The Dark Side Returns: Star Wars x Rocket League Crossover Brings Massive Event

Rocket League and Star Wars have teamed up once again for an epic in-game crossover event, this time with a fierce focus on the dark side of the Force. After a previous collaboration that brought characters like Mandalorians and droids to the pitch, this year's celebration is bigger, darker, and filled with more exclusive content than ever before. The event kicks off May 2, 2025, and runs through May 16, offering limited-time game modes, new cosmetics, and both free and premium rewards.

This year's crossover is centered around a dark side invasion, bringing Sith lords, Stormtroopers, and even the Death Star to Rocket League. A new limited-time game mode called Car Wars throws players into a 2v2 showdown on the Force Field Arena, a reimagined version of the Rocket Labs "Loophole" map.

With a lightsaber-style spike rush mechanic, the mode promises fast, flashy gameplay under the looming eye of a holographic Death Star, and players score by targeting thermal exhaust ports, a clever nod to Luke Skywalker's legendary Death Star strike.

The collaboration also introduces a returning fan-favorite: GeForce Frenzy, a 3v3 mode from last year's Mandalorian Mayhem event, where players get unlimited boost at five times the standard power. The schedule for the limited-time modes includes Car Wars and GeForce Frenzy from May 2–7, followed by Car Wars and the beloved Splitshot mode from May 7–16.

One of the most exciting aspects of the event is the free content available through challenges. Players can unlock up to ten new Star Wars-themed items by completing in-game objectives. These include the iconic Stormtrooper topper, TIE Fighter topper, Force Lightning boost and trail, Empire wheels, and a Darth Vader player banner that fans are already calling one of the best in the game.

Completing 15 online matches also earns players a Golden Moon Crate, which can contain items from the Nitro, Overdrive, or Elevation series. The rewards don't stop there; repeatable XP challenges give players 20,000 XP per completion, helping accelerate Rocket Pass progression.

On the premium side, several bundles are hitting the Item Shop. The standout is the Porsche 911 GT3 RS Star Wars Bundle, which features new decals themed after Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and Captain Phasma. Players who already own the Porsche 911 GT3 RS won't need to repurchase the car, these new Star Wars decals will be added for free, a welcome bonus for longtime collectors.

The Dominus GT Star Wars Bundle takes inspiration from General Grievous, featuring a slick black Dominus GT with its own themed decal and several unique finishes. Priced at 800 credits, it's one of the more affordable bundles for players looking to embrace the power of the dark side without breaking the bank.

Perhaps most exciting for many is the Fennec Star Wars Bundle, which includes a rare black variant of the Fennec car—a highly sought-after item within the community. This bundle comes with a Darth Vader-themed decal, though some fans have noted it's a bit odd to have two different Vader decals on separate cars. Regardless, the inclusion of black Fennec makes this bundle especially attractive.

Beyond bundles, individual items like the Death Star Goal Explosion (2,000 credits), the Imperial March player anthem (300 credits), and Force Lightning boosts are also up for grabs. While these premium items come at a cost, many fans are applauding the decision to offer such generous free content alongside them. Notably, the Death Star explosion appears to consume the entire map—an effect likely to thrill Star Wars diehards.

This collaboration marks a significant moment in Rocket League's seasonal content, with many players already calling it one of the game's most exciting events in recent memory. The heavy emphasis on free rewards like the Stormtrooper Octane decal and TIE Fighter topper, ensures that even players who don't spend a single credit can walk away feeling like a true member of the Empire.

From the finely detailed decals to the cinematic game modes and nostalgic nods to iconic moments from the films, the Star Wars crossover is a stunning celebration of both franchises.

Whether you're gunning for the Death Star wheels, showing off the Darth Vader banner, or just diving into the chaotic thrill of Car Wars, there's something in this event for every player. The Force may not be strong in your Octane, but with this update, it definitely looks the part. Are you planning to pick up any of the bundles or stick with the free rewards?