VI. Rocket League & Steam Configuration
This section focuses on configuring the launch method via Steam and optimizing Rocket League's in-game settings for low latency.
Adding Epic Games Rocket League to Steam Library
To launch the EGS version via Steam correctly (with online features), simply adding the .exe doesn't work [82]. Use the Epic shortcut URL method [81] [83] [85]:
- Install RL via Epic Games Launcher.
- In EGL > Library > RL (...) > Create Shortcut (on desktop).
- Right-click desktop shortcut > Properties > Web Document tab.
- Copy the entire URL field content (e.g.,
com.epicgames.launcher://apps/Sugar?action=launch&silent=true). - Open Steam > Add a Game (bottom-left) > Add a Non-Steam Game... [84]
- Browse... > Navigate to
C:\Program Files\Epic Games\rocketleague\Binaries\Win64\RocketLeague.exe(or your path) > Select it > Add Selected Programs. - Find RL in Steam Library > Right-click > Properties.
- Replace the entire "TARGET" field with the copied URL from step 4.
- Set "START IN" field to the executable directory:
C:\Program Files\Epic Games\rocketleague\Binaries\Win64\. - Rename shortcut (top field) to "Rocket League".
- Close properties.
Launching this Steam shortcut now correctly starts RL via Epic.
Configuring Steam Input for Low Latency
Steam Input adds latency because it processes controller input before the game [87]. Rocket League has native support, so Steam Input should be disabled [88].
How to Disable Steam Input for Rocket League:
- Steam Library > Right-click Rocket League shortcut > Properties.
- Controller tab.
- Dropdown under "OVERRIDE FOR ROCKET LEAGUE" > Select "Disable Steam Input".
Controller Connection: Always use a wired USB connection for consistency and lowest stable latency. Wireless is prone to interference and spikes.
Controller Polling Rate (Advanced): Tools like hidusbf can potentially overclock controller USB polling rate (e.g., to 1000Hz). This is risky, may require disabling Secure Boot, might not work with all controllers [87]. Stick to wired + disabled Steam Input for safe gains.
Optimal In-Game Rocket League Settings
Configure Rocket League's settings for max FPS and minimal rendering latency on the Katana GF66 (RTX 3050 Ti, 144Hz) [20] [27] [57] [89] [90]. Prioritize performance over visuals.
Video Settings Tab
| Setting | Recommended Value | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920x1080 (16:9) | Match native display resolution. |
| Display Mode | Fullscreen | Essential for lowest latency. |
| Vertical Sync | Off | Critical for minimizing input lag. |
| Anti-Aliasing | Off (or FXAA Low) | Off = sharpest/fastest. FXAA Low minimal impact if needed. |
| Render Quality | High Quality | Ensures rendering at native resolution. |
| Render Detail | Custom | Allows manual detail control. |
| Max FPS | 150-165 FPS | Cap slightly above 144Hz refresh rate. Adjust based on stable FPS. |
| Texture Detail | Performance | Reduces VRAM usage. |
| World Detail | Performance | Simplifies background geometry. |
| Particle Detail | Performance | Reduces effect complexity. |
| Effect Intensity | Low Intensity | Minimizes visual clutter. |
| High Quality Shaders | Off | Disables advanced shaders (big perf gain). |
| Ambient Occlusion | Off | Disables subtle contact shadows. |
| Depth of Field | Off | Disables distance blur. |
| Bloom | Off | Disables intense light glow. |
| Light Shafts | Off | Disables "god rays". |
| Lens Flares | Off | Disables light source flares. |
| Dynamic Shadows | Off | Disables complex real-time shadows (big perf gain). |
| Motion Blur | Off | Crucial for visual clarity. |
| Weather Effects | Off | Disables distracting weather. |
| Transparent Goalposts | On | Essential for visibility in goal. |
Gameplay Tab
- Input Buffer: Set to Default (Legacy). STS/CSTS are for unstable connections and can add latency on stable ones [91]. Use Legacy for lowest latency on wired connection.
Interface Tab
- Performance Graphs (or Network Graphs): Enable for monitoring FPS/Latency/Packet Loss. Disable if distracting or impacting performance.
Keyboard/Mouse Settings (If Applicable)
- Ensure "Ignore Controller Input" and "Lock Input Method as Mouse/Keyboard" are OFF.