If you have ever played in or spectated a top-ranked game of Rocket League, you'll notice most players driving the Octane and Fennec. However, this isn't an aesthetic choice by any means. There's actually a very meticulous reason behind this and knowing it is essential to becoming a Rocket League pro yourself.

This guide explains to you why Rocket League pros prefer using the Octane and Fennec. Why these cars give players an edge and how to make the most of them in ranked. So, if you're curious to learn more about the science of Rocket League, this guide has you covered.

Why All the Rocket League Pros Prefer the Octane & Fennec

The Octane hitbox is the reason why Rocket League pros use the Octane and Fennec car bodies. If you don't know what a hitbox is, it's the invisible colliding property of an object in a game.

Image courtesy of Trelgne - original Reddit post

To explain this in easier terms, take the Octane car body, for example. It has a funky sort of shape. The hood is curved, and there is also a spoiler at the back. If you hit the ball with Octane's spoiler, you would expect it to move as soon as the spoiler touches the ball. However, in reality, it's a bit different. There is an invisible rectangular hitbox present inside the Octane car body. When that hitbox touches the ball, only then will the ball move.

In Rocket League, Octane's invisible hitbox doesn't fully stretch across the spoiler at the back. So, if you hit the ball with just the tip of the Octane's spoiler, the ball won't actually be hit. The hit will only register if the hitbox touches the ball, or rather, the ball’s hitbox, since each object in Rocket League possesses a unique one. Since the Fennec also shares the same Octane hitbox as the “Octane” car body, it's a popular alternative. For a more detailed overview of Rocket League hitboxes, you can refer to our in-depth guide.

How Many Hitboxes Are There in Rocket League

While there are many different car bodies in Rocket League, the hitboxes are limited to 6 types. They include: Octane, Dominus, Plank, Breakout, Hybrid, and Merc. While the Octane hitbox is what most pros use, that doesn't mean the others don't have their uses.

Dominus and Breakout

Both the Dominus and Breakout hitboxes are longer than the Octane hitbox. They're both amazing choices if you like keeping the ball in the air. However, their length makes them a double-edged sword.

Since both hitboxes are longer, you can generate massive launching power from them. Their length also makes it easier to land a first touch on the ball. Unfortunately, while monstrous in length, the Dominus and Breakout are short. This often results in the ball going over the roof of your car. So, if you want to engage in 50/50s or always win kick-offs, you should avoid these hitboxes. But if you're a wizard in the air, then it doesn't get better than the Dominus and Breakout.

Image courtesy of Trelgne - original Reddit post

Octane

The reason Octane is so popular in professional Rocket League matches is because of its properties. This hitbox is tall and wide, and that makes it a spectacular choice to win in 50/50 scenarios. This gives the Octane a huge advantage over shorter cars with the Dominus hitbox.

Octane's height also improves your shooting. You'll land flicks with more power, and you'll often find your shots going over shorter cars. All in all, the Octane hitbox is perfect for reproducing consistent results, which is a pillar in competitive Rocket League.

Hybrid

As the name implies, the Hybrid hitbox is like a combination of all the hitboxes. Specifically, it bridges the gap between the Octane and the Dominus/Breakout hitboxes. The Hybrid hitbox is longer than the Octane, and taller than the Dominus/Breakout. Yet at the same time, it's shorter than the former and smaller than the latter.

Because the Hybrid is longer than the Octane hitbox, you get better air control with it. The taller height than the Dominus and Breakout makes it better for ground control, too. If you're a player who loves both the skies and the ground, picking a car with the Hybrid hitbox is a safe bet. But if you have a specific preference, then the Octane and Dominus/Breakout are better.

Merc

Being the tallest hitbox in the game, you'd think all the Rocket League pros would pick the Merc. But that's actually not the case. The Merc’s massive height allows you to win almost every one-on-one situation. The ball will never go over your hood, making the Merc better in every way than the Octane in this regard.

Where the Merc hitbox falls flat, though, is in its width. It has the smallest dimension in that regard, and that makes dribbling or flicking with it a nightmare. Were it not for this troublesome measurement, the Merc would be the Rocket League meta.

Plank

As the widest hitbox in Rocket League, the Plank is amazing at performing Breezi Flicks and Air Rolls. You have superior dribbling on the ground, and controlling the ball feels natural. However, the Plank hitbox is really short. It's a bad choice for 50/50s and for receiving the ball. These disadvantages make the Plank a not-so-popular choice.

Image courtesy of Trelgne - original Reddit post

Conclusion

Most Rocket League pros prefer the Octane & Fennec because the Octane hitbox is the most versatile in-game. Car bodies with this hitbox are perfect for ground offense and are respectable in the air, too. That said, the Plank is amazing for flicks, the Merc is tankier than the Octane, the Hybrid is balanced, and the Dominus and Breakout are just better for aerial control.

Each hitbox has its own use, and you should choose the car body best suited to your playstyle. High-level plays can be made with any car body, so always pick what best aligns with your strengths.