Why is Rocket League so laggy & how to fix it?

Stop lag, win more matches.
why is rocket league so laggy
Written By Eray Eliaçık

Reviewed by : Naim Rosinski

(Content Manager & Editor)

Last UpdatedJanuary 15, 2026 at 11:49AM
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If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is Rocket League so laggy?”, you’re not alone. Lag is one of the most common frustrations in the game, especially because Rocket League relies on fast reactions, precise movement, and accurate physics. Even small delays can completely change the outcome of a match.

The good news is that lag usually has clear causes, and in most cases, it can be fixed.

But first, what “lag” really means in Rocket League

Lag is not just one problem. In Rocket League, lag usually comes from one (or more) of the following:

  • Network issues (ping, packet loss, unstable connection)
  • Low or unstable FPS
  • Incorrect in-game or system settings
  • Background software or hardware limits
  • Server-side problems

Understanding which type of lag you’re experiencing is the first step to solving it.

8-step checklist to fix Rocket League lag fast

If Rocket League feels laggy, go through this list:

  1. Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
  2. Set the correct server region
  3. Close background apps
  4. Lower video settings
  5. Update drivers
  6. Disable V-Sync
  7. Cap FPS to your monitor
  8. Restart your router and PC
Credit: Epic Games
Credit: Epic Games

Deep dive into solutions & how to fix Rocket League lag

Lag in Rocket League usually comes from three main areas: network problems, system performance issues, and in-game or background settings that interfere with smooth gameplay. Some players experience high ping and packet loss, while others suffer from low FPS, stuttering, or hidden software conflicts. The symptoms may look similar in-game, but the causes—and fixes—are very different.

Network problems: The most common reason Rocket League is laggy

Issue

What’s Happening

How to Fix It

High Ping

Ping is the time it takes data to travel between your system and the game server. High ping causes delayed inputs, slow car movement, and inaccurate ball physics. Playing on servers far from your location makes high ping unavoidable.

• Set your matchmaking region manually to the closest server

• Avoid “Recommended” if it selects distant regions

• Play during off-peak hours when servers are less crowded

Packet Loss & Connection Instability

Packet loss occurs when data doesn’t reach the server correctly. This leads to teleporting cars, sudden ball movement, and rubber-banding.

• Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi

• Restart your router and modem regularly

• Stop downloads, streaming, and cloud backups while playing

• Replace old or low-quality network cables

Wi-Fi Interference

Even fast Wi-Fi can be unstable. Walls, other devices, and nearby networks can interrupt the signal, causing random lag spikes.

• Switch to Ethernet whenever possible (this alone fixes lag for many players instantly)

Credit: Nintendo
Credit: Nintendo

Performance issues: When your system is the problem

Issue

What’s Happening

How to Fix It

Low or Inconsistent FPS

Rocket League feels laggy when FPS drops or fluctuates, even with low ping. Frame drops make gameplay feel slow and unresponsive.

• Lower video settings (shadows, motion blur, weather effects)

• Disable background apps like browsers and launchers

• Cap FPS to your monitor’s refresh rate

• Avoid borderless mode if it causes stutter

Outdated Drivers

Old graphics or network drivers can cause stuttering, freezes, and input delay.

• Update GPU drivers

• Update network adapter drivers

• Keep your operating system updated

Slow Storage (HDD vs SSD)

Installing Rocket League on an older hard drive can cause loading stutters and in-game pauses.

• Move the game to an SSD if possible

Credit: r/rocketleague
Credit: r/rocketleague

In-game settings that can cause lag

Setting

Why It Causes Lag

What to Do

V-Sync

V-Sync reduces screen tearing but often adds input delay and causes frame pacing issues.

• Turn V-Sync off in most cases

• Only enable it if screen tearing is unbearable

Network Input Buffer

Controls how the game handles unstable connections and can affect responsiveness.

• Switch between “Default” and “CSTS” to see which feels smoother

Controller Vibration

Vibration can cause micro-stutters on some systems.

• Disable vibration in controller settings

Credit: r/rocketleague
Credit: r/rocketleague

Background software and overlays

Problem

Why It Causes Lag

What to Do

Background Apps & Overlays

Programs running in the background consume system resources and network bandwidth, causing lag without obvious signs.

• Disable unnecessary overlays (Discord, Steam, GPU tools)

• Close non-essential apps before launching the game

• Check Task Manager for high CPU, GPU, or network usage

When the lag is not your fault

Sometimes Rocket League is laggy even when your setup is perfect.

This can happen due to:

  • Server overload
  • Temporary server issues
  • Regional congestion during peak hours

Unfortunately, these problems cannot be fixed locally. Switching regions or playing later is often the only solution.

So, why is Rocket League so laggy?

In most cases, it comes down to network instability, performance limits, or incorrect settings. The game itself is well optimized, but it is extremely sensitive to small delays.

Credit: r/rocketleague
Credit: r/rocketleague

By identifying the type of lag you’re experiencing and applying the fixes above, you can eliminate most issues and enjoy smoother, more responsive gameplay—especially in competitive matches.

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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