Changes are coming to Rocket League Arenas later this year with our Autumn Update. With the arrival of Competitive Season 6 comes a new norm -- as only Standard Arenas will be playable in online matches for both Competitive and Casual matches.

More specifically, standard versions of both Wasteland and Starbase ARC will roll out with this change, while the classic, non-standard versions of these maps (now called ‘Badlands’ and ‘ARCtagon,’ respectively), will remain available for Private Matches and offline matches only. The Octagon and Underpass Lab Arenas will return to the Rocket Labs playlist as well.

Why are we changing our stance? Because in the time since Wasteland Arena first launched in late 2015, non-standard map layouts have been a hot topic of debate within the Rocket League community. We have carefully listened to your feedback over that extended period of time, and though we didn't arrive to this decision lightly, we believe it's the right one to make. Here's a quick rundown of several important factors that moved us in this direction:

• We see Rocket League as a digital sport. As such, we think standardization is important and necessary to provide a level playing field and foster consistent competition across all skill levels and events.
• We introduced non-standard arenas partly to provide variety for pro play, but they have not been embraced. Given the success of RLCS and Rocket League Esports in general, we no longer feel that map variety is needed or appropriate for the competitive scene.
• Rocket Labs showed us that only a narrow set of arena designs would be well-received by the Rocket League community. Even the designs that more closely resembled conventional Arenas (like Octagon and Starbase) have been extremely divisive. Ultimately, the alternate layouts we devised simply didn’t add enough strategically to offset the corresponding loss in predictability and muscle memory.

After thorough discussion of the above points, your feedback, and analysis of the data gathered from our Map Preferences system, we decided to focus on Standard Arenas going forward. We aren’t willing to force the adoption of non-Standard Arenas in professional competition, and we want a consistent set of rules and interactions for our entire community -- from 'Bronze I' rookies all the way up to those playing in the RLCS World Championship.

While we still value the variety that non-Standard Arenas brought to the map rotation, we no longer think the benefits outweighs the downsides they bring. We apologize to those who will be disappointed with this change but, ultimately, we have to act in what we think are the best interests of the game and the community at large. More than two years and 35 million players later, THANK YOU for continuing to play and support Rocket League. Your continued feedback is more important now than ever before.

Changes are coming to Rocket League Arenas later this year with our Autumn Update. With the arrival of Competitive Season 6 comes a new norm -- as only Standard Arenas will be playable in online matches for both Competitive and Casual matches.

More specifically, standard versions of both Wasteland and Starbase ARC will roll out with this change, while the classic, non-standard versions of these maps (now called ‘Badlands’ and ‘ARCtagon,’ respectively), will remain available for Private Matches and offline matches only. The Octagon and Underpass Lab Arenas will return to the Rocket Labs playlist as well.

Why are we changing our stance? Because in the time since Wasteland Arena first launched in late 2015, non-standard map layouts have been a hot topic of debate within the Rocket League community. We have carefully listened to your feedback over that extended period of time, and though we didn't arrive to this decision lightly, we believe it's the right one to make. Here's a quick rundown of several important factors that moved us in this direction:

• We see Rocket League as a digital sport. As such, we think standardization is important and necessary to provide a level playing field and foster consistent competition across all skill levels and events.
• We introduced non-standard arenas partly to provide variety for pro play, but they have not been embraced. Given the success of RLCS and Rocket League Esports in general, we no longer feel that map variety is needed or appropriate for the competitive scene.
• Rocket Labs showed us that only a narrow set of arena designs would be well-received by the Rocket League community. Even the designs that more closely resembled conventional Arenas (like Octagon and Starbase) have been extremely divisive. Ultimately, the alternate layouts we devised simply didn’t add enough strategically to offset the corresponding loss in predictability and muscle memory.

After thorough discussion of the above points, your feedback, and analysis of the data gathered from our Map Preferences system, we decided to focus on Standard Arenas going forward. We aren’t willing to force the adoption of non-Standard Arenas in professional competition, and we want a consistent set of rules and interactions for our entire community -- from 'Bronze I' rookies all the way up to those playing in the RLCS World Championship.

While we still value the variety that non-Standard Arenas brought to the map rotation, we no longer think the benefits outweighs the downsides they bring. We apologize to those who will be disappointed with this change but, ultimately, we have to act in what we think are the best interests of the game and the community at large. More than two years and 35 million players later, THANK YOU for continuing to play and support Rocket League. Your continued feedback is more important now than ever before.

We're always adding new features and tech to Rocket League, and our next update this Autumn will use that philosophy to incorporate one of the most requested community features of all time: Transparent Goalposts -- which will drastically change how you see the ball in certain positions on the pitch.

