What is Rule 1 in Rocket League?

"Bonded, you and I."

Rocket League car controlling the ball
Screengrab via Psyonix

When games are at their early stages of development, the developers create the base rules of how a game should be played. In the case of Rocket League, the rules are simple—the ultimate objective is to score goals while trying not to concede any, just like soccer.

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In addition to the regular rules, players can develop additional ones along the way, like “Rule One.” It’s an unofficial rule amongst Rocket League’s player base, and it was even acknowledged in the game’s pro scene.

Rule 1 in Rocket League is a maneuver that players can execute strategically. So, here’s what Rule 1 is and what it means for players.

 What does Rule One mean in Rocket League?

Two Rocket League players driving into each other and committing to the Rule 1
Screengrab via Mav – Rocket League

Rule One refers to two players driving into each other and getting stuck. According to Rule One, stuck head-to-head players aren’t allowed to break the lock.

A lock is the action taking place in Rocket League’s Rule 1. It is the act of two players driving into each other without breaking, getting locked together.

To apply Rule One, players must hold down the gas pedal after getting stuck. While the two players are stuck, their teams will continue the match.

The lock breaks when either Rocket League team scores.

What happens if you break Rule One in Rocket League?

Considering players aren’t technically required to abide by Rule One, they’ll have the option to break the lock. When that’s the case, however, their teammates may resolve the situation by scoring their own goal: breaking Rule One can be deemed offensive by veteran players.

Any lock breaking is only accepted when it happens due to outside factors, like another player accidentally crashing into the lock.

Does Rocket League’s Rule One apply to teammates?

The answer will depend on the players’ teammates. If your teammate continues to hold down the gas pedal, it might indicate that they’d like to apply Rule One. In a two-vs-two matchup, applying Rule One to your teammates can be less than ideal since your opponents will be able to score freely.

To be sure, players can quickly use voice chat in Rocket League and clarify whether their teammates would like to apply Rule One on the fly (and why wouldn’t they?).


Now that you understand the player-made Rule 1 in Rocket League, you can avoid getting yelled at.

Author
Image of Gökhan Çakır
Gökhan Çakır
Gökhan is a Staff Writer and Fortnite Lead at Dot Esports. Gökhan graduated as an industrial engineer in 2020 and has since been with Dot Esports. As a natural-born gamer, he honed his skills to a professional level in Dota 2. Upon giving up on the Aegis of Champions in 2019, Gökhan started his writing career, covering all things gaming, while his heart remains a lifetime defender of the Ancients.
Author
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Austin Ernst
Austin is an Updates Writer and Fallout Fanatic. He founded his podcast channel, Shared Screens, and his words can be found at Six One Indie and TheGamer on top of writing for Gamurs. Austin is recently married as of October 2022, and has two Aussie dogs.