Rocket League Brand New Split Shot Game Mode Tips and Gameplay

Rocket League has introduced a game-changing mode called Split Shot. This exciting addition brings a fresh twist to the gameplay: players cannot cross into the opponent’s half of the field unless they are aerialing. Touching the ground, walls, or ceiling on the opponent’s side immediately eliminates the player, forcing a completely new style of play. Scoring now requires innovative approaches, creative aerial maneuvers, and precise teamwork.

To explore this new experience, a group of us a mix of players, content creators, and casters—teamed up to test Split Shot. Each game brought a mix of incredible plays, hilarious mistakes, and surprising discoveries about how this mode changes the flow of Rocket League.

Game 1: Adapting to the Rules

The first game took place on a snowy map, creating a nostalgic start to our session. Everyone brought their own flair to the team, with one rocking an RLCS Analyst blue tag and another brandishing an SSL rank tag. While some had seen clips of others playing Split Shot, it was our first time experiencing it together.

It didn’t take long to notice how different this mode feels. If you cross the halfway line and touch any surface, the game muffles your audio to simulate being “underwater,” signaling that you’re vulnerable to being demoed. It’s a clever design that forces players to constantly stay alert and adapt their strategies.

The game was filled with experimentation. One teammate attempted a peak aerial setup, only to be hilariously interrupted by another teammate who misread the play. Another tried to chain ground resets to stay in the action as long as possible. Despite the chaotic start, the team adjusted quickly, and it became clear that Split Shot rewards creativity and teamwork.

The match ended in a win, but not before our opponents left mid-game after struggling to keep up. The unique mechanics, combined with the challenge of staying aerial, made this mode an incredibly fun and refreshing experience.

Game 2: Trash Talk Meets Aerial Tech

The second game started with some pre-match drama. The opposing team boldly typed “easy” in chat before kickoff, setting the tone for a match filled with competitive energy and some light trash talk.

One major discovery in this game was the “tech kickoff.” By jumping into the ball at the kickoff, players could immediately get airborne, maintaining momentum and staying in play without risking elimination. This strategy quickly became a favorite, as it allowed for better positioning and faster reactions.

The match itself was full of highlights. One teammate managed a double flip reset, showcasing the kind of airborne creativity this mode encourages. However, there were also moments of overcommitment, such as teammates accidentally crossing the line and demoing themselves. “I keep forgetting I can’t drive across,” one player admitted, capturing the learning curve of this new style of play.

Toward the end, the opponents’ confidence faded. After trash-talking early, they couldn’t keep up with the team’s coordination and eventually left the match. The win felt satisfying, but the team agreed that Split Shot would be even better against higher-level players.

Game 3: Experimenting with Mechanics

In the third game, the focus shifted to understanding some of the mode’s more subtle mechanics. The red blinking ball caught everyone’s attention, leading to questions about its purpose. After some testing, it became clear that the ball blinks red if it stays on one side of the field for too long. If no one moves it back across the centerline, it resets to the middle. This mechanic prevents stalling and keeps the pace of the game fast and intense.

This match also saw plenty of creative attempts at aerial plays. One player tried combining ceiling resets with psycho shots, while another went for a pogo shot—a bold move that nearly worked. The team also discovered that if a player bumps their teammate into a surface on the opponent’s side, it counts as a self-demo. This led to some hilarious moments of unintentional eliminations and teammates blaming each other for their mishaps.

By the end of the game, the team secured another win. The growing familiarity with Split Shot’s mechanics made for smoother gameplay and more coordinated efforts. While there were still plenty of missed opportunities, everyone agreed that the mode encourages a level of creativity not often seen in standard Rocket League.

Game 4: Perfect Execution

By the fourth game, the team had found their rhythm. The opponents this time seemed more skilled, but even they struggled to keep up with the team’s refined strategies. One player pulled off a no-look shot, which they joked felt more natural than aiming normally.

The slight Boomer mode effect on the ball became more noticeable in this match. The ball’s heavier feel and faster speed added new challenges, but it also allowed for more powerful rebounds and long-range shots. This change balanced out the inability to get close to the net, making aerial accuracy even more important.

The highlight of this game was a perfectly executed team play. After a teammate set up a shot off the wall, another player redirected it with a clean aerial touch into the net. The opponents, though initially competitive, couldn’t recover from the momentum shift and eventually gave up.

What Makes Split Shot Special?

Split Shot is more than just a new mode—it’s a unique way of playing Rocket League that forces players to think differently. Key features include:

1. Aerial-Only Restrictions: Players must stay airborne on the opponent’s half, creating a fast-paced and strategic environment.

2. Creative Playmaking: The mode demands innovative approaches to scoring, from flip resets to unpredictable aerial redirects.

3. Boomer Mode Influence: The slight increase in ball speed and weight adds an exciting dynamic to the gameplay.

Ideas for Improvement

While Split Shot is already a fantastic addition, there are a few ways it could be made even better:

1. Private Matches: Adding Split Shot to private match settings would allow players to customize their experience, experimenting with setups like 1v1s, 2v2s, or even 4v4s.

2. Ranked Playlist: Introducing a competitive Split Shot mode would raise the stakes and attract higher-level players looking for a challenge.

3. Pro-Level Lobbies: Watching pros tackle Split Shot would be incredible, as their creativity and mechanics would push the mode to its limits.

Split Shot is an exciting addition to Rocket League that offers a fresh perspective on gameplay. The aerial restrictions, unique mechanics, and increased emphasis on creativity make it a standout mode that challenges players to think differently.

The group thoroughly enjoyed the experience, with plenty of laughs, memorable plays, and new strategies emerging along the way. For those who haven’t tried it yet, Split Shot offers something new for casual players and veterans alike.

If you’d like to see this mode explored further with professional players, content creators, or in tournaments, let us know in the comments. Until then, see you on the field!