When it comes to the fun multiplayer sensation that is Rocket League, skill and teamwork reign supreme. Yet, the game does offer many different cars that allow you to show off your personality—while complementing your skillset and giving a slight advantage in some areas.
While Psyonix has tweaked and balanced many of the stats of these vehicles to make them more equal, you've still got slight variations that provide different strengths and weaknesses. With all the nuances involved in this chaotic multiplayer game, and so many cars to choose from, it can be tough to pick the best one for you.
In short, there's not exactly a "one size fits all," and different cars will be preferable depending on your style and the type of game you like to play. Still, there are a number of vehicles that, overall, prove better choices to maximize your game.
Updated August 31, 2021 by Stephen LaGioia: After several years, this fun vehicular soccer romp continues blasting into high gear. Psyonix continues to crank out new events, along with awesome new vehicles and other goodies. These cars include the iconic Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters, Knight Rider's KITT, and unlockables themed off Stranger Things. The recent fourth season release brings some tweaks and gameplay options to competitive tourneys like the basketball-esque "Hoops." Psyonix dresses this up with a Wild West theme a cool new car, "The Outlaw," to complete the getup.
With the stream of new content showing no signs of slowing down, and the ever-expanding lineup of cars, it seemed fitting to revisit and rev up this list with more of Rocket League's best vehicles.
18 Outlaw
This recent addition to the Rocket League lineup is instantly one of the most enticing with its uniquely bulky build. While its design and build is similar to the curvy Octane car, its size actually makes it more akin to large Battle-Cars like the Marauder.
But even though it's sizable, the Outlaw adheres to the smooth, reliable hitbox of Octane rather than a tanky Merc, making it fairly simple to handle while also being a powerhouse.
17 Dingo
This recent release can be obtained from the Auriga Series Blueprint, and it's a worthy investment as some fans are already pointing to the Dingo as one of the best cars in the game.
Car enthusiasts might recognize a design reminiscent of the Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R, though this thing has quite a bit more power and efficiency than that antique. The car is nicely even-keeled and smooth in terms of handling, and its Octane hitbox makes it well-rounded and reliable.
16 Endo
Launched in September 2020 as part of the Endo Starter Pack, this car manages to be well-rounded and beginner-friendly while being pretty sizable with its Hybrid hitbox. It's a great option for players who seek a lengthier car and not sacrificing in the width or height department.
This car resides in a sort of middle ground in most areas, and the somewhat unreliable mechanics require some practice and precision. However, skilled players should appreciate its jack-of-all-trades nature, and can exploit the strengths of this car; its offensive prowess. The ball really seems to pop off this car when hitting shots.
15 X-Devil
With so many cars populating the Rocket League lineup, there's bound to be some underrated ones that many pass up simply based on their appearance. Such is the case for the X-Devil, a car that, given its more detailed, "niche" looking design—is surprisingly functional and well-rounded.
This Hybrid car balances the Octane and Plank car types, making it a good pick that can serve as a "jack of all trades" option. It's fairly lengthy, but it's not too shabby in the hitbox department either.
14 Venom
The Venom may not be the prettiest car, but it's largely looked at as an underrated choice. Similar to the Skyline, this thing sports some pretty balanced stats and makes for a solid choice for fans of Hybrid cars. It can serve a slew of functions fairly well, and can be offensively potent with its flat, pointed front.
This car is another reminder that looks certainly aren't everything, particularly when it comes to Rocket League.
13 Twin Mill III
Given the short build and gimmicky Hot Wheels design that comprises this DLC car, it's not the most popular option. Still, this can be a pretty good choice, especially for those who prefer to play a defensive game that relies on deflecting hits from the side.
This is one of the lengthier cars in the game, and it's been compared to the Batmobile, with its short, flat profile that's more ideal for ball control and powerful hits from straight-on. The Plank type isn't for everyone, but the Twin Mill III can really be exploited for those who know their way around this build.
12 Paladin
This is a Plank car you'll want to spend some time getting used to, as it sports a pretty short and lengthy profile. Its hitbox has also been dialed back a bit, diminishing some of its popularity. Still, those who have found their way around the similar, more newbie-friendly Dominus may want to give this more extreme version a try.
This thing can really get it done when it comes to aerial dribbling, freestyling, and powerful shooting.
11 Bone Shaker
This Battle-Car Octane was released in early 2017 as part of a Hot Wheels DLC pack. It tends to get brushed aside on account of its gimmicky appearance, though it does have a cool aesthetic for fans of these delightful toy cars.
