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

Knockout City, developed and launched by Velan Studios in May 2021, burst onto the gaming scene as a unique team-based, dodgeball-inspired multiplayer experience. Unlike traditional shooters or sports titles, it combined fast-paced third-person action, precision throwing mechanics, and dynamic arena-style maps to create something fresh in the competitive multiplayer genre.

Upon release, the game immediately captured attention thanks to its smooth gameplay loop, cross-platform play across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, and its accessible but highly skill-based mechanics. Its launch week saw over 2 million downloads, bolstered by positive reviews, strong word-of-mouth, and high visibility on streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, where content creators showcased its chaotic, fun-filled matches.

As new seasons rolled out with cosmetics, events, and special game modes, Knockout City quickly established itself as one of 2021’s breakout multiplayer hits. Its dodgeball-meets-brawler style, featuring mechanics like curved throws, fake-outs, and team passes, offered a refreshing twist that distinguished it from mainstream titles like Fortnite and Rocket League. The competitive ranked scene—while not on par with esports giants—also drew in dedicated players seeking skill-driven matches.

However, by late 2022, momentum began to wane. Despite Velan’s efforts to inject fresh content, player retention declined, largely due to limited progression systems, repetitive maps, and increasing competition from other free-to-play multiplayer titles. Following the end of its publishing deal with Electronic Arts (EA) in August 2022, Velan Studios self-published the game but struggled to maintain its early success.

Ultimately, the official servers were shut down on June 6, 2023, marking the end of Knockout City’s live-service era. Yet, even in 2025, a small but passionate community continues to keep the game alive through its PC-exclusive Private Server Edition. This niche revival raises a key question for nostalgic players and curious newcomers alike: How many people are still playing Knockout City in 2025, and is it worth revisiting today?

Current Knockout City Player Count in 2025

As of 2025, Knockout City is no longer officially supported by Velan Studios. Following the server shutdown on June 6, 2023, the game transitioned into a community-driven experience through the release of its PC-only "Private Hosting Edition". This edition allows fans to host their own servers, set up custom matches, and even modify game files, but it lacks the polished matchmaking and live-service elements that once defined the title.

Estimated Player Count in 2025

• Average concurrent players (PC): ~200–500 globally (based on community server tracking and Discord activity logs).

• Peak private server concurrency: Around 30–40 players during coordinated events or tournaments.

• Steam data: The official Steam listing was delisted after the shutdown, but the Private Hosting Edition (distributed independently) shows sporadic activity—sometimes dipping to 1–2 concurrent players, particularly outside event periods.

• Console versions (PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch): Fully offline and unplayable since 2023.

Note: The player base today is small but consistent, composed of dedicated fans who organize matches manually via Discord, Reddit threads, and GitHub-hosted mods rather than through automated matchmaking.

How Player Activity Is Tracked in 2025

Since the official servers are gone, player count statistics now come from community-managed tools and social hubs:

• Discord server activity: Knockout City’s largest Discord channels show daily LFG posts and event announcements.

• Fan tournaments & events: Community-run weekend tournaments occasionally bring brief spikes in player counts.

• GitHub repositories & mod forums: Engagement metrics from mod downloads and server activity logs suggest a steady but small base of enthusiasts.

Why Is the Player Count So Low?

Several factors explain the current numbers:

• Lack of official matchmaking or ranked play makes casual drop-in gaming impossible.

• PC-only accessibility limits new player adoption—especially after console support ended.

• Minimal marketing or exposure since Velan Studios shifted focus to new projects.

• The game’s niche appeal: Unlike mainstream titles, its dodgeball-inspired gameplay attracts a specific audience rather than a broad one.

Who Is Still Playing Knockout City in 2025?

The remaining player base is mostly made up of:

• Competitive veterans: Former ranked players who now participate in custom leagues.

• Modding enthusiasts: Fans experimenting with new maps, custom skins, and gameplay tweaks.

• Small friend groups: Players using LAN or private lobbies for casual play sessions.

• Content creators: Streamers on Twitch and YouTube occasionally revisit the game for nostalgia-driven content.

The Bottom Line on Player Count

While Knockout City’s player count in 2025 is drastically lower than during its launch peak, it is not completely dead. The Private Hosting Edition has effectively turned the game into a niche, community-run title, sustained by its loyal fanbase rather than mainstream appeal. For those willing to join Discord servers and coordinate matches manually, there is still fun to be had, albeit in a far smaller ecosystem than before.

Knockout City’s Rise and Fall

When Velan Studios launched Knockout City in May 2021, it quickly carved out a name for itself in the crowded multiplayer space. Its unique dodgeball-inspired gameplay, smooth mechanics, and cross-platform support across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch set it apart from other competitive titles.

At its peak, Knockout City was hailed as one of the most innovative multiplayer games of 2021, blending accessible mechanics for casual players with skill-based depth for competitive fans. However, despite a promising start and millions of downloads, the game struggled to maintain its momentum and eventually saw a significant decline, leading to its server shutdown on June 6, 2023.

 The Rise: Peak Popularity (2021 – Early 2022)

During its launch year, Knockout City experienced explosive growth, becoming an unexpected hit in the gaming community:

• Over 2 million downloads in its first week, boosted by EA Play and Xbox Game Pass trials.

• Cross-play and cross-progression allowed players from all platforms to compete together seamlessly.

