How Much Does It Cost to Own Rocket League?
In its current state, Rocket League is free to play. That’s right, zero dollars, nada, nothing! However, truly “owning” Rocket League involves more than just downloading the base game. While the core experience is free, there are costs associated with enhancing your experience, acquiring cosmetic items, and accessing certain platform features. Let’s dive into the real costs behind “owning” Rocket League in 2024.
The Base Game: Free, But…
The initial download and gameplay of Rocket League are completely free across all available platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. You get access to standard online modes, seasonal events, and a rotating selection of items available through gameplay.
The “but…” comes into play when you consider the optional extras.
Platform Specific Costs
While the game is free, certain platforms may require subscription fees to play online.
- PlayStation: You’ll need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play Rocket League online. Prices vary depending on the plan you choose.
- Xbox: Similarly, an Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription is needed for online play on Xbox consoles.
- Nintendo Switch: A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to play online on the Switch.
- PC: Online play on PC does not require any additional platform specific subscriptions.
Cosmetic Customization: Where the Money Goes
Rocket League’s primary monetization strategy revolves around cosmetic items. You can customize your car with:
- Bodies (Cars): While you start with a selection of free bodies, many more are available through the Item Shop or Blueprints.
- Decals: These change the paint job and design of your car.
- Wheels: A huge variety of wheels can drastically alter your car’s appearance.
- Boosts: The visual effect behind your car when boosting.
- Toppers: Small accessories that sit on top of your car.
- Antennas: Decorative items that attach to the back of your car.
- Goal Explosions: The visual effect that plays when you score a goal.
Item Shop
The Item Shop rotates items daily and features a selection of curated cosmetics. Items are purchased with Credits, Rocket League’s premium currency. The price of Credits varies depending on the amount you buy, but generally, it ranges from $5 for 500 Credits to $25 for 3000 Credits.
Keep an eye out for special bundles and limited-time offers, as they can sometimes offer better value.
Blueprints
Blueprints drop randomly after matches. They reveal a specific item that you can then build using Credits. The cost to build an item from a Blueprint varies depending on the item’s rarity.
Trading
While the option to trade items with other players was removed in December 2023, it was previously a significant part of the Rocket League economy. Players could buy, sell, and trade items using online platforms.
Rocket Pass
The Rocket Pass is a seasonal progression system that offers a track of unlockable items. There’s a free track with a few rewards, but the premium Rocket Pass (requiring Credits) offers significantly more items, including exclusive car bodies, wheels, and other cosmetics. The Rocket Pass usually costs around 1000 Credits.
DLC (Discontinued)
Historically, Rocket League had DLC packs that included licensed car bodies from franchises like Back to the Future, Batman, and Fast & Furious. However, these are no longer available for purchase as the game went free-to-play. If you owned them previously, you keep them, but new players cannot acquire them directly.
Hidden Costs: Time and Bandwidth
Beyond the monetary costs, consider the time investment. Rocket League can be incredibly addictive, and mastering the game requires significant practice. Also, while not a huge factor, the game does require a stable internet connection and consumes bandwidth during online matches.
Is It Worth It?
Whether the cost of “owning” Rocket League is worth it depends entirely on your personal preferences and budget. The core gameplay is fantastic and free. If you’re content with the basic cars and items, you can enjoy the game without spending a dime. However, if you’re a completionist or enjoy customizing your car with unique cosmetics, be prepared to spend some money.
Rocket League has been used to enhance and study learning environments. Visit Games Learning Society for more information. It’s a place to visit for those looking to learn more about how games and learning intersect. It can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Rocket League really free?
Yes, the base game is completely free to download and play. You can access all standard online modes and earn items through gameplay without spending any money.
2. Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to play Rocket League online?
Yes, on PlayStation consoles you need PlayStation Plus, and on Xbox consoles you need Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate to play Rocket League online. Nintendo Switch also requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. No subscription is needed for PC.
3. How much does the Rocket Pass cost?
The premium Rocket Pass usually costs around 1000 Credits.
4. How do I get Credits in Rocket League?
Credits can be purchased through the in-game store or sometimes earned through specific events or promotions.
5. What happened to trading in Rocket League?
Trading between players was removed from Rocket League in December 2023.
6. Can I still get DLC cars like the DeLorean?
No, previously available DLC cars are no longer available for purchase. If you owned them before the game went free-to-play, you keep them.
7. What are Blueprints in Rocket League?
Blueprints are items that drop after matches and reveal a specific item that you can build using Credits.
8. How often does the Item Shop change?
The Item Shop rotates its offerings daily.
9. Is Rocket League pay-to-win?
No, Rocket League is not pay-to-win. All items purchased with Credits are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay.
10. What’s the best way to get cheap cosmetics in Rocket League?
Focus on earning free items through gameplay, completing challenges, and participating in seasonal events. Keep an eye out for discounted bundles in the Item Shop.
11. How much storage space does Rocket League take up?
The storage space required for Rocket League varies by platform but generally ranges from 10-20 GB.
12. Can I play Rocket League offline?
You can play local matches against bots offline, but you’ll need an internet connection for online multiplayer.
13. Is Rocket League cross-platform?
Yes, Rocket League supports cross-platform play, allowing you to play with friends on different platforms.
14. How do I link my accounts across different platforms?
You can link your accounts through the Epic Games website to share progress and items across platforms.
15. What’s the minimum age to play Rocket League?
Rocket League is rated PEGI 3, making it suitable for all age groups. However, accessing online features and making purchases may require parental consent for younger players.