And while it may look unusual, it actually functions pretty well for those who spend some time with it. Its stats are comparable to the tried-and-true Octane, and its flat top can be optimal for solid hits when controlling the ball from below or flipping a shot into the goal.
10 Marauder
The Marauder tends to get overlooked in favor of the fairly similar built Merc, and it doesn't help that it's part of a DLC package. Its appearance might not give this away, yet it's actually a bit similar to the fan-favorite Octane car.
The car's large, bulky shape might be a bit offputting to some, yet its wide hitbox makes it a pretty solid option if you favor playing a more defensive game or swatting shots away from your goal. The overall large mass of this thing makes it a powerhouse to muscle your way through opponents and put some real heat on ball hits.
While it's a touch less mobile, its turn rate is still comparable to most other cars, now that Psyonix has balanced car stats out somewhat.
9 Merc
The Merc poses a threat mainly because of its large hitbox. The massive size of this vehicle makes it particularly great for hitting balls when airborne, blocking goals, and blasting through opponents.
If you like to speed your way across the arena, the bulkier Merc hitboxes may not be for you, as it has slightly weaker stats when it comes to boosting and turning. Still, players who prefer mass and brute strength should get much use out of this beast. It's also a safe choice for Rocket League newbies.
8 Nimbus
This relatively new Hybrid doesn't just look sleek, it also makes for a fun, effective vehicle in a heated showdown. While it's a fairly short car with a pretty narrow hitbox, it's an all-around solid, versatile vehicle.
This should be on the radar for those who are used to playing with another great car, the Dominus, as the feel and hitbox are quite similar. This mitigates any extra learning curve for those looking to get acquainted with this fairly recent addition (obtained from the Elevation Crate). The Nimbus also sports some of the sleekest cosmetics to boot.
7 Mantis
Aside from coming with some of the best boosting and turning in the game, this Plank car is also pretty lengthy, allowing you to cover the ball with greater ease; at least at ground level.
If you can get past the relatively short, flat build—it's among the shortest cars meaning you may have to jump more often—it's a solid choice in certain areas. You can rock a pretty effective offensive game if used right; not just because of its mobility and width, but also its ability to execute great flips.
6 Breakout
While the Breakout has a rather blocky, unappealing design, it can be an impactful car with its mobility and speed. Its relatively flat hood makes it more accurate and reliable when lining up shots at the goal. With the distinct Breakout hitbox, it's particularly narrow.
Couple this with its ability to glide more smoothly through the air and dribble effectiveness, and you've got a pretty safe, reliable pick for casual or competitive play.
5 Batmobile
This awesome Batman-themed vehicle looks even sleeker than the Mantis, though it shares a pretty similar build and overall mechanics. Its unique design and flat shape allow you to dribble and take control of the ball quite a bit, though it may not be the best choice for beginners. It comes with a pretty light, tight feel that makes it pretty easy to maneuver through the air and cover ample ground.
If height isn't much of a factor, there's a lot to love about this car, even if you don't happen to be the biggest Batman fan.
4 Takumi
This Octane Battle-Car holds some similarities to the Dominus, but it swaps length and overall size with height. Those who favor that elite-level vehicle but perhaps want a build that can cover a touch more ground in terms of elevation might want to give this a try. The Takumi doesn't just have some of the best stats, it also has a smooth, steady feel that's easy to handle and fun to drive.
If you're down with obtaining the Supersonic Fury DLC, this is a vehicle worth trying.
3 Aftershock
This Dominus Battle-Car is an addition that's quickly climbed its way up the charts when it comes to fan favorites. What it lacks in the hitbox department it makes up for in its speed, turning, and steadiness when driving. It has a somewhat heavy feel, but its width and power make it an optimal choice for an offensive ground game.
Dominus players will also find this to be a fairly easy transition as it holds similar characteristics to that tried-and-true car.
2 Dominus
When it comes to the handful of really popular cars—the Dominus is more preferable to those who value power and offense. Though it's pretty versatile as it has a nicely balanced hitbox.
This thing can pack a punch when hitting the ball, and has a solid, flat, and medium-height build which makes it reliable when controlling the ball, dribbling, or flying. It sports one of the largest overall surface areas, allowing you to hit the ball frequently and effectively.
1 Octane
Basically, there's a good reason pro players tend to opt for the Octane more than other cars—it's just a solid, all-around effective pick. Its "jack of all trades" nature makes it a great choice for newbies, but its versatility makes it more than sufficient for veterans as well.
It's terrific in just about all areas outside of its relatively meager length; it drives smoothly, has a decent hitbox, and is relatively fast and powerful. Basically, this is the car designed to accommodate the broadest range of playstyles.