Rocket League mixes soccer with driving. You steer a car, hit a big ball and try to score in the other team's goal. It is easy to understand and hard to master, which is why many people stay for years. This guide shows how to install it, what to play first and which habits help most.
Key takeaways
- The game is free to play on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch (checked on October 9, 2026).
- On PC you download it through the Epic Games Store and an Epic account.
- Start with Casual 3v3 and Training before you try Ranked.
- Season 24 added new default keyboard and mouse controls that help new players.
How to get the game
- Create a free Epic Games account.
- On PC, install the Epic Games Store app and add Rocket League to your library. On consoles, search for the game in your store.
- Start the game and finish the short intro. It sets your controls.
- Open Settings and check the camera and controls before your first match.
What to play first
The main playlists are 1v1, 2v2 and 3v3. Casual and ranked versions exist. Extra modes such as Snow Day (ice hockey), Hoops (basketball) and Rumble come and go. Casual matches do not change your rank, so they are the best place to learn.
| Mode | Good for |
|---|---|
| Training | Practicing shots, saves and car control alone |
| Casual 3v3 | Learning teamwork with no rank pressure |
| Casual 2v2 | More touches on the ball, fewer teammates to track |
| Extra modes | Fun variety once you know the basics |
Five habits that help
- Collect boost. Drive over boost pads. Do not waste boost when you are not near the ball.
- Do not all chase the ball. In 3v3, one player attacks, one supports and one stays back.
- Use ball cam at first so you always see the ball. Try free look later.
- Learn the jump. A single jump, a double jump and a flip are the base of every skill.
- Practice a little every day. Ten minutes of training beats one long session.
Next steps
Once you are comfortable, read about the new season in our Season 24 guide or watch the pros in our RLCS guide. You can also see who is live on the Rocket League hub.
