If you’ve been playing Rocket League in 2024, you’ve probably noticed something: the level of mechanics in every rank is skyrocketing. It seems like every time I scroll through TikTok, I’m hit with a clip of someone doing something wild, and then I find out they’re Plat rank. Seriously, Plat players in 2024 are doing things that were once reserved for high-level Champs.

To test this phenomenon, I like to do a little experiment every so often. I gather players across ranks, from Plat all the way up to Pro, and make them face one of my favorite tools: the all-powerful Wheel. The challenge is simple: they have to complete 10 random mechanics chosen by the Wheel with five lives and three skips. If they do, I straight up give them $100. Let me tell you, they don’t disappoint.

The Challenge Begins: Facing the Wheel

The first spin is for a Plat player, and the shot is a ground-to-air dribble. Now, because they’re Plat, I’m a little generous with the expectations. The goal is just to do a decent job. But, unfortunately, the attempt falls short, and they lose a life right off the bat. Despite that, they decide to skip the shot instead of retrying, which might have been a smart move.

Next up, a Diamond player takes the stage. Their challenge? A shot under 1 kph. Yeah, you heard that right. It’s a weird one, even for a Diamond. After a few hilarious attempts, they decide to skip as well, proving that even the simplest-sounding tasks can be tough under pressure.

Wild Mechanics: From Pogo to Musty Flicks

Then, the Wheel really starts to spice things up. The next challenge is a pogo. This is one of those mechanics that, while not exactly common, has some flair. The player looks confident, and to my surprise, they nail it — even managing to get a reset. It’s clean, and it’s clear that the mechanics at these ranks are no joke in 2024.

Another spin, and this time, the shot is a three-quarter field open net. It sounds simple, but the pressure can make even the easiest shots feel daunting. Thankfully, the Plat player pulls it off, hitting a beautiful shot straight into the net. Starting off strong, and the Wheel keeps turning.

Then, the first truly sweaty challenge appears: a musty flick. For a Plat, this is no small feat. After a couple of close calls and a few failed attempts, they wisely decide to use another life, but still can’t quite nail it. The pressure is mounting.

The Unseen Skill Curve of 2024

Here’s the thing: this isn't just about pro-level mechanics. It's about the fact that even players at lower ranks are now pulling off advanced moves that we didn’t see coming from Plats a few years ago. It’s a reminder that the skill curve in Rocket League is getting steeper, and players are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, even at the mid ranks.

Take, for example, the reset musty. When this challenge came up, the Plat player seemed unsure. But guess what? They went for it. And while the first few attempts didn’t quite hit the mark, the sheer fact that they were even attempting it shows how far things have come.

The next few spins of the Wheel brought even crazier challenges: a double flip reset, an air dribble with three touches, and more. Each time, the players gave it their all, and while some shots were missed, it was clear that the mechanics of a Plat in 2024 are light years ahead of what they used to be.

The Final Stretch: Nailing the Impossible

As the challenge progresses and lives dwindle, the Plat player finds themselves facing one of the hardest mechanics of the day: a psycho shot. This is a shot that requires insane precision, and even with two bounces allowed, it’s something you’d expect only from high-level players.

The setup is crucial, and the first attempt falls short. But then, out of nowhere, the Plat player pulls off a clean psycho shot with two bounces, securing the win. I had zero faith in that shot, but they proved me wrong. It was a moment of pure Rocket League magic, and it solidified the fact that Plats in 2024 are something else.

By the end of it all, one thing was crystal clear: the mechanics of a Plat player in 2024 are wild. From musty flicks to ground resets and even psycho shots, players at this rank are now doing things that were once considered high-level mechanics. The skill floor is rising fast, and if you’re not keeping up, you’re going to get left behind.

So if you’re still thinking that Plat is just the rank where people miss open nets, think again. In 2024, they’re hitting musty flicks, pulling off resets, and living on the edge with the all-powerful Wheel. It’s a whole new world out there, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what comes next.