Transparent Goalposts will add transparency to the goals, goalposts, and specific pieces of the Arena wall. More specifically, you will soon be able to see through parts of the Arena that were previously solid structures (depending on your position and camera view). When defending in-goal, for example, the posts and walls around you will become transparent for better vision. The same goes for players who hug Arena walls on offense or defense, because the quarterpipe will be see-through as well!

Whether or not the walls and posts are transparent or opaque depends entirely on your position; so, while someone sitting inside the goal will be able to see through the walls as previously mentioned, players out on the field who might be in the corner near a boost sphere will still see the goal just as they do now -- as a solid object.

We had three goals in mind as we developed Transparent Goalposts. First, we wanted to provide consistent visibility in and around the goal areas for players across all Arenas. Second, we wanted Transparent Goalposts to have a positive effect on each Arena's artwork. In other words, Transparent Goalposts will narrow the visual space needed between the pitch and content outside the walls (crowds, statues, etc), allowing for better looks. Third and finally, we wanted to make it an option you can toggle on or off - although the community’s been asking for this feature for quite some time, we respect the fact that some may prefer things the way they’re accustomed to. It's your choice! Feel free to make it in the Options screen.

Expect to see (or not see, in this case) Transparent Goalposts in every standard Arena when we roll out our Autumn Update. As a compliment to this new feature, we will also be doing another performance pass in those same Arenas so that you can make the most of your new-found visual freedom.

Stay tuned for more information on our next update!

We're always adding new features and tech to Rocket League, and our next update this Autumn will use that philosophy to incorporate one of the most requested community features of all time: Transparent Goalposts -- which will drastically change how you see the ball in certain positions on the pitch.

Transparent Goalposts will add transparency to the goals, goalposts, and specific pieces of the Arena wall. More specifically, you will soon be able to see through parts of the Arena that were previously solid structures (depending on your position and camera view). When defending in-goal, for example, the posts and walls around you will become transparent for better vision. The same goes for players who hug Arena walls on offense or defense, because the quarterpipe will be see-through as well!

Whether or not the walls and posts are transparent or opaque depends entirely on your position; so, while someone sitting inside the goal will be able to see through the walls as previously mentioned, players out on the field who might be in the corner near a boost sphere will still see the goal just as they do now -- as a solid object.

We had three goals in mind as we developed Transparent Goalposts. First, we wanted to provide consistent visibility in and around the goal areas for players across all Arenas. Second, we wanted Transparent Goalposts to have a positive effect on each Arena's artwork. In other words, Transparent Goalposts will narrow the visual space needed between the pitch and content outside the walls (crowds, statues, etc), allowing for better looks. Third and finally, we wanted to make it an option you can toggle on or off - although the community’s been asking for this feature for quite some time, we respect the fact that some may prefer things the way they’re accustomed to. It's your choice! Feel free to make it in the Options screen.

Expect to see (or not see, in this case) Transparent Goalposts in every standard Arena when we roll out our Autumn Update. As a compliment to this new feature, we will also be doing another performance pass in those same Arenas so that you can make the most of your new-found visual freedom.

Stay tuned for more information on our next update!

Following the conclusion of the Collegiate Rocket League - Summer Series, we’re happy to announce we’re heading back to school this fall with the inaugural season of Collegiate Rocket League (CRL). We're partnering once again with the team at Tespa to bring you the Fall 2017 season, which will give college students across North America the opportunity to compete for $50,000 in scholarship prizing and brand-new CRL-branded merch! With fall quickly approaching, we've got everything you need to know for the first CRL season right now!

Fall 2017 Season Format

The CRL Fall Season will feature four unique conferences that represent each region in the eligible territories. Teams from each conference will fight through one of two double elimination qualifiers; the top four teams from each qualifier will move onto the Conference Group Stage. Students can play on PC (Steam) or PlayStation 4. Check out more details and essential links below:

CRL HOMEPAGE / SIGN UP
OFFICIAL RULES



Running alongside the Conference Group Stage, we’ll also have an Open Ladder where teams who did not qualify for the group stages can compete against other schools for a chance to make it into the Conference playoffs as a wildcard team. Once the group stages and open ladder are complete, it's onto the Conference Playoffs to find the best teams to represent their conference at the CRL National Championship to fight for their chance at $50,000 in scholarship prizing.

With the start of the 2017-2018 school year quickly approaching, there is no better time to sign-up for Collegiate Rocket League! We hope this is just the start of continuing to grow the collegiate community around Rocket League and we hope to see you on the pitch this fall.

Following the conclusion of the Collegiate Rocket League - Summer Series, we’re happy to announce we’re heading back to school this fall with the inaugural season of Collegiate Rocket League (CRL). We're partnering once again with the team at Tespa to bring you the Fall 2017 season, which will give college students across North America the opportunity to compete for $50,000 in scholarship prizing and brand-new CRL-branded merch! With fall quickly approaching, we've got everything you need to know for the first CRL season right now!

