Trading Is Coming Back To Rocket League: When & Why?

Rocket League's trading system was a core feature that allowed players to exchange items with one another, fostering a vibrant in-game economy and community. However, since it was removed in December last year, fans have been eagerly waiting for its return. Now, there's evidence that suggests trading could indeed be making a comeback. Let’s explore the reasons behind this speculation and when trading might return.

Why Trading Might Be Coming Back in Rocket League?

Here are the main reasons that make community thinking the trading will back into Rocket League:

1. Hints in the Game Files

One of the most significant clues comes from Rocket League’s game files. According to Pickapixel, some sources found that upcoming items have trade locks. Why would trade locks exist if trading isn’t in the game anymore? Back in the day, trade locks would prevent players from immediately trading items bought from the item shop or credits purchased with real money. These items would be locked for a week before being eligible for trade.

With trading currently removed, the discovery of trade locks in the game files suggests that Epic Games may be preparing for the return of trading.

2. The Decline of Rocket Racing

Rocket Racing, a Fortnite spin-off, was a major reason trading was removed from Rocket League. Epic Games wanted to prevent cross-game item trading between Rocket League and Fortnite-related titles, especially Rocket Racing. But recently, Rocket Racing has entered a maintenance phase, with no major updates expected.

According to the latest announcement, "future updates will be taking new roads with refreshed ranked periods, renewed quests, and additional car items you can take to the track." This suggests that Rocket Racing didn’t generate the excitement Epic Games hoped for. With the decline of Rocket Racing, some believe Epic Games might try to win back Rocket League players by bringing back trading.

3. Epic Games' Response to Declining Player Bases

Epic Games has shown that they are willing to make big changes to revive their games. A prime example is OG Fortnite’s return when Fortnite started losing momentum. This was a huge success and brought many players back.

Given the addition of trade-locked items in Rocket League’s code, some think that Epic may try a similar approach with Rocket League. Pickapixel even claimed that sources told him trading is coming back, although the exact details and timing are still unclear.

4. Rocket League Esports & Player Base Struggles

Rocket League’s competitive scene is also facing challenges. Team BDS, one of the most successful teams, recently announced their indefinite departure from the game, citing the "economic realities of Rocket League and the resources allocated by the publisher to the Esports scene."

With Rocket League Esports declining, bringing back trading could be a way to revitalize the game and attract players who left after trading was removed.

When Could Trading Return in Rocket League?

So, when might trading return? While there is no official confirmation, several clues suggest we might not have to wait much longer.

First, December 5th marks the one-year anniversary of trading's removal. Dbob speculates that this could be a significant date and a symbolic moment for Rocket League to reintroduce trading. It would be fitting for Epic Games to bring trading back as a goodwill gesture to the community around this time.

Additionally, recent updates to the game's code, particularly those related to trade locks, could indicate that Rocket League is preparing for an update that includes trading. As Dbob notes, Rocket League often pre-loads updates into the game's code well before they are officially released. The appearance of trade-related files suggests that trading could be reintroduced in a future update, possibly with the release of Season 17.

Another interesting point raised by Dbob is the potential connection between the downfall of Rocket Racing and the return of trading. With Rocket Racing no longer receiving major updates, the original reason for removing trading may no longer apply. Epic Games might be looking to revive interest in Rocket League and boost player engagement by restoring a beloved feature.

Finally, there have been rumors from sources close to the game that trading will indeed return. While these are unconfirmed, Dbob mentions that he has heard from trustworthy sources that trading is on the way back. This aligns with the growing sentiment within the Rocket League community that trading will return soon.

While nothing is confirmed yet, the evidence is compelling. From trade-locked items in the game files to the decline of Rocket Racing and the growing pressure from the community, all signs point to the potential return of trading in Rocket League. Could we see it happen as soon as December 5th? Only time will tell.