Why Did Rocket League Remove Dropshot?

Abhimannu Das
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<div class="paragraphs"><p>Why Did Rocket League Remove Dropshot?</p></div>
Why Did Rocket League Remove Dropshot?

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Dropshot is a limited-time mode that is currently not available in Rocket League.
It was removed in June 2023 and reintroduced in November 2023 for a few days.

Dropshot is a unique take on Rocket League gameplay. This Limited Time Mode (LTM) has dynamic breakable floors and an electrified ball, all within the confines of a new hexagonal Arena, 'Core 707'. Instead of pushing the ball into your opponent’s goal, your objective is to destroy panels on the opposing team’s floor and score goals through those gaps. It is a fan-favorite mode that is currently not available in the game. If you are wondering why Rocket League removed Dropshot, here’s what you need to know.

Why Was Dropshot Removed From Rocket League?

The removal of Dropshot from Rocket League in July 2023 sparked quite a bit of discussion among players. While Psyonix, the game's developer, hasn't explicitly stated the exact reason for its removal, they did offer some insights:

Psyonix's data suggested that Dropshot wasn't as popular as other playlists, meaning longer queue times and potentially less-balanced matches.

The unique mechanics of Dropshot, especially the destructible floor, required a specific map design that didn't seamlessly integrate with other playlists. This added complexity to map development and maintenance.

Balancing Dropshot for both casual and competitive play proved challenging due to its distinct gameplay compared to standard Rocket League.

While some players miss the frenetic pace and strategic depth of Dropshot, others understand Psyonix's decision. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a fun and engaging experience for the majority of players, and balancing resources towards more popular and well-integrated playlists can serve that purpose.

Dropshot Rumble was reintroduced temporarily in November 2023 and it was available for a few days. There is enough interest in the LTM that Psyonix brought it back so if you miss the mode, it’s likely that you can play it in future events as well. As it stands, the game mode has been taken out of Rocket League with no word on when it will return.


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Abhimannu is a PC esports writer at AFK Gaming. With over seven years of experience in esports journalism, he has worked on a myriad of games and their ecosystems including Valorant, Overwatch and Apex Legends.