Patch notes

News and updates

Every change that ships to Blitzball, newest first. These are the same patch notes players see in game. New here? Start with the how to play guide.

October 9, 2026

• NewEmote wheel. Hold T to emote, with more emotes in the store.
• NewAmbient wildlife on maps, with a toggle in video settings.
• NewRocket outline styles: Glow, Inverted and Negative.
• NewElectric arcs now trail the rocket.
• MiscVisual rework to Octagon map.
• MiscVisual rework to Box Evening map.
• MiscAppearance changes made mid-match now apply on your next spawn.

October 1, 2026

• NewNew spawn effects and rocket faces in the store.
• FixPlayers spawn farther apart and stay on their team's side.
• FixImproved connection recovery after returning from sleep or another tab.
• MiscRedesigned the store and loadout pages with live cosmetic previews.

September 30, 2026

• NewRebuilt the menus with a new look and a top navigation bar.
• NewOptions, Progress and Community now open as full pages.
• NewExplosions now show their blast radius.
• NewNew cosmetics: bunny ears, cat ears, fedora, whiskers and four eye styles.
• FixFixed rocket explosions damaging and pushing teammates.
• MiscVisual rework to all hats.
• MiscRagdolls now fade over time.

September 11, 2026

• NewRebuilt the main menu
• NewRebuilt the lounge tavern
• FixFixed black patches in grass
• MiscQuick Play now queues Modern only

September 10, 2026

• NewPersonal records now show when they were achieved.
• NewNew Ambient Occlusion toggle in video settings.
• FixFixed visual bug causing flickering textures over spawns.
• MiscVisual rework to Lilypads map.
• MiscVisual rework to Rocketbucks map.
• MiscRefreshed arena skies, distant scenery, water, and lighting.
• MiscWebGPU is now preferred, with WebGL available in Video settings.

September 2, 2026

• NewThe rocket now points where it is heading
• FixFixed issue where standing at map borders caused erratic movement
• FixFixed a transparency issue with skybox
• MiscKillcam now plays on past the kill instead of freezing on it
• MiscKillcam explosions and deflect rings now land with the picture
• MiscUpgrade to the playable floor
• MiscThe arena border dims with distance instead of glowing the whole way round
• MiscThe Classic rocket is retired. Every match runs Modern
• MiscIncreased precision of simulated ping in training mode

September 1, 2026

• NewMap editor lights: bulbs, spotlights, extra suns, and a movable sun
• MiscReworked the floor: worn tile joints, dirt, and no more shimmer at range
• MiscDesktop updates now download only the parts that changed

August 30, 2026

• NewThe desktop app now updates itself in the background
• NewKillcam now plays with black bars and the sound from the replay
• MiscMaps now choose their own sky. The sky picker and sky items are retired
• MiscPerformance and Balanced graphics presets now turn antialiasing off

August 29, 2026

• NewTrees, bushes and mushrooms sway in the wind
• NewMap editor splits into Map and Sky modes
• FixA prop's click target now covers the model, not its base

August 28, 2026

• NewBots above easy now fire a flat shot straight at you, aimed live until it leaves
• NewScenery, cliffs and distant ranges outside every arena
• NewWorld detail setting in Video, from Bare to Full
• FixFixed visual bugs in how the distant mountains draw
• FixYou can no longer be killed while your match is still loading
• FixThe loading bar no longer freezes, then jumps to full
• MiscThe Pit's walls and pillars are cast concrete now instead of flat grey
• MiscThe home screen backdrop now rolls across six skies and five maps
• MiscNew loading bar, drawn as a tape counter
• MiscFresh online arenas open on one of five maps, not two

August 21, 2026

• MiscBox Evening spawn blocks are climbable terraces

August 16, 2026

• FixNight and space skies keep their stars and gradient
• FixGround shadows no longer vanish as you turn the camera
• FixThe parry warp fades when it lands right on your camera
• MiscCharacters are taller, hitbox included

August 15, 2026

• FixIn world camera now sits at the same eye height as first person
• MiscSkies now tint maps far less, so each map keeps its own colors

August 14, 2026

• NewWebGPU renderer, switchable in Settings > Video
• NewLoad a map file or map code into practice
• NewMouse acceleration, with exponent and cap, in Settings > Controls
• NewGreenscreen mode keys the map, sky or players flat for filming
• NewIn world camera: sit in your own head and see your hands
• FixThe parry warp no longer goes missing when other rockets are in play
• FixTurning bloom off no longer blacks out the screen
• FixSpace and night maps read brighter
• FixMissed airblasts now show for everyone, and in replays
• FixGreenscreen no longer casts green onto the subject
• MiscThe parry ring is a real hoop in the world now, seen edge-on from the side
• MiscA ! on the main menu flags something worth knowing, and clears when you go look
• MiscCharacters hold their hands out front, angled where they aim

