We’ve all been there: you queue up for a casual Rocket League match, and the first thing you see is an opponent rolling a sleek, rare car you’ve been obsessing over for months, paired with a matching decal and boost effect that makes your default Octane feel boring by comparison. If you’re tired of cycling through the same 2 or 3 starter cars every game, learning how to get new cars in Rocket League opens up a world of customization, lets you show off your personal style, and even can make you feel more confident pulling off aerials and trick shots on the pitch. I’ve been playing since the game went free-to-play in 2020, and I’ve unlocked almost 80 different cars without spending a dime on extra credits, so every method I’m sharing here is tested, legitimate, and works for both free and paid players.
How to Get New Cars in Rocket League Through Regular Gameplay Rewards
The easiest, lowest-effort way to unlock new cars is to just play the game normally, since Psyonix hides tons of free car rewards behind regular gameplay milestones that you’ll hit without even trying. New players get access to 3 free starter cars immediately after completing the 10-minute onboarding challenge series, so if you just made an account, that’s the first place to start for quick new rides. Free tier Rocket Pass rewards always include at least 2 to 3 unique cars per season, and you don’t have to buy the premium pass to claim them. You’ll also get random post-match drops after every few games, which can contain anything from common decals to rare cars, depending on your player level. The higher your level, the better the drop pool gets, so even if you only play 3 or 4 matches a day, you’ll usually get at least one drop per week that has a new car you don’t already own. Weekly and daily challenges also occasionally give car drops as rewards, so make sure you check your challenge tab every time you log in to see if any quick tasks have car prizes attached.
Unlock Limited-Time Event Exclusive Cars
Every few months, Psyonix runs themed in-game events like Haunted Hallows, Frosty Fest, or Radical Summer, and these events are the only place to get special event-specific cars that never show up in regular drops or the permanent item shop. You earn event-specific currency by playing matches during the event window, and you can exchange that currency directly for cars in the event shop, no random luck required. Event cars are only available for 2 to 4 weeks each time they run, so mark your calendar if you see one you want. Many events also have crossover cars from popular movies, TV shows, and other games, and these are some of the most sought-after vehicles in the entire game. For example, past events have had cars from Back to the Future, Fast & Furious, and even Jurassic Park, and these usually only come back once a year at most, so if you see a crossover car you love, prioritize earning enough currency for that first before you buy other event items. Don’t panic if you miss an event you wanted though, most event cars get rerun once every 18 to 24 months, so there’s a good chance you’ll get another chance to grab them later.
Trade With Other Players for Rare Cars You Want
If you’re looking for older, out-of-print cars that haven’t been in the shop or an event for years, trading with other players is your best bet. You’ll need to enable 2FA on your Epic Games account and reach player level 30 before you can access the trading system, but those requirements are easy to hit in a couple weeks of regular play, and they exist to cut down on scam attempts. Trading is the only way to get many older, out-of-print cars that aren't available in the in-game shop or events. If you’re new to trading, follow these simple rules to stay safe and get the best deals:
- Always check the current market value of a car before you agree to a trade to avoid getting scammed out of higher-value items you own
- Never trade with someone who asks you to go first outside of the official in-game trading system, no matter how good their offer sounds
- You can trade duplicate items, decals, wheels, and credits you earn from challenges to get cars without spending real money
Buy Cars From the Rotating In-Game Item Shop
If you have a specific car you’ve been wanting for months and don’t want to wait for it to show up in a drop or a trade offer, the rotating in-game item shop is the most reliable option. The shop refreshes every 24 hours, and often has both new releases and old fan favorite cars available for purchase with credits. If you want a specific car right away and don't want to wait for it to show up in a drop or trade, the item shop is the most reliable option. The shop often has discounted bundles that include a car plus matching decals, wheels, and boost effects, which are way better value than buying each item separately. Some limited-run cars in the shop are only available for 48 hours, so if you see one you love, don’t wait too long to pick it up, it might not come back for months. You don't have to buy premium credits to get cars from the shop, since you can earn 1000+ free credits per season from the premium Rocket Pass if you level it up fully. If you do decide to buy credits directly, wait for one of the regular credit bonus sales, where you can get 20 to 30% extra credits for the same price, so you can get more cars for your money.
At the end of the day, building a garage full of your favorite cars is one of the most fun parts of playing Rocket League, and you don’t have to drop a ton of cash to do it. Whether you prefer grinding challenges for free drops, saving up event currency for limited editions, trading with other players, or picking up your dream ride from the item shop, there’s a way to get new cars in Rocket League that fits how you play the game. I’ve used all of these methods over the years, and I still get excited every time I unlock a new car I’ve been wanting. Don’t rush the process, take your time grinding, and you’ll have a garage full of unique rides before you know it.
