RELATED: Rocket League: The Best Decals, Ranked
Rocket League has one of the highest rankings on all platforms, making it a fan-favorite worldwide. Fans who already play the game know that the game offers a myriad of cars to browse and collect, and some don’t quite know where to start or what to look for. Here to help is this handy list of the best-ranked cars in Rocket League.
Updated January 3, 2023, by Stephen LaGioia: Psyonix’s thrilling sports racer continues its momentum despite being several years old now. It’s easy to see why, given the bounty of fun content that never seems to get old. This has been spurred by a steady stream of rotating events, new game modes, and of course, awesome new cars to try out. 2022 alone has seen a slew of unique new vehicles, capped off by the recent elemental-themed ninth season which introduces the robust Emperor, complete with four skins. With the game’s rocket fuel continuing its burn, we thought we’d revisit this list of the current best Rocket League cars.
18 Emperor
This season nine showcase has a sleek, aerodynamic build, and is the popular hitbox choice among many (breakout). With its length and flat, low top, the car can be both an offensive and defensive force if used the right way. The Emperor is also quite good at scooping up the ball and taking charge, making it a good leverage car. It can be a presence on defense for those who favor flipping frequently, too.
Still, with a build similar to plank, this will typically be a more advanced car, and its narrow body means that those that use it will want to have solid timing and aim. The turning radius of this long car can be a bit spotty, which may turn off some newcomers.
17 Bugatti Centodieci
No, this is not a new reward car for Forza Horizon 5, but in fact, a recent arrival for the Rocket League lineup; and an appealing one at that. As touted on the game’s official website, this sleek vehicle exudes peak hypercar performance and takes design inspiration from the EB110. Thankfully, the game’s rendition of this beast isn’t nearly as exclusive or as pricey as the real-life model, which costs nearly nine million dollars!
Along with showing off the car itself, gamers will really want to flaunt some tricks and maneuvers with the Centodieci. This is because the short-profile plank hitbox means it’ll thrive with more advanced moves like dribbles and flicks.
16 Takumi
An often overlooked choice, this car sports the reliable, solid Octane boy while also having elements of the flatter Dominus and jack-of-all-trades Hybrid. Its smaller build may not be the greatest defensively, but its relatively tall height and pronounced nose make it solid offensively, especially for Hoops.
The Takumi also thrives while airborne, with its ergonomic build and smooth, even-keeled controls. This car can be obtained from the Supersonic Fury DLC pack.
15 BMW M240i
Dominus fans should find much to appreciate when it comes to this recent addition to the Rocket League lineup. This sleek luxury car grants an easy learning curve for those used to the tried-and-true Dominus, as it sports a similar design and hitbox.
RELATED: Rocket League: Annoying Mistakes Every Player Makes
Like some other notable entries, this car plays a great ground game with its fairly large hitbox and great offensive potential. But being just a tad shorter, it can also round turns a little more sharply and play a slightly better mid-air game as well. As of this writing, this beast can be secured as part of a limited-time DLC bundle in the Item Shop for 1100 Credits.
14 Dingo
This one quietly hit the scene in mid-2021 and has become a go-to for many who favor the versatility of the Octane, with its similar body type. While it certainly looks the part with its appealing neon green design, it also boasts great mechanics to back it up.
RELATED: Hot Wheels Unleashed: The Biggest Fixes The Game Needs
The car comes with sharp, smooth turning, even-keeled handling, and a fairly large, squared hitbox to boot. This Dingo won’t be swiping any babies, but it certainly has the potential to steal some games. This car can be picked up via the Auriga Series Blueprint.
13 Outlaw
In terms of recent additions, few cars feel and play more like the tried-and-true Octane than this rebel. Featured in the Season 4 Rocket Pass, this car swiftly made a name for itself amidst an already robust lineup with its sleek aesthetic, reliability, and high performance.
While it drives sharp and smoothly, the Outlaw is also somewhat sizable, making it capable defensively as well. While it may not win over series vets as a “main” choice, the Outlaw can slot in nicely as an alternative car to mix things up a bit.
12 Twin Mill III
Because of its gimmicky Hot Wheels design, this is not a popular choice for many. But in reality, this Plank car can come in handy in almost any match. For those who prefer a defensive role throughout the game, the length and width of the car are perfect for deflecting hits from the sidelines or passes.
But for the more aggressive players, the Twin Mill III’s flat, wide, and short “nose” is perfect for ball control and straight-on hits. Players have to get used to the feel and style of this car, but that can be said for any other car in the game. For the players who don’t mind the Hot Wheels style, this could be a favorite. This licensed battle-car is only available via DLC.
11 Bone Shaker
This beast is another representative of the Hot Wheels squad. Once again, an overlooked vehicle because of its gimmicky look, but in fact, it’s a real asset and functions very well with its Octane design. Because of the Bone Shaker’s massive size and flat top, it’s a great car for those aggressive plays and impressive passes.
Its stats are surprisingly close to the popular Octane car. It truly looks like a toy and fits right in with the game’s style. Plus, the Bone Shaker is actually a great addition to the game. This car is available only to those who purchased the Hot Wheels DLC pack.
10 Breakout
The Breakout is one of the three default cars in Rocket League, alongside Octane and Merc, coming with its own Breakout body type. Although it’s not as popular as the Octane, it’s a close second or third for many. It’s a fairly safe choice for newer players and a popular one for high-ranked veterans, with its large hitbox that’s great for defense.