August 12, 2026

• NewModelled gear you can wear, in Customize and the shop
• NewReplay: hold F for free mouse look
• NewApproved community maps now go live right away, no update needed
• MiscNight skies retuned, with a new Star brightness slider
• MiscBig frame rate gain in the Lounge and other prop-heavy maps

August 5, 2026

• NewKillcam: after you die, watch the last few seconds from your killer's view
• MiscCatching the rocket point-blank costs you less speed
• MiscThe Modern rocket now travels faster diagonally than straight

July 25, 2026

• NewBlitzball for Windows: a desktop app with uncapped frame rate
• FixOut-of-date desktop builds now say so instead of failing to join
• FixPassword reset now says Google and Discord accounts have no password

July 24, 2026

• NewPlayer names now show in their team color in chat, the killfeed, and overhead
• NewSoundboard works while dead or spectating, heard only by other spectators
• FixBot Trials no longer starts with ability cooldowns off
• MiscShort pause after a round resolves before the next rocket serves

July 18, 2026

• NewRecord and replay online matches. Start recording from the pause menu, watch saved replays from the main menu.

July 11, 2026

• NewJuggernaut rounds: a random player becomes the Juggernaut (1 vs all, extra HP, faster cooldowns)
• NewWorkshop: browse, play, edit, and host games on community-submitted maps
• FixNo more hearing game sounds during the loading screen
• MiscTuned Modern ground speed down slightly

July 4, 2026

• NewThe Lounge: a social hub with a forest-tavern island, dodgeball arena, soccer pitch, surf ravine, bhop spiral, sky maze, and tavern arcade
• NewDaily missions: complete challenges each day for credit rewards and streak bonuses
• NewAnyone can submit maps (sign in required). Getting a map shipped earns the mapmaker trust tier
• MiscVisual progress bar when connecting to a match
• MiscPress E to interact at the arcade

July 1, 2026

• NewPatch notes now have a public page at blitzball.io/news.html
• NewVote menu shows a confirm button before casting
• NewBot Trials endless mode: difficulty keeps climbing past level 10
• NewArcade games available on the EU server
• FixDismissing bots with downed players no longer deadlocks the arena

June 27, 2026

• NewRocket hum on/off toggle in audio settings
• MiscSettings panel trimmed: notes now show as hover tooltips
• MiscBot Trials lock out secondary abilities for pure deflect duels

June 26, 2026

• NewBot Trials: climb 10 bots of rising skill, then go endless
• NewExperimenting with a map editor. To help test, message @.soop on Discord.
• MiscSettings redesigned: centered window, retabbed, with help tips and slider arrows

June 25, 2026

• NewSoundboard now opens on your most-used sounds
• NewPractice loadout: equip any ability free, kept separate from your online kit
• FixBirds no longer sweep across the camera on the sunset sky
• MiscTorches now light the Coliseum walls
• MiscLilypads map polished: rounder stones, leaf detail, wood-plank bridges

June 24, 2026

• NewGraphical overhaul
• FixFirst arena join shows a brief loading screen instead of freezing while graphics load
• MiscArena surfaces relit with real materials and a stone texture

June 23, 2026

• FixModern quickmatch no longer drops you into a King of the Hill arena
• MiscUpdated graphic options

June 22, 2026

• NewSkyboxes in the store: buy a sky and set it on every map
• NewLadder duels show your head-to-head record vs your current opponent
• MiscMaps now show a fitting default sky (picker set to Auto)
• MiscDash and Sprint now travel a fixed distance and keep your momentum, on ground or in air
• MiscLadder scoreboard now lists players by arena, top first

June 20, 2026

• NewKing of the Hill ladder, fight 1v1 duels and climb toward the top arena

June 16, 2026

• NewHome leaderboard card can rank by any stat, tap the chip to cycle it
• NewMinimize ability: shrink 10s, much harder to hit, but your deflects hit softer
• NewMaximize ability: grow 10s, a bigger target, but your deflects hit harder
• NewThe Pit map: ride the side ramps up to high decks over the sea
• FixCamera no longer snaps or spins the instant you join an online match
• FixAbility pips no longer linger over the menu after a match
• MiscTeammates now ease apart on contact instead of standing inside each other
• MiscHUD now scales to your screen resolution, keeping the same footprint on laptops and 4K monitors
• MiscTraining and Tutorial now sit on the main menu, no Practice submenu
• MiscChasm rebuilt as two raised shelves over a sea you fight across
• MiscRestyled water on the pond and sea maps
• MiscSkyboxes now load with no pop-in
• MiscStore Back button moved to the top of the panel
• MiscCustom accent color now shows true on the nose, no team tint

