Locking bumpers in Rocket League is more common than you think – and it even has an official term.
What happens when six cars navigate a tiny virtual field, playing a match of soccer? Utilizing every inch of their surface areas, high-powered automobiles zoom, drift, and blast off into air in an attempt to outscore their opponents in the “world’s most exciting esport.”
With all of Rocket League‘s ensuing chaos, players are inevitably going to run into one another. However, while accidents don’t exist in-game, demolitions, bumps, and standstills do.
Upon a 50/50 – the instance when two players challenge the ball from either side, just like a kickoff -, players might find themselves coming to a screeching halt, impeding one another from driving forward. Officially coined Rule 1, cars often lock bumper-to-bumper – and they aren’t allowed to leave it.
It’s time to settle the debate once and for all!
What is Rule 1?— Rocket League (@RocketLeague) May 11, 2020
After much community debate, the official Rocket League Twitter account went ahead and released a poll question about Rule 1’s true definition. Rightfully so, the community responded with a whopping 54,335 votes, with “Locking bumper to bumper!” receiving 68% of those.
The natural phenomenon of bumper-locking can result from a variety of scenarios, from 50/50 challenges to kickoffs and even corner skirmishes. Correspondingly, the only correct way to depart a Rule 1 is to have another player knock you or the other car out of the standstill. You can not back up, you must keep driving forward.
The next time you find yourself in a Rule 1, be sure to not break Rocket League’s most storied, unwritten rule.