RELATED: Rocket League: How To Progress To Diamond
Breakout is great at leading balls and passing, and its flat top allows a lot of impressive maneuvers. The only big downside to this vehicle is its clumsiness in the air, but once a player gets used to the funky handling, it can hold its own mid-air as well. This one can be unlocked by completing a certain threshold of matches.
9 Endo
The Endo in design is a bit boxier than other popular cars in the game. While it lacks in cornering, this Hybrid type is one of the best cars for those mid-air handling. In width and height, Endo is similar to Octane, but its length gives it a true advantage in the game, as it’s visibly longer.
This car’s handling feels great, and those mid-air moments are fantastic and a great asset throughout the game. It also looks awesomely elegant, with its lean but strong exterior. This sleek little car can be had from the Turbo Crate blueprint.
8 Aftershock
A lot of fans love this little powerhouse. It looks like a hyperactive child and acts like it too. Its incredible speed and reaction to strong turns are absolutely flawless, making the Aftershock one of the best cars when it comes to handling.
In terms of handling and body type, it’s similar to the Dominus, so people who use one usually can easily switch to the other. While this little car looks like a cardboard box on wheels, it does have a fairly heavy feel when driving; but that only gives it a more stable, grounded feel. Initially part of the Rocket League Collector’s Edition, it was soon made available in mid-2016 as DLC content.
7 Nimbus
Those seeking to branch out from the similarly large, heavy Dominus may want to give this overlooked vehicle a try. The Nimbus sports a Hybrid design that’s a bit more middle-of-the-road in terms of its hitbox and mechanics. It shares some Dominus qualities while having a bit more versatility and quickness.
Its relatively flat top and slender build make it great for ball control and scoring. However, the Nimbus can still be a presence defensively and can be at least functional in the air. Get this underrated vehicle by way of the Elevation Crate.
6 Marauder
The Marauder is another underrated choice, and being a part of Rocket League’s DLC package doesn’t help its cause. But although the exterior doesn’t give it away, this car has close relations to the Octane, one of the best cars in the game.
RELATED: Ranking All of Rocket League’s Platform-Exclusive Cars
This monstrosity of a machine is perfect for defensive plays and more of a goalie role, passing shots back before it’s too late. The Marauder’s enormous and intimidating look is off-putting for some, and the handling is not as smooth because of it, but because it’s so massive, it can serve hits like no other and is perfect for defending the goal. A true asset, this car is definitely one to look out for. Once a Collector’s Edition car, it was made available for purchase separately in mid-2016.
5 Mantis
The Mantis’ design is incredible. Its length is perfect for players to defend the ball for a long amount of time, but it’s not too long, making its handling amazing. The Plank car has the best boosting and turning in the entire game, and because of its lean design, its mid-air handling is great as well.
Because of its great mid-air performance, easy handling, and design, the Mantis is great for more defensive gameplay. It’s also a very fun car to drive, players who’ve tried it fall in love in a heartbeat. The car can be obtained via the Nitro Crate blueprint.
4 Batmobile
The Batmobile is the chef’s kiss of cars in Rocket League. The design is immaculate, giving perfect Dark Knight chills. Players will see a lot of Batmobiles at higher levels and is a very popular choice for a number of reasons.
RELATED: Every Batman Arkham Game, Ranked From Worst To Best (According To Metacritic)
As a unique Dominus-type car, it’s the longest car in the game and has an angular design that allows players to make precise shots like a dream. The Batmobile’s wide and flat body makes this car perform very well in the air as well. A few cars that are most similar to this beast therefore honorable mentions: the Artemis, Centio, and Sentinel. Initially available from the DC Super Heroes DLC pack, this car is unfortunately no longer available since Patch v1.70.
3 Fennec
As a boxier alternative to Octane with a touch of Merc and Dominus, this has fast become one of the most popular cars for pros and casual players alike. It makes sense, given its solid build and its versatile nature. For many, the Fennec has become the best car; a go-to on par with Dominus and Octane with its solid air mechanics and powerful shooting.
This is the first (and remains the only) vehicle body release via Special Event Crate (Totally Awesome Crate). Though it can also be obtained through Blueprints.
2 Dominus
After the Octane, this is the most popular car that is seen at high levels. It’s easy to handle, performs great mid-air, and handles corners perfectly. It’s the best of both worlds, performing like a dream both on the ground and in the air. This is often viewed as the best Rocket League car for slightly more seasoned players, though it’s quite newbie-friendly too.
What’s more, Dominus looks absolutely flawless. With that elongated front, with the little details and the colors, the Dominus gives classic muscle car vibes and makes any player feel like a million bucks. A true asset throughout the gameplay, great for offense and defense, players stay loyal to this gem.
1 Octane
The Octane is the number one favorite car of almost all players, and the only reason that’s surprising is that it’s one of the default cars in the game. Amateurs and pros enjoy this car equally, staying loyal to it throughout their time in Rocket League. The Octane is literally flawless: it has an immaculate design, handles like a dream, and fits every sharp corner like a glove.
The Octane’s design is thought out very well, making the car to be able to maneuver with the ball both on the ground and in the air effortlessly. Although most players like to switch around and experiment with various vehicles, most people turn back right to where they started. It’s one of those rare moments when a car is a jack of all trades, and also a king of all.
Rocket League is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
MORE: Best Racing Games Ever Made (According To Metacritic)