If you’re a fan of fast-paced, car-soccer hybrid action, you’ve probably wondered how much does Rocket League cost before diving into the game. First launched back in 2015, the title has shifted its pricing model multiple times over the years, leading to a lot of confusion for new players who see conflicting information online. We’re breaking down all the costs you can expect, from base access to optional premium purchases, so you never end up spending more than you planned. We’ll also cover hidden fees many new players miss, and tips to save money on any premium content you want to pick up.
How Much Does Rocket League Cost for Base Game Access?
The short answer for most players is zero. Back in 2020, Rocket League switched from a paid upfront model to a 100% free to access for all players on every supported platform model, so you don’t have to pay anything to download and play the core game. This applies to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via the Epic Games Store. Players who bought the game before the free-to-play switch got Legacy status, which includes exclusive cosmetic items, access to all previously purchased DLC, and other perks as a thank you for supporting the game early on.
When you download the free base game, you get access to far more content than many new players expect. You don’t have to grind for hours to unlock core features, and you can jump into competitive playlists as soon as you complete the short introductory tutorial. All free base game access includes:
If you’re only interested in playing the core game with friends, you don’t have to spend a single cent to enjoy hundreds of hours of gameplay. The free model does not lock any competitive features or game modes behind a paywall, so you can climb to the highest ranks without ever making a purchase.
Optional Premium Costs for Rocket League Players
While the base game is free, there are optional premium purchases you can make if you want to customize your cars or unlock extra seasonal rewards. None of the premium purchases give you an in-game competitive edge, so you don’t have to worry about pay-to-win advantages for paying players. All premium content is strictly cosmetic, including car decals, wheels, boost effects, goal explosions, and player banners.
The main premium currency in the game is Rocket League Credits, the in-game premium currency, which you can buy in bundles starting at $4.99 for 500 credits. You can use credits to buy items from the rotating in-game item shop, purchase the seasonal Rocket Pass, or trade with other players for rare items. The seasonal Rocket Pass costs 1000 credits (around $9.99) and includes over 70 tiers of rewards as you complete challenges. If you finish all 70 tiers of the Rocket Pass, you earn back 1000 credits, so you can get the next season’s pass for free if you play consistently enough.
There are also occasional premium DLC packs that include unique cars, decals, and other cosmetics, usually priced between $4.99 and $19.99. These packs often tie into pop culture crossovers, like cars from Fast & Furious, Marvel, or other popular franchises. If you’re looking for rare limited-edition cosmetics that are no longer available in the in-game shop, you might be tempted to check out third-party marketplaces run by the Rocket League community. Many of these platforms let you trade items directly with other players, or buy them for a flat fee that’s often lower than the original in-game price. Casual players who only want to pick up one or two rare decals without spending money on hundreds of extra credits often browse Spingold to compare prices before making any purchase, to make sure they’re not overpaying for a long-discontinued limited drop.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For When Playing Rocket League
While the base game is free, there are a few hidden costs many new players don’t learn about until after they download the game. The biggest one for console players is online subscription access. Console online subscription fees are the most common hidden cost for new players, as you need an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass Core subscription to play online multiplayer on PlayStation or Xbox consoles. These subscriptions cost around $9.99 per month, or less if you buy an annual plan. Nintendo Switch players also need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play online, which costs $3.99 per month or $19.99 per year. PC players don’t need any extra subscription to play online, so that’s one less cost if you play on PC.
Another hidden cost for collectors is collector’s edition physical copies of the game, which are still sold at many retail stores for $19.99 to $29.99. These physical copies usually include exclusive cosmetic items and DLC that you can’t get with the free digital download, so they’re a popular option for players who want physical media or extra rare items. You don’t need to buy a physical copy to play the game, but it’s an extra cost if you want those exclusive perks.
Paid community tournament entry fees are another optional hidden cost, if you want to compete in high-stakes community tournaments for cash prizes or rare items. These entry fees usually range from $1 to $20 per player, depending on the prize pool, but you can find plenty of free community tournaments if you don’t want to pay to compete.
How to Save Money on Rocket League Purchases
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get premium Rocket League content, if you’re smart about when and how you buy it. First, wait for 30% to 50% off sales on credit bundles during major holiday events, like Black Friday, Christmas, or the game’s anniversary in July. These sales happen a few times a year, and you can get twice as many credits for the same price if you wait for a sale instead of buying credits at full price.
You can also earn free credits and items by completing weekly and seasonal challenges, so you don’t have to buy credits if you play consistently enough. If you complete the full Rocket Pass each season, you earn back enough credits to get the next season’s pass for free, so you only have to pay for the first pass if you keep up with challenges. Trading duplicate items with other players is another great way to get items you want without spending money, as long as both players agree to the trade. You can also earn free limited-edition items by linking your Rocket League account to Twitch and watching official esports streams during major tournaments, with no purchase required.
It’s also a good idea to avoid impulse buys from the daily rotating item shop. Most items in the shop come back around every few months, so you don’t have to buy a decal or boost effect the first time you see it. Wait a few weeks, and it might show up at a discounted price, or you might earn a similar item from a challenge for free.
At the end of the day, how much does Rocket League cost depends entirely on how you want to play the game. If you’re happy with core game modes and default cosmetics, you can play for hundreds or even thousands of hours without spending a single cent. If you want to customize your car or pick up a battle pass for extra rewards, you can budget as little as $5 a month to get all the premium content you want. No matter your budget, there’s a way to enjoy Rocket League without breaking the bank, and you never have to pay to be competitive at the highest ranks.
