Its been a big month for Rocket League. Both the progression update and Rocket Pass have launched within about a week of each other. Each update has added a host of new features to the game without any major mechanical changes. Many of these updates have been long awaited and well received by the community.
Progression
Leveling has been changed to be roughly an uncapped reflection of your play time. The previous level cap of 75 has been removed and players who have had a large investment of time in the game have been awarded a level to reflect it. Initially, long term players were only placed upwards of 120, but after feedback and consideration, Psyonix lifted the soft upgrade and gave what they felt was a more accurate portrayal.
It now takes 20000 experience to gain each level after level 20. Landmark levels, will reward the players with new avatar border frames and titles. Furthermore, experience is now only gained through online matches, whether ranked or unranked. To prevent boosting, private matches have been discluded and will no longer count towards progression.
Clubs
The eagerly awaited clubs feature allows small groups of up to 20 players to all play under one banner. Team names, club tags, and colors are all available for additional customization. Club matches, wherein two teams that are fully comprised of opposing members square off, now results in the stadium and team colors being changed to reflect each team’s preference. The verification aspect of this feature will ensure that official competing teams and names are officially recognized, preventing copycats, trolls, or posers.
Rocket Pass
Perhaps the most wished for aspect was Rocket Pass. Inspired from popular games such as Fortnite, Rocket Pass adds player rewards intrinsically tied to the leveling system. As you gain each level, you will also advance a tier within the Rocket Pass system. Each level will correspond with different rewards based on the type you are subscribed to, free or premium.
The free version of Rocket Pass has rewards every few levels and any player can earn these without buying into the premium version. In an interesting move, Psyonix has made the premium version purchasable via in game lock box keys rather than just money. This allows any player to earn the premium version through trading or by playing under the free version for a time as it also grants keys as rewards. Additionally, free and premium levels can be gained simultaneously if you have access to both.
The first premium Rocket Pass includes 70 rewards and ends in November. I found that it will typically take around 15+ matches to gain a level and consequently, a Rocket Pass tier as well. To accelerate your progress, you can donate more keys to gain tiers automatically. Since all rewards within the Rocket Pass system are cosmetic, participation in no way creates a pay to win atmosphere or gives a player an advantage of any kind, unless your title of “Ball Chaser” gives you special powers.
All aspects of car customization are available through Rocket Pass. So whether your looking for a new universal decal, an engine sound, or the sweetest wheels, the new Rocket Pass will have you covered. I feel this is a great addition to Rocket League and a great alternative to crates. It’s good to know that a certain level of dedication will provide reward rather than relying on RNGesus to save the day.
Extra additions also include live text filtering for you potty-mouths out there, club verifications for esports teams and other partners, streamlining of common and uncommon drops, and several bug fixes.
