Since Epic Games purchased the franchise late last year, Rocket League has hit multiple all-time highs for concurrent players. There are a ton of new and returning gamers this year, and the Rocket League community is probably the largest of any game released in 2015. Epic has changed the progression system and introduced a host of items for players to customize their cars with.
The only major complaint since Epic took over is the re-vamped ranking system, which makes it harder for gamers to reach the next division. Regardless of which division players are in, they will make 10 common frustrating mistakes at some point. The following guide will cover each of these unfortunate and often hilarious blunders.
10 The Backflip
One of the most common mistakes is the backflip. Even Champ level players backflip from time to time. Usually, this will happen when trying to speed boost to a ball in the air. More often than not, the mistake will spell trouble. It is always demoralizing to watch the goal replay and relive the embarrassing slip-up. Players can try to recover, but it is likely futile.
9 The Missed Boost
Every Rocket League player has missed a crucial boost. Gamers that do not already do so should always have ball cam on when zooming to one of the six boosts on the field.
After players miss the boost they have to make a quick decision. Either they can circle around the boost like an idiot and get it, or rotate back to net and wait for a clear. Regardless, missing a boost will put a team in a precarious position, especially in duos.
8 The Untimely Demo
Rocket League veterans know that a demo is coming when the opposing team is pushing upfield. However, knowing the opposing team's strategy and effectively countering it are two different things. When a demolitionist is supersonic, goalies will need to multi-task to avoid the demo and make the save. Sometimes, a demolition is just inevitable.
7 The Fake
Faking has two meanings in Rocket League. The first is a well-timed and calculated fake. The second is a facetious claim that a blatant miss was intentional. The term is used whenever a player misses a shot, challenge, or clear. It is often a good idea to say "faking" before attempting any difficult hit. That way expectations are low and teammates will be prepared to cover.
6 The Tilted Comeback
It is a tale as old as time. One team is up three goals and decides to talk a little trash by spamming "what a save!" or "Wow!." Consequently, the team that is down puts on their try-hard pants, sits up, and plays as fast as possible for the remainder of the match. Gamers do not want to be the one that entices an opposing team to come back for the win. If they do come back, just imagine how toxic the game chat will be.
5 The Failure To Launch
Rockets need fuel, and players need to make sure they have enough to hit the ball. This mistake will take gamers out of the play for ten seconds, while also making them look absolutely clueless. Expect an "Okay." or "Nice Shot" in the comments after floundering the hit. Pro-tip, stay down if you do not have 20 boost. It is better to stay down and get scored on than fly across the pitch.
4 The Traitor
The Traitor is the Jameis Winston of Rocket League. This person will be the highest scorer on both teams. Common characteristics of the traitor are not rotating, hitting every ball, and bumping a teammate in the net before a shot. No one is safe from becoming the best and worst teammate in a match. Good luck finding a match without one of these people solo queues. They will sabotage the team, deflect blame, and rage quit.
3 The Open Net
Gamers have experienced the feeling in every game they play. The net is open, and all they have to do is just put the ball in the back of the goal. Instead of taking the slow and secure roller, players will hit a banger, because why wouldn't they? Three post hits later and the regret will set in. It is true that an open net is often more difficult to score than a double tap off the wall. Taking the safe shot may be boring, but it prevents a two goal swing in the opposite direction.
2 The Post Magnet
Post magnets always find a way to get hung up in the net when they are needed most. Teammates will ask "where was scarab?", and the goal cam will reveal that scarab is upside down in the corner of the net driving away from the ball.
Rocket League: How To Progress To Diamond
The posts and transitions near the net are one of the most irritating hazards on the pitch and will make an easy save seem like a double flip reset. Good positioning will save gamers from the shame, but no one does that until Champ.
1 The Speed Racer
This person plays as fast as a Rocket League pro, but misses as many hits as a Bronze player. Everyone has been guilty of playing a little took quick and missing a shot or over-committing. The real sin speedsters make is picking up corner boosts with 80+ boost. Teammates need boost too. Playing too fast will result in a lot of errors, but thankfully it will minimize the time they can be seen in the replay.