Rocket League makes sure that new players learn the basics before they enter Competitive mode. The game now requires every new account to complete New Driver Challenges first. These tasks guide players through essential skills, unlock starter items, and help set a fair starting rank for Competitive play. This piece goes over what you need to know about Rocket League Driver Challenges, different types of challenges, and more!

What are driver challenges in Rocket League?

New Driver Challenges are mandatory tasks for every new account created after Rocket League became free-to-play. They appear under the “New Driver” tab in the Challenges menu and stay there until all tasks finish. Rocket League players cannot enter Competitive Playlists until these challenges are complete or the account reaches Level 20.

Once all tasks are complete, the “New Driver” tab disappears, and the account gains access to the full Challenge menu. Competitive Playlists stay locked until that point, so skipping is not possible.

Structure of the challenges and rewards

Driver Challenges reward players with cosmetic items that expand their garage. The rewards include car bodies such as Hotshot, boosts like Flamethrower, wheels such as Bender and Falco, and paint finishes like Corroded Metal and Matte. Antennas, banners, and toppers also appear as prizes. All of these items are common rarity and give new players variety and style.

The challenges focus on simple but essential game actions. They require players to complete matches, score goals, and use boosts. Each task gives progress toward unlocking the next set of rewards. By the time players finish the list, they have a much broader selection of cars and accessories to use in every mode.

Ranking and competitive play

Driver Challenges are the key to Competitive mode. Players must complete them before they can enter ranked matches. This change replaced the old Level 20 requirement. It also gives Rocket League a way to measure skill as players advance through each challenge.

The system places new players in starting RL ranks that match their real performance. This prevents beginners from facing highly skilled opponents right away and reduces the chance of “smurfing,” where experienced players create new accounts to overpower less experienced ones. 

How the system has changed over time

Before Season 20, players only needed to reach Level 20 to access Competitive playlists. After the Free to Play launch, that rule stayed in place for a while. The introduction of Driver Challenges replaced it with a more structured process. New accounts now see the New Driver tab as soon as they start, and they cannot enter Competitive play until the listed tasks are complete.

This approach focuses less on the number of matches played and more on proven skills and achievements. It gives new players meaningful progress and makes the early game more engaging.

Why should new players complete Driver Challenges in Rocket League?

Driver Challenges give clear direction from the first session. They guide players through scoring, movement, and boost control while also teaching how to handle different game situations. By following these tasks, players understand key mechanics and build confidence.

The rewards make early gameplay richer. Unlocking extra cars and cosmetic items lets each player customize their experience and develop a unique style. It also keeps players motivated, since every completed challenge leads to new items and visible progress.

Some players may feel impatient about the extra steps before entering ranked matches. Those eager to compete right away might see the process as a delay. Clear instructions are essential because confusing tasks can slow progress. In rare cases, players might lose interest if they stop before completing all requirements.

However, most players benefit from the structured start. The rewards and skill checks outweigh the small delay.

Tips for finishing driver challenges fast

Open the New Driver tab right away and read each requirement. Play casual matches to meet goals like scoring and match completion. Use training modes to sharpen control and aim so that matches go smoother. Work through tasks in order, collecting easy rewards first. Equip unlocked items as you go to enjoy the benefits while still working on the harder goals.

Different types of challenges in Rocket League

While working through Driver Challenges, players also learn about the main challenge types that exist in Rocket League. These categories stay in the game after the New Driver tab is gone:

Season Challenges

• Run for the length of the current Rocket League season, usually a few months.
• Contain tasks of varying difficulty, from simple match completions to advanced gameplay goals.
• Offer larger rewards such as rare cosmetics, tournament credits, and XP boosts.
• Unlock gradually as the season progresses.

Weekly Challenges

• Refresh every week.
• Give simple goals like winning a set number of matches, scoring goals, or earning MVP awards.
• Offer steady XP and item drops to help players level up their Rocket Pass.

Event Challenges

• Appear only during limited-time events like Halloween or Frosty Fest.
• Provide themed tasks and special event currency that can be traded for exclusive items.
• End when the event ends, so rewards are unique to that event.

Competitive or Ranked Challenges

• Unlock after completing New Driver Challenges.
• Reward progress in ranked modes, such as winning a certain number of Competitive matches.
• Offer season-specific titles and tournament credits for higher-ranked players.

Special or Limited-Time Challenges

• Added when Psyonix runs collaborations or time-limited game modes.
• Examples include crossover promotions or anniversary missions.
• Provide unique rewards tied to that short-term content.