Knockout City Player Count 2025: Real Stats, Shutdown Update & How to Play

Knockout City was launched in May 2021 by Velan Studios as a team-based, dodgeball-inspired multiplayer game. It stood out with fast-paced gameplay, cross-platform support, and competitive mechanics that attracted millions of players during its early days. Over time, however, interest declined. By 2023, the official servers were shut down. Still, some gamers in 2025 are asking—how many people are playing Knockout City now, and is it still worth checking out?

Current Knockout City Player Count in 2025

As of 2025, Knockout City no longer has official servers. The game’s publisher Velan Studios permanently shut down all online services on June 6, 2023. Since then, the game has only been accessible on PC through a special version called the Private Hosting Edition. This allows fans to run their own servers and play locally or online with others.

Here’s what we know about the 2025 player count:

• Estimated active players: 200 to 500 globally (PC only)

• Console versions (PS4, PS5, Xbox): Completely offline

• Steam: Delisted; no matchmaking available

• Activity is coordinated through:

  • Discord groups

  • Reddit threads

  • GitHub community mods

While the numbers are far from the peak, a small group of players continues to keep the game alive.

Knockout City’s Rise and Fall

Peak Popularity (2021–Early 2022)

Knockout City saw early success due to several standout features:

• Over 2 million downloads in the first week

• Cross-play support across PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch

• Competitive multiplayer with unique mechanics

• Seasonal content and regular events

• Featured on Twitch and YouTube with strong early engagement

Decline and Shutdown (Late 2022–2023)

By late 2022, interest began to drop. Key issues included:

• EA ended publishing the game in August 2022

• Content updates slowed after Velan Studios took over

• Player base shrank due to lack of incentives and game balance

• Velan officially shut down all servers on June 6, 2023

• Final version released for PC only as “Private Hosting Edition”

Why Did the Player Count Drop?

There were several reasons for Knockout City’s decline:

• Lack of long-term progression: Cosmetic-only updates couldn’t keep players engaged

• No strong esports ecosystem: Ranked mode existed, but competition was limited

• Content fatigue: Maps and modes became repetitive

• Technical problems: Lag, slow matchmaking, and server errors

• Fierce competition: Games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and newer releases like Omega Strikers pulled away users

Read Also: Escape From Tarkov Player Count in 2025: Stats, Trends & Why the Game’s Still Growing

Is Knockout City Still Playable in 2025?

Yes—but only on PC. The official servers and console support are gone, but Velan Studios released a PC-only Private Hosting Edition in 2023.

Here’s how you can still play:

• Download the Private Edition from Velan Studios’ archived game section

• Host a server locally or connect to a fan-hosted server

• Use Discord groups to find other players and coordinate matches

• Explore GitHub mods to improve or tweak the game experience

There is no matchmaking system, so players must organize games manually.

The Fan Community in 2025

Despite the shutdown, a passionate community continues to support the game.

Active Community Platforms:

• Reddit: For updates, community news, and gameplay tips

• Discord servers: For match coordination and discussions

• YouTube and Twitch: Small streamers occasionally post gameplay and tutorials

• GitHub repositories: For mods, bug fixes, and new features

Notable Fan Projects:

• Map rebalance patches

• Bot training modes

• LAN play tools for local multiplayer

While not massive, this loyal fanbase keeps Knockout City alive in a limited but meaningful way.

Knockout City Compared to Similar Games

Here’s how Knockout City stacks up in 2025 against similar games:

Best Knockout City Alternatives

If you liked Knockout City, these games offer similar team-based or fast-action fun:

• Rocket League – High-speed team play using cars and soccer-style physics

• Omega Strikers – 3v3 arena game with character abilities and strategy

• Splatoon 3 – Paint-based combat in a unique third-person shooter style

• Rumbleverse (fan versions) – Discontinued but available in modded offline form

These titles continue to grow and are officially supported by their developers.

Final Verdict: Is Knockout City Dead or Alive in 2025?

Knockout City is officially shut down. Its servers are offline, console access is gone, and there is no matchmaking or ranked system anymore. From a commercial standpoint, the game is no longer alive. However, thanks to the Private Hosting Edition and dedicated fans, the game still runs in small PC-based communities. Custom matches, modding tools, and Discord activity allow Knockout City to survive as a niche title. If you're nostalgic or new to the game and curious, it’s still playable—just expect a limited, community-run experience rather than a mainstream online game.

FAQs

Is Knockout City completely gone in 2025?
Yes, officially. However, it can still be played on PC using the Private Hosting Edition released by Velan Studios.

Can I play Knockout City on Xbox or PlayStation in 2025?
No. All console versions were disabled after the shutdown in 2023.

Is there still ranked or competitive play?
No. There is no matchmaking or competitive ranking system. Only private matches exist.

Where can I download the Private Edition?
Visit Velan Studios’ official website under their game archive section.

How can I find players in 2025?
Join Knockout City Discord servers where players organize matches and offer tech support.