What happens when you start Rocket League for the first time

When you launch Rocket League, the game displays its license agreement before you can play. This is a legal document from Psyonix (the developer, now owned by Epic Games) that outlines the terms you agree to by using the software. You must accept it to proceed — the game will not let you past this screen without doing so.

The agreement covers what you can and cannot do with the game: you own a license to play it, but not the software itself. It also includes rules about online conduct, restrictions on modifying the game, and Epic's privacy policy. Accepting means you have read and agree to follow these terms.

This is different from purchasing a physical product. You are not buying Rocket League outright — you are buying the right to use it under specific conditions that Epic Games sets.

Key Takeaways

  • The license agreement appears on first launch and blocks access to the game until you accept it.
  • Accepting the agreement is required to play; there is no way to skip it or play without agreeing.
  • The agreement covers your rights to play the game, rules for online behavior, and what you cannot do with the software.
  • If you decline, you cannot launch the game, but you can uninstall and reinstall later if you change your mind.

How to accept the agreement on PC

On Windows, launch Rocket League through Steam, the Epic Games Launcher, or directly from your system. The license agreement window will appear before the main menu loads. Read through the text (or scroll to the bottom if you want to skip reading it), then locate the accept button — it is usually labeled "Accept" or "I Agree" and appears at the bottom right of the window.

Click that button once. The game will then load to the main menu. You will not see this screen again on the same account and device unless you uninstall and reinstall the game, or Epic updates the terms and requires re-acceptance.

If you see a decline button instead and click it, the game will close. You can launch it again and accept at any time — declining does not permanently lock you out.

How to accept the agreement on console

On PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, the process is the same in principle but uses your controller. Launch Rocket League from your console's main menu. The license agreement will display on screen. Use your controller's directional buttons or D-pad to navigate to the accept option, then press the button your console uses to confirm (X on PlayStation, A on Xbox, or Y on Switch).

The exact button layout depends on your console, but the agreement screen will show which button to press. Once you accept, you will proceed to the main menu and can start playing.

What the agreement actually says

The Rocket League license agreement is long, but the key points are: you have a limited license to play the game on your account; you cannot sell, trade, or give away your account; you cannot modify the game files or use cheats; and you agree to follow the code of conduct during online play. Violations can result in a temporary ban or permanent account suspension.

The agreement also includes Epic's privacy policy, which explains what data the game collects (your account information, gameplay statistics, and IP address) and how it is used. Epic uses this data to run the servers, detect cheating, and improve the game.

You also agree that Epic can update the game, change features, or shut down servers without notice. This is standard for online games, but it means Rocket League could become unplayable if Epic decides to stop supporting it.

If you accidentally declined the agreement

If you clicked decline and the game closed, straightforward launch Rocket League again. The agreement will appear again on the next startup. You can accept it then. Declining once does not lock your account or prevent you from playing later.

If you are on console and cannot find the accept button, check that you are using the correct controller input. Some consoles require you to press a specific button to confirm, and the screen should display which one. If the agreement does not reappear after closing the game, try restarting your console.

Updating your agreement if terms change

Occasionally, Epic updates the license agreement or privacy policy. When this happens, you will see the new agreement the next time you launch Rocket League. You must accept the updated version to play — the game will not load until you do. This is how Epic notifies players of changes to the terms.

If you disagree with new terms, you can decline and stop playing, but you cannot play under the old agreement. There is no option to use an older version of the terms.

Why the agreement exists

The license agreement protects Epic Games legally and sets expectations for how the game should be used. It prevents players from claiming they own the game outright, from selling accounts, or from using cheats and modifications that would ruin the experience for others. It also clarifies that Epic can change or remove features without liability.

For you, accepting the agreement is the price of entry — it is how you confirm you understand the rules and will follow them. Breaking the terms (such as using cheats or harassing other players) can result in a ban, which is why the agreement matters beyond just the initial click.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Rocket League without accepting the license agreement?

No. The game will not load past the agreement screen until you accept it. There is no way to bypass or skip it. If you decline, you must close the game and accept the next time you launch it to play.

What happens if I decline the agreement?

The game closes when ready. Your account is not affected, and you can launch Rocket League again and accept the agreement at any time. Declining once does not lock you out permanently.

Do I have to accept the agreement every time I play?

No. Once you accept on a device and account, you will not see the agreement again unless Epic updates the terms or you uninstall and reinstall the game. Updated terms will require re-acceptance when they are released.

Can I read the full agreement before accepting?

Yes. The agreement screen allows you to scroll through the entire text. Take as long as you need to read it before clicking accept. Most players scroll to the bottom and accept without reading, but the full text is available if you want to review it.

What happens if I break the terms after accepting?

Violations such as cheating, account trading, or severe harassment can result in a temporary ban or permanent suspension of your account. Epic monitors gameplay and account activity to enforce the terms.