June 15, 2026

• NewParry primary: brace to bounce rockets that hit you back where you aim
• NewSprint ability: one long dash burst toward your movement keys
• NewFree-look spectating orbits the player; spectators appear as floating heads
• NewReworked home screen with a live leaderboard and rocket-speed records
• NewLethality stat: leaderboard now ranks the average mph you add per deflect
• FixTutorial text no longer oversized on phones
• FixDash and sprint afterimages no longer show floating hands
• FixReturning to a backgrounded tab no longer dumps a backlog of explosion effects
• MiscDash now banks 3 charges that refill one at a time
• MiscCinematic and top-down views joined the spectate switch cycle
• MiscScoreboard is now one ranked list instead of split team columns
• MiscSigning out or resetting your password now ends your session on all your devices
• MiscCleaner killfeed: kills now tint to team color and your own kills stand out
• MiscContinued UI refresh across the HUD and leaderboard
• MiscSpectator crosshair hides when you're not looking through a player

June 14, 2026

• NewVersus: challenge a player to rock-paper-scissors for credits, winner takes the pot
• NewDozens of new character cosmetics in the store: shapes, eyes, mouths, hats, finishes, accessories
• NewLog in with your email or your username.
• NewTips and feature highlights now rotate through match chat.
• NewCrash: bet, watch the multiplier climb, and cash out before it busts
• NewWatch any arena live with the new WATCH button, even when it is full
• NewHover any cosmetic in Customize to preview it on your character first
• NewCharacters got a friendlier look: bigger eyes, floaty hands, rounder bodies
• NewPunch primary: the longest range and most precise, but no catch box
• NewFall on the Toilet map and you're jailed in a glass cell, freed only by a rocket
• FixJumping up under a thin platform now bonks your head, no sideways zip to the ledge
• FixRunning into a wall no longer banks your speed to fling you over the top
• FixThird-person camera no longer zooms into your head when pinned against geometry
• FixVoice chat stays clear when you tab out or open the menu; only game sounds muffle
• FixAfter dying you spectate a live player right away instead of the overview cam
• MiscStore split into tabs (Abilities, Tags, Colors, Cosmetics) for easier browsing
• MiscSmarter lag warning, shown only when your frame rate is genuinely low.
• MiscA mic icon shows on the nameplate of anyone talking on voice chat
• MiscYour character now throws its hands on each deflect, matched to your primary
• MiscOnline arenas now open on Box Evening or Starlight at random
• MiscRocket blast damage now scales only with deflect count

June 13, 2026

• NewLow Gravity Boots now available in the shop: float to jump higher and fall slower
• NewQuickmatch starts each new match on a random map
• NewThe menu opens on a random map, and its channel knob now cycles through all of them
• NewThree new maps: Box Evening, Twin Forts, and Starlight
• NewSurf the ramps to build speed, CS-style (try Box Evening and Starlight)
• NewWand active: your next parry opens a long window to steer the rocket before it commits
• NewToilet map: surf the inside of a giant funnel, mind the drain
• NewRecall active: plant a flag, respawn right where you left it
• NewTHE ARCADE UPDATE: play your credits on coinflip, slots, and blackjack at the in-match Arcade
• NewBig Arcade wins and losses get announced to the whole server
• FixStale joins that loaded an empty map now auto-recover, with a reload option
• MiscAir strafing reworked: crisper turns at speed, but hard turns now cost full momentum
• MiscClassic HUD health is now a glowing HP number, no bar
• MiscRemoved the Strength and Seeker actives
• MiscLaunching the rocket from way up high gives less bonus speed

June 12, 2026

• NewQuickmatch spins up or converts a server so your rocket mode is always open
• NewMap voting: a ballot of Keep, Random, and a few maps, with the most votes winning
• NewBusy servers open a map vote every so often to rotate the map
• NewDouble jump has been buffed, and is now basekit for the modern mode
• NewSlight increase to base movespeed for modern mode
• MiscScoreboard shows each player's equipped kit under their name
• MiscAirblast whiffs now have their own sound
• MiscMobile ability button relabeled ABLTY
• MiscChat commands: !rtv (map vote), !fp and !tp (first/third person), !fov for field of view

