Rocket League teases new 'boost timer' feature, players crash out
Polygon
by Claire LewisFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Rocket League’s upcoming Season 22 has sparked intense controversy among players due to the rumored addition of a “boost timer” feature, as teased in a short trailer by developer Psyonix. This feature would allow players to see the remaining time on boost pads, which refill after being used. While some fans welcome this change as a way to help new players learn the game mechanics, others, particularly high-level and competitive players, are furious. They argue that the ability to predict boost pad refresh times is a key skill that adds depth to the game, and removing that challenge could undermine their hard-earned expertise.
The trailer shows a player instinctively timing their boosts perfectly without any visible timer, but many believe this is hinting at an official boost timer feature arriving soon. This change has drawn comparisons to recent updates like the removal of cosmetic trading in 2023, which also angered players and eroded trust in Psyonix under Epic Games’ oversight. Competitive players feel that their mastery of game mechanics could be diluted by this new tool, making the game less skill-based for high-ranked matches.
For lower-ranked players, the boost timer might indeed improve accessibility and reduce frustration. However, veteran players argue that this feature should not be universally applied across all modes or ranks. Some suggest it could be implemented only in lower tiers (Bronze/Silver/Gold) to help newer players while leaving higher ranks untouched. Others believe that skilled players shouldn’t lose their edge just to make the game easier for others.
The debate reflects broader gaming culture tensions between balancing accessibility for new players and preserving the skill ceiling for competitive play. While updates aimed at newbie-friendly features are often well-intentioned, they can alienate core communities who feel their mastery is being overlooked. As Rocket League approaches its next season, how Psyonix handles this feature will be crucial to maintaining player trust and engagement.
Ultimately, whether the boost timer is a positive or negative change depends on your perspective: for casual players, it could make the game more enjoyable and less frustrating, while for competitive players, it risks overshadowing their hard-earned expertise. The outcome of this controversy will likely shape how Rocket League evolves in its next season and beyond.
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Originally published on Polygon on 2/23/2026