Deal | Rocket League without cars – one of 2025’s biggest surprise hits is free for a limited time
Rematch launched on June 19, 2025, as an indie title developed by Slowclap and published by Kepler Interactive. Best known for Sifu and Absolver, the studio was not exactly under the radar, yet few expected the game’s breakout success. Since then, Rematch has built a solid niche and continues to draw around 10,000 players daily.
The secret to Rematch’s success is simple: 5v5 soccer, stripped down and supercharged. Matches are faster and more direct than in EA Sports FC 26 (formerly FIFA). The key twist is the third-person perspective – a change that has earned it the nickname “Rocket League without cars,” which perfectly captures what players can expect.
Rematch also borrows from arena games. At the start of each match, players pick a role – attacker, defender or goalkeeper – making teamwork essential. The game’s fast pace comes from a simple rule: the ball never goes out of play. With no offsides and no fouls, matches flow without interruption, demanding sharp reflexes, smart positioning and solid skills to secure victory.
Unlike traditional soccer simulations, Rematch emphasizes direct ball control that requires quick reactions. Its active shooting system means shots are not automated but must be carefully timed and aimed. Leaderboards and cosmetic items provide long-term motivation, although the game does not feature a level or skill-based progression system.
Free weekend on Steam
Rematch has not received particularly strong reviews. On Metacritic, it holds a Metascore of 75, while users rate it at 6.3. On Steam, the game has about 35,000 reviews, with only 70% marked positive. Much of the mixed reception stems from technical issues and occasionally unbalanced matchmaking that have frustrated parts of the community.
If you’ve been hesitant to try Rematch because of the reviews, now is a good time to jump in. From September 26 to 29, the game is free to play. For the first time, it is also 20% off, reducing the regular $25 price to about $20. Rematch is also worth checking out for handheld players: according to Steam, it is “Playable” on the Steam Deck (which currently costs around $480 on Amazon).
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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