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Rematch Dev Blog Addresses Season 5 Feedback, Outlines Netcode 2.0 Plans

Sloclap says a fix for a Defense Mode and dashing ball-control bug is in the current hotfix batch, with Netcode 2.0 beta tests planned for the first half of October.

Mihaela Kicevski31 seconds ago

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Rematch Season 5 Dev Blog graphic over a soccer training scene

Sloclap is responding to mixed reactions and bugs in Rematch Season 5, with a ball-control fix in the current hotfix batch and a slight Tackle Assist adjustment planned for Hotfix 2. The studio also says its first Netcode 2.0 beta test is planned for the first half of October. The October 2 Steam dev blog explains how feedback is shaping the studio’s plans for goalkeeping, dribbling, and future updates. The same day, Sloclap’s Season 5 Hotfix 1.205.004 cut standing Tackle Assist by 12% and fixed ball-collision and control-binding issues.

Season 5 launched without a beta because Sloclap was managing multiple game versions at once and preparing for Netcode 2.0 tests. The studio said more bugs slipped through as a result, and some players were left unsure which changes were intentional. It plans to communicate gameplay changes earlier and more often, and to add in-game tutorials for new features.

Goalkeeper controls and ball handling

Players have disagreed over whether the goalkeeper rework is too strong or too weak. Sloclap is pleased with the added variety and depth, but says it is too early to judge the effect on balance across different levels of play. The studio also acknowledged that it missed some possible input mappings. It plans to address some remapping issues in upcoming patches and says broader remapping support should be a requirement for future changes to controls.

A September 29 hotfix had already fixed an issue that stopped players using a mouse and keyboard from swapping the Long Range and Short Range goalkeeper dive keys. The studio says other mapping problems still need attention.

Season 5 also changed ball-control rules to reduce cases where the ball appeared to teleport. Sloclap said the invisible hitbox used for ball control could reach beyond tackle range, making timing and spacing hard to judge. Some of the changes introduced dribbling bugs, including an issue where Defense Mode and dashing fail to take control of the ball. A fix for that problem is coming in the current hotfix batch.

Sloclap also clarified that “magnetism” is a catchall term players use for several behaviors, not the name of a specific game mechanic. The studio said its patch-note wording blurred the difference between intended changes and new bugs, and plans to describe such changes more clearly.

Dribbling limits and future balance

Rematch is designed to limit players to two quick dribbles in Dribble Stance. While preparing the exhausted dribble state and work on Netcode 2.0, Sloclap fixed a bug that let players bypass that limit by releasing and quickly reactivating the stance. The studio recognizes that some players had practiced the technique, but says it does not intend to keep bugs that let players sidestep the rules.

Sloclap agrees that dribbling needs more room for skill expression. Its plans include adding new dribbles, turning some techniques into official mechanics, and improving existing systems. It is also looking at making Volley Tap and Volley Push Ball more responsive. The two-dribble limit is meant to give defenders clear openings and require dribblers to commit to their next move. Fixing exploits, the studio said, will also give it room to tune Defense Mode and develop defensive abilities that reward timing and game sense. A future dev blog will cover those plans, including changes to make hits look and feel right.

Season 5 fixed a bug affecting Tackle Assist, allowing it to follow player input more closely. Sloclap now plans to reduce the assist slightly in Hotfix 2. It did not give a release date for that adjustment.

Netcode 2.0 tests are planned for October

Netcode 2.0 is a full rework of Rematch’s server-side systems and the way the server communicates with players’ clients. Sloclap aims to improve stability, make animations easier to read, create more consistent gameplay, and reduce rollbacks. The studio expects the game to feel different, particularly during fast exchanges between players and between players and the ball, and is asking for feedback during the upcoming beta tests.

A more detailed explanation of Netcode 2.0 is expected later this week. Do you think Rematch’s two-dribble limit leaves enough room for dribbling skill while giving defenders a fair chance? For updates on the studio’s dribbling and defense plans, follow along on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam, and Telegram.

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