How to play Rocket League Heatseeker mode

Master Rocket League’s fastest mode.
rocket league heatseeker
Written By Eray Eliaçık

Reviewed by : Naim Rosinski

(Content Manager & Editor)

Last UpdatedDecember 18, 2025 at 12:13PM
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Rocket League Heatseeker is one of the most popular limited-time modes in Rocket League. It changes the core gameplay by turning the ball into a goal-seeking projectile, creating fast, intense matches that focus on reaction speed, positioning, and teamwork rather than traditional shooting accuracy.

This RL guide explains what Rocket League Heatseeker mode is, how to play it, and the tips you need to know.

What is Rocket League Heatseeker mode?

Rocket League Heatseeker is a special game mode where the ball automatically targets the opponent’s goal after being hit. Instead of aiming shots manually, players influence the ball’s direction by where and how they touch it.

Key characteristics of Rocket League Heatseeker:

  • The ball homes toward the opposing net after each touch
  • Ball speed increases with every hit
  • Boost is unlimited in most versions
  • Matches are usually first to 7 goals
  • Most commonly played in 2v2 or 3v3

The result is a mode that feels closer to high-speed pong than standard Rocket League.

How to play Rocket League Heatseeker

Rocket League Heatseeker appears in the special game mode rotation or in Ranked 2v2 Heatseeker (as of the latest updates including Ranked). Just:

  • Select Play 
  • Choose your game mode
  • Hit the Heatseeker option.
rocket league heatseeker
rocket league heatseeker

3 things you should know before playing Rocket League Heatseeker

  1. Demolitions are very effective in Rocket League Heatseeker:
    • Removing a defender often guarantees a goal
    • Bumps are safer than demos if you miss
    • Best used by the pressure player, not the goalie
    • Use demos strategically, not constantly.
  2. Reading the ball early. Because the ball accelerates quickly:
    • Watch its trajectory, not just its current position
    • Pre-jump when the speed becomes extreme
    • Stay calm and let the ball come to you
    • Good reads matter more than flashy mechanics.
  3. Aerial control matters. While Rocket League Heatseeker does not require advanced shots:
    • Basic aerial control is essential
    • You must reach fast, high balls consistently
    • Boost management still matters for positioning
    • Unlimited boost does not mean careless movement.
Credit: Rocket League
Credit: Rocket League

So, don’t make these mistakes

Most goals conceded in Rocket League Heatseeker come from positioning errors, not mechanical mistakes.

  • Double-committing on defense
  • Sitting inside the goal instead of in front of it
  • Jumping too early on slow balls
  • Ignoring teamwork and playing solo

Rocket League Heatseeker is a unique mode that rewards smart positioning, fast reactions, and teamwork over traditional shooting skill. By focusing on defense, learning redirects, and understanding ball behavior, any player can improve quickly.

Whether you play casually or competitively, mastering Rocket League Heatseeker will make you a stronger, more adaptable Rocket League player overall.

That’s all for today! Looking for more Rocket League guides? Check out these:

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Eray Eliaçık

Meet Eray, a tech enthusiast passionate about AI, crypto, gaming, and more. Eray is always looking into new developments, exploring unique topics, and keeping up with the latest trends in the tech industry, and gaming is the sweetest spot.

Eray has been rocking it as a news manager and content creator at spots like, TechBriefly, Gamelevate, Softonic, and various tech realms. Crafting over 2k tech articles, Eray captivated millions of readers for over three years.

Now, over at THESPIKE, Eray is a content writer, blending the love for spinning stories and helpful guides for all-things gaming.

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