Rocket League Error 88 prevents players from accessing game modes and the friends list. Learn how to fix Error 88 with step-by-step solutions for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
Understanding Rocket League Error 88
Rocket League Error 88 is an issue that prevents players from fully engaging with the game. While the game launches without any problems, players encounter an empty friends list, missing game modes, and failed custom matches. Many also receive the frustrating message:
“Cannot connect to Rocket League servers, error while communicating with Rocket League servers.”
This error can be particularly annoying because there is very little official documentation or direct fixes available. However, after analyzing user reports, it appears that the primary causes of this issue are network connectivity problems, temporary cache corruption, or server-related disruptions. Fortunately, there are effective solutions that can get you back in the game quickly.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Rocket League Error 88
Before diving into more complex solutions, try these quick fixes. In many cases, a simple restart or connectivity adjustment can resolve the issue.
Start by closing Rocket League completely and restarting your system. Whether you’re on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, a full system reboot can refresh network connections and clear minor glitches. If that doesn’t work, check the Rocket League server status using Rocket League’s official status page or Downdetector. If there’s ongoing maintenance or a temporary outage, the issue may resolve itself once the servers are back online.
If servers are running fine, the next step is to reset your internet connection. Unplug your router for 30 seconds to a minute before plugging it back in. This simple action helps resolve temporary network conflicts that may be interfering with Rocket League’s connection. If possible, use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for better stability. If you’re on a shared network or mobile data, try switching to a different internet connection to see if that makes a difference.
Advanced Solutions to Fix Rocket League Error 88
If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t work, it’s time to take a deeper dive into possible fixes.
Clearing Cache and Temporary Files
Over time, Rocket League’s cache files may become corrupted, leading to connection and game-loading issues. Clearing these temporary files often helps resolve Error 88.
For PC users, navigate to:C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\My Games\Rocket League\TAGame\Cache, and delete all files in this folder. Then, restart your PC and launch Rocket League.
For PlayStation and Xbox users, clearing the system cache is a bit different. Instead of deleting files manually, turn off the console, unplug it for about five minutes, and then restart it. This process clears the temporary cache and refreshes the system.
Nintendo Switch users can perform a soft reset by holding the power button for 10 seconds, which forces the system to restart and clear its temporary storage.
Verifying Game Files on PC
If you’re playing Rocket League on Steam or Epic Games, corrupted or missing game files could be causing the problem. Steam users can right-click Rocket League in the Library, go to Properties > Installed Files, and select Verify Integrity of Game Files. Epic Games users should open the Epic Games Launcher, click on Library, then select the three dots next to Rocket League and choose Verify. This process scans for missing or corrupted files and replaces them as needed.
Changing DNS Settings for a More Stable Connection
Sometimes, Rocket League Error 88 occurs due to poor DNS resolution, meaning your internet provider’s default DNS isn’t allowing a stable connection to the game’s servers. Manually changing your DNS settings can help.
On Windows, open Network & Internet Settings, select Change adapter options, right-click your active connection, and go to Properties. From there, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and enter the following:
- Preferred DNS:
8.8.8.8 - Alternate DNS:
8.8.4.4
For PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, go to Network Settings and manually enter Google’s (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1) DNS settings. Restart your device after applying the changes.
Using a VPN
Some Rocket League players have reported that using a VPN helped them fix Error 88 by routing their connection through a different server. If Rocket League’s servers are experiencing issues in your region, a VPN can help you establish a more stable connection.
One of the best options for gaming is Cloudflare’s free VPN (1.1.1.1), which offers low-latency connections without slowing down your speed. Download it on PC, PlayStation (via router), or mobile devices and connect before launching Rocket League.
Reinstalling Rocket League
If none of the above solutions work, consider reinstalling Rocket League. This ensures that any corrupted files, outdated settings, or misconfigured options are completely removed. After reinstalling, restart your system before launching the game to ensure a fresh start.
Platform-Specific Fixes for Rocket League Error 88
Different platforms have unique troubleshooting methods. Here’s what to try based on your device:
PC (Steam & Epic Games)
- Ensure Windows Firewall isn’t blocking Rocket League.
- Check for Windows updates and install any pending patches.
- Add Rocket League as an allowed app in any third-party antivirus software.
PlayStation (PS4/PS5)
- Visit status.playstation.com to check for PSN outages.
- Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection and try switching between Wi-Fi and Ethernet.
- If the issue persists, use Safe Mode (hold the power button until two beeps) and select Rebuild Database.
Xbox (Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S)
- Perform a network test via Settings > General > Network Settings > Test Network Connection.
- If the problem persists, go to Settings > Network > Advanced Settings > Alternate MAC Address > Clear.
Nintendo Switch
- Visit www.nintendo.com/status to check for online service issues.
- Restart your console and router to refresh the connection.
- Switch to a different Wi-Fi network or use a mobile hotspot for testing.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Rocket League Error 88
To reduce the likelihood of experiencing this error in the future, ensure your internet connection is optimized for gaming. Check out this detailed guide on improving your internet speed for free.
Other preventative measures include keeping Rocket League updated, rebooting your router regularly, clearing cache files periodically, and using a VPN if connection issues persist.
Final Thoughts: Get Back to Playing Rocket League!
Rocket League Error 88 can be a major inconvenience, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve it and get back to enjoying the game. Have you encountered this issue before? Let us know in the comments if any of these solutions worked for you, or if you’ve found another fix!
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