If you’ve ever watched a top Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) match and wondered how pro players pull off those impossible air dribbles, double taps, and backflip demos, you’ve probably wondered if their gear gives them an edge. The short answer is that skill and practice matter far more than hardware, but the right controller can make even the most complex mechanics feel far more intuitive. We’ve broken down exactly what controllers do Rocket League pros use, plus the small tweaks they make to their layouts and settings to shave milliseconds off their reaction times.
What Controllers Do Rocket League Pros Use Most Often?
After surveying rosters from the top 20 RLCS teams in 2024, we found three controllers make up over 95% of pro setups, with very few players opting for keyboard and mouse. The most popular option by far is the Xbox Elite Series 2, used by 68% of pro players. Its durable build, four remappable back paddles, and adjustable stick tension make it ideal for the fast, precise movements Rocket League requires. Most pros turn off extra features like vibration to cut down on unnecessary input lag.
The DualSense Edge comes in second, used by 22% of pro players, mostly those who got their start playing Rocket League on PlayStation. Its lighter weight and more compact shape fit smaller hands better than the bulkier Xbox Elite, and many players prefer its textured grip for long practice sessions. Most pros disable adaptive triggers, as they add unnecessary resistance that can slow down boost and jump inputs.
The remaining 5% of pros use the standard Xbox Core Controller, a budget-friendly option for players who don’t want extra paddles or adjustable settings. It’s incredibly reliable, has extremely low input lag when used wired, and many players who’ve used it for years don’t want to adjust to a new controller shape even if it has extra features. Less than 5% of top RLCS players use keyboard and mouse, as the analog stick precision for air movements is hard to match with directional keys.
Key Controller Features Pros Prioritize For Rocket League
It’s not just the brand of controller that matters to pros, it’s the specific features that align with Rocket League’s unique gameplay. Even if you can’t afford a premium pro controller, looking for these features when you shop will help you pick a setup that grows with you as you climb the ranks. The most important features pros look for include:
- Remappable back paddles: 92% of pro players use at least two back paddles, usually mapped to jump and boost so they never have to take their thumbs off the analog sticks for quick movements
- Adjustable stick tension: Most pros set their stick tension between 60-80% of maximum, which gives them more precise control over air movements and dodge angles without feeling too stiff
- Low input lag: Wired connections are almost universal among pros, as wireless input lag can add 5-10ms of delay that makes a huge difference in close 50/50 plays or fast counterattacks
- Durable build quality: Pros practice 6-8 hours a day, so a controller that can stand up to constant stick movement and rapid button presses is non-negotiable to avoid mid-tournament hardware failures
You don’t need all of these features to climb out of Platinum or Diamond ranks, of course. But if you’re looking to match the setup of your favorite pro, these are the first features you should look for when shopping for a new controller. Many casual players make the mistake of buying the most expensive controller on the market without adjusting the settings to fit their playstyle, which means they never get the full benefit of the premium hardware.
Common Pro Controller Layouts You Can Copy
The default controller layout that comes pre-loaded on consoles is almost never used by pro players, as it requires you to move your thumbs off the analog sticks to hit boost or jump, which costs you control during air plays. The most common pro layout uses four back paddles, with the top two mapped to jump and boost, and the bottom two mapped to air roll left and air roll right. This setup lets players pull off complex air dribbles and flip resets without ever moving their thumbs away from the sticks.
The two-paddle setup is the most popular for new players who are just starting to use paddles, as it’s easier to learn than a four-paddle layout. Most players map jump and boost to the two paddles, and keep air roll assigned to one of the face buttons until they build up enough muscle memory to add more paddles. This setup is also common among pros who prefer simpler controls and don’t want to worry about accidentally hitting extra paddles during high-pressure plays.
Most pros also adjust their deadzone settings significantly from the default, usually setting their stick deadzone between 0.05 and 0.15, and their trigger deadzone as low as possible without experiencing stick drift. Don’t just copy a pro’s deadzone settings blindly, though. Every controller has slightly different hardware, so what works for your favorite pro might feel off for your specific controller and hand size. Test different deadzone settings for a few hours each to find what feels most natural for you, even if it means you play worse for a couple of days while you adjust.
How To Choose The Right Controller For Your Rocket League Playstyle
You don’t have to drop $180 on a premium pro controller to get better at Rocket League. If you’re on a budget, the standard Xbox Core or DualSense controller works perfectly fine for casual and even competitive play, and you can add third-party back paddles for $20-$30 if you want that feature without the premium price tag. Many players have climbed all the way to Grand Champion rank using a standard controller with no extra features, so don’t feel like you have to buy expensive gear to be good at the game.
Hand size is a huge factor that many players overlook when shopping for a new controller. If you have smaller hands, the DualSense Edge might feel more comfortable than the bulkier Xbox Elite Series 2, and vice versa for players with larger hands. If you can, try holding a controller in person before you buy it, to make sure the shape fits well in your hands and you can reach the back paddles comfortably without straining your fingers. Even the best pro controller won’t help you if it’s uncomfortable to hold for hours at a time.
Your playstyle also matters when picking a controller. If you prioritize mechanical plays like freestyling and air dribbles, you’ll benefit more from adjustable stick tension and extra paddles that let you make precise movements without taking your thumbs off the sticks. If you’re a more defensive player who focuses on positioning and team play, you might not need those extra features as much, and a standard controller will work perfectly well for your needs. Test any new controller for at least a week before deciding if it’s right for you, it takes time to build muscle memory for new layouts and button mappings, and you might feel like you’re playing worse for the first few days.
At the end of the day, the best controller for you is the one that feels most comfortable in your hands, not necessarily the one your favorite pro uses. Now that you know what controllers do Rocket League pros use, you can make an informed decision when picking out your next controller, and adjust your settings to match the small tweaks that top players rely on. Don’t rush to drop hundreds of dollars on premium gear right away, start with small adjustments to your current controller’s settings first to see how much of a difference those changes make. Over time, you’ll find the setup that helps you play your best and climb the ranks faster.
