Rocket League Update: Haunted Hallows Event and Trading Removal in Patch v2.33
Rocket League continues to captivate its player base with fresh content and engaging gameplay, maintaining a steady average player count of 8,340 across platforms. The latest update, Patch v2.33, released on October 17, 2023, ushers in the much-anticipated Haunted Hallows event, alongside significant gameplay changes and bug fixes. This article delves into everything players need to know about the newest update, its features, and what lies ahead for the Rocket League community.
Haunted Hallows v2.33: A Spooky Celebration
One of the standout features of Patch v2.33 is the introduction of the Haunted Hallows event, which officially kicks off on October 18 at 9 a.m. PDT (4 p.m. UTC). This seasonal event brings a Halloween-themed twist to Rocket League, offering players a chance to unlock exclusive items by completing Haunted Hallows Event Challenges. The event runs through early November, giving players ample time to dive into the festivities.
Among the new content, players can earn items from Golden Pumpkins, which are now eligible for trade-up, adding an extra layer of excitement to item collection and customization. Two limited-time modes (LTMs) enhance the event’s appeal: the Spooky Cube LTM, available from October 18 to October 24, and the Haunted Heatseeker LTM, which runs from October 24 to November 1. Both modes provide unique gameplay experiences tailored to the Halloween theme.
Additionally, the Farmstead (Spooky) arena is introduced, though its availability is limited to the Haunted Hallows LTMs, rather than standard Private Matches, Exhibition Matches, or Free Play. This ensures the spooky atmosphere remains exclusive to the event, enhancing the immersive experience for players during the Halloween season.
Major Gameplay Changes: The End of Player-to-Player Trading
Patch v2.33 also marks a significant turning point for Rocket League’s economy with the announcement that player-to-player trading will be removed on December 5, 2023. To prepare players for this change, a new text has been added to the “All Trades Are Final” pop-up window that appears when initiating a trade, serving as a clear heads-up about the upcoming removal.
This decision has sparked considerable discussion within the community, as trading has been a core feature for customizing vehicles and acquiring rare items. While Psyonix has not detailed all the reasons behind this move in the patch notes, players are encouraged to learn more about the removal process through official channels. The change is expected to shift the way players obtain and exchange items, potentially increasing the importance of event challenges, direct purchases, and other in-game methods for item acquisition.
Hitbox Adjustments and Arena Updates
In addition to event content and trading changes, Patch v2.33 includes adjustments to vehicle hitboxes, which can subtly influence gameplay dynamics. The hitboxes on the Formula 1 2021 Car and Formula 1 2022 Car have been changed from the Dominus hitbox to the Plank hitbox, with corresponding adjustments to hitbox positioning. This tweak may affect vehicle handling and collision interactions, especially for players who prefer these cars in competitive or casual play.
The update also addresses a bug with the Neo Tokyo (Hacked) arena, which was introduced in Patch v2.32. Previously, the arena had inconsistencies with its boost pad and collision mesh. With v2.33, Neo Tokyo (Hacked) now uses the same arena and boost pad collision mesh as other arenas, ensuring a fair and consistent playing field. This correction is particularly important for players who enjoy the new arena in Private Matches, Training, and Free Play modes.
Bug Fixes and Quality of Life Improvements
Patch v2.33 brings numerous bug fixes aimed at improving the overall player experience. Notable fixes include resolving a softlock issue that occurred when returning to the Main Menu after selecting a Private Tournament while using a mouse in the Tournaments menu. This fix will smooth out navigation for tournament organizers and participants alike.
Customization options have also been enhanced. The Ombre Decal on the Nissan Silvia and Porsche 911 Turbo can now be customized with Paint Finishes, allowing for greater personalization of these popular vehicles. Additionally, a bug that prevented some players from seeing or accepting the updated End User License Agreement (EULA) in the game client has been resolved, ensuring compliance and transparency.
Graphics-related issues have not been overlooked. A bug causing light artifacts for some AMD GPU users when using the Bloom advanced video setting has been fixed, though it requires the installation of AMD’s Adrenalin Edition 23.8.1 or newer drivers. This fix will help maintain visual fidelity and performance for affected players.
Looking Back: Patch v2.32 and Season 12 Launch
It’s worth noting that Patch v2.33 builds upon the foundation laid by Patch v2.32, which launched in early September alongside the start of Season 12. Patch v2.32 introduced the Neo Tokyo (Hacked) arena and updated Champions Field to feature an RLCS 2022-23 World Champions Team Vitality banner, celebrating competitive Rocket League’s latest champions.
Season 12 also brought various UI improvements and bug fixes, such as preventing random freezes when leaving matches, fixing issues with Blueprint thumbnails, and ensuring XP Level Up notifications only appear when a level is actually gained. These ongoing refinements demonstrate Psyonix’s commitment to maintaining a polished and enjoyable gameplay experience.
Conclusion: A Season of Change and Celebration
Rocket League’s Patch v2.33 is a pivotal update that blends festive content with major systemic changes. The Haunted Hallows event offers players a fresh and thrilling way to engage with the game’s vibrant community, while the impending removal of player-to-player trading signals a new chapter in how players acquire and share items.
With hitbox adjustments, arena fixes, and a host of bug resolutions, this update ensures Rocket League remains balanced, accessible, and visually impressive. As the game continues to evolve, players can look forward to more seasonal events, competitive seasons, and gameplay innovations that keep the Rocket League experience exciting and dynamic.
For the latest details on known issues and future updates, players should keep an eye on official Rocket League channels and patch notes. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, now is a great time to jump back into Rocket League and experience the thrills of the Haunted Hallows season.