June 11, 2026

• NewSTORE V1 RELEASE
• NewNEW ABILITIES. CHECK IN LOADOUTS
• New4 new skies: Night, Sunny Day, Aurora, and Mushroom Forest
• NewPatch notes moved to a 📰 button top-right, with an unread count
• NewLoadout actives: Teleport, Dash, Speed Boost, Block, Strength, Seeker, Telepathy, and Swap
• NewLoadout passives: Nimble, Healthy, and Headhunter kill stacks
• NewRadial primary: an all-around catch disc that fires along your press aim
• NewAbility visuals: afterimage trails, warp bursts, block bubble, and armed sparks
• FixStocky character builds no longer sink into the floor
• FixTeam outlines no longer flicker against the ground
• MiscSunset, Rain, and Snow skies rebuilt with photo skies and mountain horizons
• MiscTidier main menu; the Online screen leads with hosting a lobby
• MiscThe menu TV cabinet remodeled in walnut with brass-tipped legs
• MiscThe ability ring glows cyan while Block, Strength, or Seeker is armed and waiting
• MiscSpawn rockets nobody deflects ramp damage to a one-shot; any deflect resets it

June 9, 2026

• NewNew Loadout tab in Customize for the Modern rocket; more abilities coming
• NewLoadout secondaries you can equip: Bunt, Double Jump, or Jetpack
• NewSwitch your Loadout from the pause menu; applies on your next spawn
• MiscRockets renamed: Speed is now Classic, Control is now Modern
• MiscFast Modern rockets keep their speed through close-range deflects
• MiscHeavily charged Modern rockets home tighter, reaching full tracking sooner
• MiscModern's bunt and air kits are now equips, not freebies (default is none)

June 6, 2026

• NewDeck out your character with hats, mouths, ears, and more accessories
• NewNew Wave rocket: arcs up then dives each deflect, exploding on any wall
• NewPick Speed, Wave, or Control with the menu cabinet's new ROCKET switch
• NewSpectator camera modes: cinematic drone orbit and top-down birds-eye
• FixMobile: tap the left movement side to deflect, and the joystick no longer flashes on a tap
• MiscNew players now start with the brighter comet rocket trail
• MiscQuickmatch leans toward a server running the rocket you're previewing
• MiscRocket floor glow is a softer, truer-colored pool that spreads wider as you raise glow
• MiscControl rocket: a long stalled rally homes tighter, deflects that don't gain speed add homing

June 5, 2026

• NewNew main menu: a retro CRT TV with working knobs and a live demo
• NewNew arena: Lilypads, hop across stepping-stones over open water
• NewControl bunt now hops you up and dashes you toward where you're aiming
• NewBots now play with distinct personalities: rushers, campers, ball-thieves, and showoffs
• NewBots now collide with you and each other instead of phasing through
• NewMenus restyled with a retro VHS / on-screen-display look
• NewNavigate the menus with arrow keys, Enter to select
• NewVintage filter: subtle retro posterize and dither (Graphics settings)
• NewMobile: BUNT button for the Control rocket
• FixEsc now reliably opens the pause menu (no more double-press)
• FixBots no longer spawn stuck in the Coliseum wall
• FixMobile aim and joystick no longer stick after a finger lifts off-screen
• MiscReworked the Control bunt into a spin-to-grab move with a catch window
• MiscDeath ragdolls now crumple into drained husks
• MiscControl air movement retuned, top speed is earned over sustained strafing

June 4, 2026

• NewAdded a jetpack
• NewFive new maps with platforms and high ground
• NewFall into the void on the new pit maps and you die
• New"Energy" deflect effect for Control parries, with a black-hole warp (Settings)
• NewDeflect right behind a player to jiggle their rump
• FixThird-person camera no longer clips into walls and ledges
• MiscRocketbucks is now a big round arena

June 3, 2026

• NewSpeed leaderboard ranking the fastest rocket speeds (all-time, month, week, today)
• NewDeflects build a rising pitch as a rally heats up (toggle in Settings)
• NewNew Control rocket: parry and bunt to build speed
• NewHalf the servers now run Control; pick Speed or Control in the browser
• NewYou now collide with opposing players, and can stand on their heads
• NewRockets whoosh as they scream past you (toggle in Settings)
• NewControl rocket: deflecting refunds your double jump, shown by a crosshair pip
• FixCamera no longer bounces mid-jump on a laggy online connection

June 2, 2026

• NewFree-for-All mode: vote it in (ESC menu), every rocket goes neutral and hunts anyone
• NewSpectating shows the watched player's rocket trail (toggle in Settings)
• NewSprays: press G to paint a GIF on the floor where you're looking
• NewPaste a GIF or MP4 link in chat to play it inline
• NewNew Hell difficulty: face a squad of five teleporting bots
• NewNew arena: Gym, a small close-quarters court
• NewHost your own lobby: friends join straight from an invite link. Signed-in only, unranked, up to 16 players
• NewLobbies hide everyone's IP by default, routing the connection through a relay
• NewOr pick a Direct lobby for lower latency, where players can see each other's IPs
• FixRebinding a key now clears it from its old action, so two controls can't share one key
• MiscRockets now launch faster, reaching top speed one deflect sooner
• MiscHell bots now chase you down instead of holding position