Fall 2017 Season Format

The CRL Fall Season will feature four unique conferences that represent each region in the eligible territories. Teams from each conference will fight through one of two double elimination qualifiers; the top four teams from each qualifier will move onto the Conference Group Stage. Students can play on PC (Steam) or PlayStation 4. Check out more details and essential links below:

CRL HOMEPAGE / SIGN UP
OFFICIAL RULES



Running alongside the Conference Group Stage, we’ll also have an Open Ladder where teams who did not qualify for the group stages can compete against other schools for a chance to make it into the Conference playoffs as a wildcard team. Once the group stages and open ladder are complete, it's onto the Conference Playoffs to find the best teams to represent their conference at the CRL National Championship to fight for their chance at $50,000 in scholarship prizing.

With the start of the 2017-2018 school year quickly approaching, there is no better time to sign-up for Collegiate Rocket League! We hope this is just the start of continuing to grow the collegiate community around Rocket League and we hope to see you on the pitch this fall.

With the first weekend of the Universal Open Rocket League Regionals in the books, it’s time to find the next four teams who will punch their ticket to the Grand Finals in Santa Ana, California! This weekend's events will be livestreamed on http://www.nbcsports.com/live, the NBC Sports app, with the final hour of each Regional televised on all eight NBC Sports Regional Networks. The entire Universal Open Rocket League will also be available on Twitch, where viewers will have a chance to earn Fan Rewards; so be sure to link your Twitch account before watching! With some of the best players in the world facing off this weekend, let's take a look at what's to come.


Kicking off the action this weekend, we head to the Windy City to see who will represent the Midwest in the Grand Finals. One duo everyone will be watching is Renegade's star Dappur and NRG's playmaker GarrettG playing under the team name DapG; this 2v2 powerhouse is one of the favorites heading into the weekend. Another dynamic duo to watch out for, Karma and Pluto, were just signed by Splyce. Known for their 2v2 synergy, they’re looking to challenge Dappur and GarrettG for the 2v2 Regional Championship in Chicago.

• Saturday, August 12 broadcast live at http://stream.nbcsports.com/nbc/?pid=34711 and Twitch from 12:30pm ET to 5:00pm ET
• Saturday, August 12 final hour televised on the below channels:

With eight teams looking to strike gold this Sunday in California, this will be the last televised Regional before the Grand Finals. The West is sending some of the best Rocket League players in North America to the pitch. We'll see incredible lineups like SizzleUrCob (Sizz and Jacob), Interlude (Lachinio and Halcyon) and Hollywood Hammers (Vince and Zanejackey), just to name a few. With so many pro players in one place, every matchup could go either way. One thing is certain, Sunday the world will be watching to see who can make it through the Regional gauntlet to represent the West in the Grand Finals.

• Sunday, August 13 broadcast live at http://stream.nbcsports.com/nbc/?pid=34712 and Twitch from 1:30pm ET 6:00pm ET
• Sunday, August 13 final hour televised on the below channels:  

Be sure to stay tuned all weekend to improve your chances to earn Fan Rewards and see the final four North American teams qualify for their chance at $100,000 in Santa Ana, California. If you haven’t already, be sure to buy your ticket for the Grand Finals on August 26-27 to see the conclusion of the Universal Open Rocket League, live!

With the first weekend of the Universal Open Rocket League Regionals in the books, it’s time to find the next four teams who will punch their ticket to the Grand Finals in Santa Ana, California! This weekend's events will be livestreamed on http://www.nbcsports.com/live, the NBC Sports app, with the final hour of each Regional televised on all eight NBC Sports Regional Networks. The entire Universal Open Rocket League will also be available on Twitch, where viewers will have a chance to earn Fan Rewards; so be sure to link your Twitch account before watching! With some of the best players in the world facing off this weekend, let's take a look at what's to come.


Kicking off the action this weekend, we head to the Windy City to see who will represent the Midwest in the Grand Finals. One duo everyone will be watching is Renegade's star Dappur and NRG's playmaker GarrettG playing under the team name DapG; this 2v2 powerhouse is one of the favorites heading into the weekend. Another dynamic duo to watch out for, Karma and Pluto, were just signed by Splyce. Known for their 2v2 synergy, they’re looking to challenge Dappur and GarrettG for the 2v2 Regional Championship in Chicago.