• Seasonal content drops (new maps, balls, cosmetics, and modes) kept players engaged in early months.

• Strong Twitch and YouTube presence: Popular streamers showcased chaotic matches, driving visibility.

• Ranked Mode launch: Competitive play attracted esports enthusiasts and a small but dedicated scene.

For a time, Knockout City successfully positioned itself as an alternative to giants like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Splatoon—appealing to players who wanted a fast-paced, non-shooter competitive game.

 The Decline: Waning Interest (Late 2022 – Early 2023)

By late 2022, signs of player fatigue became evident. Several key factors contributed to this decline:

1.  Content Stagnation:
   Updates slowed down significantly after Velan Studios took over publishing from EA in August 2022. Fewer events, cosmetic drops, and new maps resulted in repetitive gameplay.

2.  Lack of Long-Term Progression:
   The game’s focus on cosmetics (without meaningful unlockable rewards or gameplay-impacting progression) failed to keep players invested.

3.  Weak Esports Support:
   While ranked mode existed, it lacked incentives like official tournaments or prize pools to keep the competitive scene thriving.

4.  Competition From Other Games:
   The rise of new titles like Omega Strikers and continued dominance of Rocket League pulled away much of its audience.

5. ???? Technical Issues:
   Complaints about lag, matchmaking delays, and occasional server instability frustrated the remaining player base.

 The Shutdown: June 6, 2023

In February 2023, Velan Studios officially announced that Knockout City’s servers would be shut down. Despite attempts to revitalize interest with final seasonal events and bonus rewards, the game officially went offline on June 6, 2023, marking the end of its live-service era.

However, instead of letting the game disappear completely, Velan released a PC-exclusive “Private Hosting Edition”—a downloadable version that allowed fans to host custom servers and continue playing. This move preserved Knockout City’s legacy, albeit as a community-run, niche title.

 Lessons From Knockout City’s Fall

Knockout City’s trajectory mirrors that of many innovative multiplayer games: a strong launch, viral attention, and a dedicated player base that eventually dwindled due to lack of ongoing support and fierce competition. Its story highlights:

• The importance of continuous content updates for live-service titles.

• How early accessibility (Game Pass/EA Play) can drive short-term success but doesn’t guarantee long-term retention.

• The value of community-driven preservation, as modders and fans now keep the game alive.

 From Mainstream Hit to Cult Classic

While Knockout City may no longer compete with AAA multiplayer titles, it has successfully transitioned into a cult classic supported by loyal fans. In 2025, it thrives in private servers, niche Discord communities, and modding forums—proof that even after its “fall,” its legacy continues to bounce back in unexpected ways.

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?

Although Knockout City’s official servers were shut down on June 6, 2023, the game is still playable in 2025, albeit in a limited, community-driven form. After its closure, developer Velan Studios released a PC-exclusive “Private Hosting Edition”, allowing fans to download the game, host their own servers, and continue playing privately. While this version preserves the core gameplay, it no longer offers official matchmaking, ranked play, or live-service events.

Availability in 2025

• PC (Windows): The game is available only through the Private Hosting Edition, which can be downloaded from Velan Studios’ official archive page.

• Consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch): All console versions remain permanently offline and unplayable since the 2023 shutdown.

• Steam and Epic Games Store: The original listings have been delisted. Only archived copies and community-distributed versions remain accessible.

In other words, while Knockout City has effectively transitioned into a fan-maintained game, its accessibility is now limited to PC players willing to set up or join private servers.

How to Play Knockout City in 2025

Playing Knockout City today requires some manual setup and community involvement:

1. Download the Private Hosting Edition:
   Visit Velan Studios’ archived downloads page or trusted community repositories to obtain the PC version.

2. Host Your Own Server or Join a Community Server:
   Players can either run local servers for friends or connect to existing fan-hosted servers coordinated via community hubs.

3. Use Community Platforms for Matchmaking:
   Since there is no automated matchmaking, players rely on Discord servers, Reddit groups, and dedicated forums to organize games, schedule events, and coordinate lobbies.

4. Install Mods and Enhancements:
   Enthusiasts on GitHub have developed tools, patches, and mods to improve the Private Edition experience, including map tweaks, cosmetic unlocks, and custom rulesets.

What Has Changed Since the Shutdown?

The Private Hosting Edition retains much of the original gameplay but with notable differences:

• No official matchmaking or ranked mode – Players must manually organize matches.

• All cosmetics unlocked by default, giving full access to character customization without progression.

• Bot support available – Solo players can practice against AI bots, though this is limited to offline training.

• Community-run events only – Velan Studios no longer develops content, so updates, tournaments, and patches come entirely from fans.

Is It Worth Playing Now?

For those who loved Knockout City or want to experience its unique dodgeball-inspired gameplay, the Private Hosting Edition offers a way to revisit it. However, prospective players should be aware of its limitations:

• The player base is small, typically ranging from 200 to 500 active PC players globally, coordinated through fan groups.

• Games are not drop-in friendly; participation requires joining Discord servers or private communities.

• There is no ongoing development, meaning no new official maps, modes, or seasonal content.

Despite these constraints, the community-driven model has preserved the game’s legacy. Dedicated fans still organize events, maintain mods, and create custom content to keep it alive for nostalgic players or newcomers curious to try it.

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.

Read Also: Diabotical Rogue Steam Charts (2025): Player Count, Stats & Trends Explained

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.