June 1, 2026

• MiscReworked the rocket trail

May 31, 2026

• NewTrail visual OVERHAUL. Check out the new settings!
• NewCrouching added (Left Shift default). Couldn't use CTRL since it's locked by browsers
• NewRocket now renders above EVERYTHING
• NewRockets now deal splash damage
• NewPress L for an Event Log: a scrollable history of the feed (kills, votes, round wins, sounds)
• NewAdded reporting from pause menu
• NewSort the leaderboard by any column
• NewToggle other players' floating name labels (Settings, Social)
• NewDeath ragdolls: your body gets flung by the blast, with a death cam that lingers on it facing your killer (toggle in Settings)
• FixFixed a hitbox gap at the feet
• FixChanging bot difficulty mid-run no longer banks an inflated record
• FixBots no longer drift to center and stare at the floor when they have no one to fight
• MiscJump is a touch higher, just enough to hop a low rocket without floating
• MiscThe killfeed now shows every rocket hit, not just kills, so near-misses and grazes read too
• MiscSoundboard now has a 2-second cooldown
• MiscServer performance optimizations.
• MiscRocket appearance changes now preview live while the settings menu is open
• MiscThe rocket's glow now casts light all around it, stays consistent whether it skims or flies high, and grows its lit pool as you raise the glow setting
• MiscDeath blasts now spray charred flak debris

May 30, 2026

• NewPROXIMITY CHAT ADDED!!!
• NewSOUNDBOARD ADDED! DEFAULT KEYBIND IS X
• NewPush to talk (hold V) or open mic for voice chat, switchable in Settings
• NewMute any player's voice from the scoreboard (hold Tab)
• NewChoose your microphone and audio output device, with a built-in mic level test, in Settings
• NewGlobal voice option (everyone in the match heard equally) as an alternative to proximity, in Settings
• NewBot records: your fastest practice rocket vs each AI difficulty, shown on the leaderboard and your account
• NewScroll to zoom the rocket spectator camera in and out
• NewNew slider to scale the size of the successful-deflect effect
• NewMaster volume and Soundboard volume sliders in a new Audio settings tab
• NewMobile: hold the BLAST button and slide to aim, so you can flick the rocket in the same motion as the airblast
• NewThe leaderboard is now paginated, 25 per page, with next, back, first, last, and a jump-to-page box
• NewBot records now show who you took the record from, like "stole record of 1432 mph (jose)" next to the holder
• NewClick any name on the leaderboard to open their profile: previous names they've used and their fastest rocket speed vs each bot difficulty
• FixA dev panel no longer incorrectly shows
• FixThe killfeed now names the bot that killed you (EASY BOT, HARD BOT) instead of "the arena"
• FixPractice bots no longer get stranded outside the arena after a map change
• MiscRefreshed main menu and made server browser accessible from in game
• MiscAdded safeguards against players spamming connections
• MiscDeflect rings now match the deflecting player's team color
• MiscVoice chat is available to signed-in players
• MiscThe 1st/3rd-person view toggle key moved to B (V is now push-to-talk for voice)
• MiscDeflect and explosion sounds now pan and fade with distance in proximity, matching voice chat

May 29, 2026

• NewNER winner gets healed.
• NewChat speech bubbles now pop above players when they talk
• NewCustomize your character with eyewear and nose options
• NewAdded a performance and netcode graph in Advanced options. Accessible with tilde.
• NewLeaderboard now tracks best kill streak and lifetime deflects
• NewBody-proportion sliders for finer character builds
• NewPatch notes screen in the main menu with the latest updates and changes
• FixNewly connected players no longer immediately spawn. (Thanks Havoc)
• MiscOnline play adapts to connection jitter for steadier rocket motion
• MiscDisplay-name changes are now rate-limited to curb spam
• MiscNew players on phones and tablets now start at a smaller UI scale so the playfield fits

May 28, 2026

• NewPersistent global and region chat channels
• NewDodgeball you can airblast around the arena
• NewSpectator camera that rides the rocket
• NewMobile support: touch controls, chat, and fullscreen
• NewSkybox themes you can choose
• MiscRefreshed, modern HUD layout
• MiscOpt in to show your leaderboard rank in chat