Seven years after its release, Rocket League is still one of the most popular online multiplayer games out right now. With great gameplay along with a thriving Esports scene, it is still attracting new players to this day.
However, despite its vast popularity within the online gaming scene, the title can be difficult for newcomers to pick up and learn. Among the most difficult features of the game is the 2v2 game mode, which is widely played by the community and is competitively viable. For newcomers, this game mode can be understandably challenging as players are expected to be self-sufficient and to make quick judgment calls that can quickly change the direction of the gameplay. Therefore, players who want to succeed at 2v2s should check out this guide on beginner tips for the game mode.
7 Remember To Communicate
As 2v2s in Rocket League only consist of teams of two people, communicating with each other during the game is an absolute necessity. Without communication, it can be very hard for players to read exactly what their teammate is doing, which can lead to all kinds of problems from missed shots to nets being left wide open.
It's also important to note that communication doesn't mean that players should plug in a microphone and get chummy with every player that they meet. If they are not comfortable doing this, then players can just rely on the quick chat functions as these can be incredibly useful for simply guiding the flow of the game. Furthermore, communicating with teammates can also be a great way to build rapport within the team, which will prevent teammates from leaving or becoming toxic during the game.
6 Play With A Friend
When it comes to learning any online game, it is far easier and more enjoyable for gamers to play with someone that they know rather than with a lobby full of strangers. Luckily, for Rocket League 2v2s, this approach can be very helpful for learning the game mode.
The reason for this is that when playing with someone that they know, players will often learn from their partner's play style, which will help them to learn rotation patterns and how to play off them for the best outcomes. Although these patterns will change when their teammate leaves, the mindset of how to rotate will stay with the player, which they will easily be able to bring into the next game. It's also worth mentioning that if players find a partner that they are comfortable with, then they can check the "party up" button at the end of the game.
5 Learn To Aerial
Aerialing is considered by many to be one of the most important high-level tactics in Rocket League, and this is especially true in the 2v2 mode. The reason for this is that there can be a lot of space left between the ball which can be closed with an efficient aerial.
Players who are not one hundred percent confident in their ability to aerial should try the training game modes as these have levels that are dedicated solely to the pursuit of learning the maneuver. After learning this, players should still not expect themselves to be perfect, as even high-level players can struggle with pulling off this advanced mechanic at times. The good news, however, is that players can climb high in the ranking system without ever learning this skill, so there's no reason for them to feel deterred from entering their next 2v2 game.
4 Don't Hog The Boost
As Rocket League is a team game, it is incredibly important for players to be aware of their teammate's needs and to prioritize them over their own sometimes. A prime example of this is sharing the boost pads.
If players don't do this then they are likely to starve their teammates of boost. Doing this will leave their teammate helpless during the match, leaving it largely one-sided. To avoid this, players should try taking the smaller boost pads that are dotted around the arena sometimes, as doing this will ensure that there is enough boost for either player to utilize during the match.
3 Warm-up
It goes without saying that warming up before heading straight into a competitive match in any video game is a good idea. This is because it gives players a chance to familiarize themselves with the game's mechanics, and also gives them some time to get a feel for the game if they haven't played in a while.
Luckily, In Rocket League there is a training mode where players can knock the ball freely around an open pitch. This can be helpful for remembering how to dribble or for practicing aerials that players may wish to try later in a game. Either way, sacrificing five minutes before a match to get comfortable with the game can be a great idea, and will definitely prove useful in increasing a player's standing in the ranking system.
2 Learn To Dribble
Dribbling is arguably the most important skill in Rocket League, regardless of the game mode. However, in 2v2's it is especially important as players can have a lot of time alone with the ball without being challenged by an opponent.
With dribbling skills, players can get past a defense, fake shots, and even pass to their teammates in unpredictable ways which can result in a glamorous goal. Similarly, if a player is capable of dribbling, then they should try to spend some time on the ball before shooting straight at the goal. In 2v2s this can work well as opposing teams usually follow tight rotation patterns which can result in an easy save from a shot.
1 Keep An Eye On The Ball
Just like in the 1v1 mode, it is similarly important for players to watch the ball in 2v2s. The reason for this is that the direction of play can change quickly, leading to fast counter-attacks that can catch defenders off guard.
A great way for players to watch out for this is to turn on ball cam for the majority of the game. Doing this will ensure that they are not caught off guard during their rotations so that they can get back to their goal quickly enough to make a last-minute save if necessary. In saying this, however, it is sometimes a good idea to leave this setting off during kickoff or when dribbling toward the opponent's goal. However, other than in these scenarios, it is always suggested to leave it on for most other circumstances during the game.
Rocket League is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.