After several weeks of build-up, we’re pleased to announce that the highly-anticipated Rocket League Rumble update will be hitting next Thursday, September 8!

We’ve already detailed how the new Rumble mode works in a previous post, along with revealing a number of other cool goodies like updates to classic Rocket Trails, more Painted Item drops, custom team names and colors for Private Matches, new Urban Central and DFH Stadium variants, the Octagon Rocket Labs arena, and PAX, Penny Arcade, Headlander, ScrewAttack, and Discord Garage items (whew) — but that’s only scratching the surface of what we have planned for next week’s huge update.

SteamOS and Mac Beta Versions

Yes, it’s really happening! After several delays (and our sincerest apologies about that, btw), the SteamOS and Mac versions of the game will finally be available for download. An important thing to note, however, is that both versions are still considered “beta,” with a handful of known issues that we’ve detailed below. It should also be said that while other Linux platforms may work, the SteamOS version of the game is the only Linux client that we’re “officially” supporting during the beta period. Likewise, the Mac version may or may not work on older systems with an integrated video solution, but a dedicated GPU is highly recommended (Macs from 2013 and after should be okay).

We will continue to make improvements to these versions of Rocket League in future updates, and we thank you for your patience in waiting for it. And now, the SteamOS/ Mac “known issues” list:

  • The correct store page for DLC purchased through the Showroom doesn’t show up for Big Picture users. This is a Steam client-specific issue that Valve will be fixing in an upcoming patch
  • There are occasional crashes when exiting from a match to the main menu
  • The statues in Urban Central do not display correctly
  • You may experience intermittent blurring issues
  • (Mac Only) Xbox 360 controllers won’t work. You will need a third-party driver solution to use them

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.

Battle-Car Presets and Enhanced Team Customization

An even more popular community request (and perhaps the most requested community feature of all time) is the desire to have unique car loadouts. We’re happy to report that the oft-demanded “Car Presets” will indeed make their debut in the Rumble update. Offering up to 10 different slots to save your favorite configurations, the Car Preset option also allows you to save your vehicle customizations on a “per team” basis, with new “Equip to Blue” and “Equip to Orange” options!

As an added bonus, we’ve also expanded your primary color palette with additional shades for the Orange team and all-new green shades for the Blue team. We’ve even thrown in a “Randomize Preset” button to try out new builds!


Crates and Keys and Esports Too

As Rocket League’s competitive scene continues to grow, our support for its players need to grow with it. With that in mind, the Rumble patch will introduce an all-new “Crates and Keys” system that will help fund our upcoming esports events and prize pools.

The system itself is pretty straightforward, as random Crates will occasionally drop in addition to the normal post-game item rewards in Competitive matches. Players will then have the option to purchase Keys that will allow them to access the contents of the Crates, where they can find random, but exclusive, Garage items that are unique to the Crate they’ve chosen.

These Crate items (or their duplicates) can be kept or traded with other players after a mandatory trade-hold, and include everything from new “Import” Battle-Cars (i.e. new-look vehicles that have the same hit-boxes, physics, and turning radii as their original inspirations) to unique animated Decals, Exotic Wheels, and other cool Garage accessories.

You will always be able to view the possible contents of a crate prior to opening it and should you decide not to use a Key at all, you can always trade either the unopened Crates or Keys themselves to other players on both PlayStation 4 and Steam PC (please note: we have reached out to Microsoft about implementing key trading on Xbox One).

Keys can be purchased individually or in bundles and, as mentioned earlier, a portion of the proceeds will go towards funding future esports events and prize pools. Here is how the pricing will shake out in North America (but you can expect regional equivalents in other territories)

Keys will be available for $1.49 individually, or in bundles of 5 for $5, 10 for $10, or 20 for $20.

If the Crates and Keys system isn’t for you, then you can turn it off with a prompt the first time a Crate is dropped in-game or at any time via 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.

Player-to-Player Trading

Finally, and as mentioned above, Player-to-Player trading will launch with the Rumble update as well! Though some restrictions apply (you won’t be able to trade premium DLC items, for example), you will have the ability to swap items with other players on your own platform. Multiple items can be traded in any combination you like — five hats for five wheels? Eight Antennas for one Boost? It’s entirely up to you!


Summation

And that’s the Rocket League Rumble update! It’s a monster revision to be sure, and one that we hope will have a little something for everyone regardless of your play styles and preferences. Remember to let us know what you think on our official Twitter, Facebook, or Subreddit, and don’t forget to check back on September 8 to try it all out for yourself. See you then!