gone?
The Fennec can occasionally appear in the Item Shop or be obtained through Blueprints. You might also get lucky with drops.
9. What are Tournament Credits and how do I earn them?
Tournament Credits are a currency earned by participating in in-game tournaments. You can use these credits in the Tournament Store to purchase exclusive items.
10. What is the Rocket Pass and how does it work?
The Rocket Pass is a seasonal progression system that offers a variety of rewards as you level up. Purchasing the Premium Rocket Pass unlocks even more exclusive items.
11. How much do Credits cost in Rocket League?
The cost of Credits varies depending on the bundle purchased. For example, 500 Credits may cost around $4.99, while 1100 Credits may cost around $9.99.
12. What is smurfing and is it bannable in Rocket League?
Smurfing is when a high-ranked player creates a new account to play against lower-ranked players. It is considered a form of cheating and is a bannable offense in Rocket League.
13. Are mods allowed in Rocket League?
Rocket League does not officially support the use of third-party software. However, using mods is generally allowed if they comply with the Terms of Use (ToU) and End User License Agreement (EULA).
14. What is a Black Market item?
Black Market items are the rarest and most desirable items in Rocket League. They often feature animated decals or goal explosions and are highly sought after by players.
15. What is a Non-Crate Import offer?
Before the trading ban, a Non-Crate Import offer referred to trading NCVRs for Import items. If you earned an item by playing the game, it was considered a non-crate item.
Conclusion
While the removal of player-to-player trading has fundamentally changed the Rocket League experience, the game still offers various ways to acquire and customize your vehicles. From the Item Shop to the Rocket Pass, players can still express their individuality on the field. Exploring the intersection of games, learning, and economies can be further explored at GamesLearningSociety.org, as concepts like virtual economies and trading restrictions continue to evolve in modern gaming.