• Saturday, August 12 broadcast live at http://stream.nbcsports.com/nbc/?pid=34711 and Twitch from 12:30pm ET to 5:00pm ET
• Saturday, August 12 final hour televised on the below channels:

With eight teams looking to strike gold this Sunday in California, this will be the last televised Regional before the Grand Finals. The West is sending some of the best Rocket League players in North America to the pitch. We'll see incredible lineups like SizzleUrCob (Sizz and Jacob), Interlude (Lachinio and Halcyon) and Hollywood Hammers (Vince and Zanejackey), just to name a few. With so many pro players in one place, every matchup could go either way. One thing is certain, Sunday the world will be watching to see who can make it through the Regional gauntlet to represent the West in the Grand Finals.

• Sunday, August 13 broadcast live at http://stream.nbcsports.com/nbc/?pid=34712 and Twitch from 1:30pm ET 6:00pm ET
• Sunday, August 13 final hour televised on the below channels:  

Be sure to stay tuned all weekend to improve your chances to earn Fan Rewards and see the final four North American teams qualify for their chance at $100,000 in Santa Ana, California. If you haven’t already, be sure to buy your ticket for the Grand Finals on August 26-27 to see the conclusion of the Universal Open Rocket League, live!

The Rocket League community is always finding new ways to explore and share their creativity. Whether it’s via YouTube, Steam Workshop, or Reddit, there's always a constant stream of content to watch, enjoy, and learn from. In fact, one of the early and most popular content creators, JHZER, broke through on YouTube after his freestyling montages took the community by storm. Freestyling hones in on a player’s ability to redirect aerial passes into impressive goals, which is crucial in the highest skill tiers.



Live matches will always test your skill, but player-made ‘Custom Training’ packs offer an efficient means of practice. This month's ‘Custom Training’ list will focus on a new practice regimen that improves air and ball control through various acrobatic scenarios. Given enough time, these newly-selected packs could help you discover untapped avenues of Rocket League -- flip resets, ceiling shots, air dribbles, and more are yours to discover.

Though the refreshed ‘Featured Training Browser’ does lean towards more advanced players, don't forget that the in-game 'Aerial Training' mode is still an excellent resource for players of all skill levels. Check out our previous Community Spotlight for codes that fit the bill.




Moving on to our Steam Workshop pick, Dreale's Parkour-Map #1 is one of the more unique obstacle courses out there. It forces players to think about their moves in unusual ways, especially since a portion of the course takes place in reverse gravity. We highly recommend checking out Kevpert's "Elite Car Control Tutorial" video that expertly explains how to strategically practice flying through obstacles.

The second showcase is a community-invented mini-game, known as Aerial Freeze Tag. It encourages friends to get together for a (Private) 'Mutators' match where you'll need to knock opponents out of the air while maintaining an uninterrupted flight. The last person flying wins, and as Wayprotein shows in his video, it's an amazing opportunity to practice your air control.

But what do YOU think? What other types of Community Spotlights would you like to see in future installments of this feature? Let us know on our official Twitter account and we'll see where it takes us! Until next month, Happy Freestyling!

 

The Rocket League community is always finding new ways to explore and share their creativity. Whether it’s via YouTube, Steam Workshop, or Reddit, there's always a constant stream of content to watch, enjoy, and learn from. In fact, one of the early and most popular content creators, JHZER, broke through on YouTube after his freestyling montages took the community by storm. Freestyling hones in on a player’s ability to redirect aerial passes into impressive goals, which is crucial in the highest skill tiers.



Live matches will always test your skill, but player-made ‘Custom Training’ packs offer an efficient means of practice. This month's ‘Custom Training’ list will focus on a new practice regimen that improves air and ball control through various acrobatic scenarios. Given enough time, these newly-selected packs could help you discover untapped avenues of Rocket League -- flip resets, ceiling shots, air dribbles, and more are yours to discover.

Though the refreshed ‘Featured Training Browser’ does lean towards more advanced players, don't forget that the in-game 'Aerial Training' mode is still an excellent resource for players of all skill levels. Check out our previous Community Spotlight for codes that fit the bill.




Moving on to our Steam Workshop pick, Dreale's Parkour-Map #1 is one of the more unique obstacle courses out there. It forces players to think about their moves in unusual ways, especially since a portion of the course takes place in reverse gravity. We highly recommend checking out Kevpert's "Elite Car Control Tutorial" video that expertly explains how to strategically practice flying through obstacles.

The second showcase is a community-invented mini-game, known as Aerial Freeze Tag. It encourages friends to get together for a (Private) 'Mutators' match where you'll need to knock opponents out of the air while maintaining an uninterrupted flight. The last person flying wins, and as Wayprotein shows in his video, it's an amazing opportunity to practice your air control.

But what do YOU think? What other types of Community Spotlights would you like to see in future installments of this feature? Let us know on our official Twitter account and we'll see where it takes us! Until next month, Happy Freestyling!