Rocket League Update Today Adds Rumble Mode, Micro-Transactions, Player-to-Player Trading

With the Rocket League update today, developer Psyonix is adding the chaotic Rumble mode, micro-transactions in the form of the Crates and Keys system, player-to-player trading, three new arenas, and much more. The update (should be 1.22) is expected to release in the late afternoon (PT), likely around 3pm PT/6pm ET.

Going in-depth on today’s patch, the free Rumble mode will be available in Online Playlists, as well as Private and Exhibition matches, and it gives you access to these 11 randomized power-ups:

• The Boot (Kicks an opponent’s car)
• Disruptor (Forces the opponent to drive uncontrollably)
• Freezer (Freezes the ball in-place)
• Grappling Hook (Pulls you toward the ball)
• Haymaker (Punches the ball)
• Magnetizer (Attracts the ball to your car)
• Plunger (Snaps the ball to your position)
• Power Hitter (Hit everything harder)
• Spike (Attach the ball to your car when you bump into it)
• Swapper (Change positions on the field with your opponent)
• Tornado (Sweep up the ball and cars into a giant funnel cloud)

As for the Crates and Keys system, keys will be available individually for $1.49 USD – or in bundles of 5 for $5, 10 for $10, or 20 for $20. Helping to fund upcoming eSports events and prize pools, Psyonix says, “With this new optional system, random Crates will occasionally drop in Competitive matches and players can then purchase Keys to access their contents. These random, but exclusive Crate items can then be kept or traded with other players (another new feature in the update!) and include everything from “Import” Battle-Cars and unique animated Decals, to Exotic Wheels and other cool Garage accessories.”

You can view the possible contents of a crate prior to opening it, and if you don’t want to see the Crates and Keys system, it can be turned off with a prompt the first time a Crate is dropped in-game or at any time in the Options menu. “Should you decide to opt out, you will still receive random Crates when they occur, but you will not be notified, nor will they be displayed in your inventory unless you choose to turn the system back on,” they add.

Here’s some of the other features you can expect with today’s update:

Player-to-Player Trading

• To trade with players on your platform, form a party with a friend, hit “Invite to Trade,” and swap away! Common and Premium DLC items cannot be traded, while Crate items and Keys can be traded seven days after purchase (NOTE: Key trading is only available for PS4 and Steam PC players).

Enhanced Team Customization

• Players can now customize their car per team with new “Equip to Blue” and “Equip to Orange” options. An expanded primary color palette gives players more options for car colors, including additional shades for the Orange Team and Green shades for the Blue Team!

Battle-Cat Presets

• Create up to ten Car Presets and save your favorite configurations for easy access. Car Presets can be named and quickly swapped between in the Garage, and you can try the “Randomize Preset” button to try out new builds!

Team Names and Colors in Private Match

• Specify Team Names for both teams in Private Matches, and watch as the names appear on the scoreboard! Team Colors are customizable too, and Arena colors will change depending on your team color choice.

Party Chat

• One of the most popular community requests we’ve seen is the addition of a Party Chat option and with the Rumble update, you’ll finally get one. This new feature will be accessible both in-game and while navigating the menus, with all sent messages being delivered to party members whether they’re in a match or not.

New Arenas

• The VR-themed “Octagon” is a new eight-sided Rocket Labs stadium available in Exhibition play. Two classic arenas are also receiving new variants, with ”Urban Central (Dawn)” and “DFH Stadium (Stormy)” coming to Exhibition and Private matches, plus all Ranked Playlists.

You can learn more about the Crates and Keys system over here.

[Source: Rocket League (1), (2), (3)]