As Rocket League celebrate its third birthday, the game’s developer Psyonix shows no signs of slowing down. In a blog post published earlier today, Psyonix revealed the drop rates for Rocket League’s in-game crates. These drop rates (which, according to Psyonix, have been unchanged since the game launched the “Crates and Keys” system in September 2016) seem simultaneously predictable and slightly insidious.
The drop rates for Rocket League’s crates are as follows:
Rare Item: 55%
Very Rare Item: 28%
Import Item: 12%
Exotic Item: 4%
Black Market Item: 1%
Chance of receiving Painted attribute: 25%
Chance of receiving Certified attribute: 25%
While Psyonix never disclosed exactly why they were disclosing these drop rates now, the developer stated that they were releasing the information “ahead of some of the major changes coming to Rocket League later this summer.” These changes include the game’s new “Rocket Pass” as well as its “revamped progression system.”
Perhaps Psyonix should be commended for disclosing the drop rates on their own volition, however, the actual rates themselves are somewhat jarring. While it’s understandable that Psyonix would want to keep the most sought after Rocket League customizations rare, the Black Market Item’s 1% drop rate feels almost predatory. Rocket League die-hards and collectors alike would have to open countless crates for the opportunity to get even a single Black Market Item.
Psyonix has already proven that Rocket League’s progression system could work without crates altogether. During the game’s anniversary event (which, coincidentally, ends today) players earned special balloons that could be used to buy customizations directly. These quid-pro-quo exchanges benefit both parties; they allow Psyonix to engage their community and entice them with new items while allowing Rocket League players to get a drip-feed of new content.
Even if Psyonix doesn’t want to get rid of crates altogether, they could still make the contents of each crate purchasable. Asking players to pay for in-game cosmetics is one thing, however, forcing them to roll the dice to get their hands on items is another.
Rocket League is now available for Windows, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.