Knockout basics: whoever loses a player first usually loses
Knockout is a 3v3 mode where you win a round by taking down all three enemies. The big difference from other 3v3 modes is that there's no respawning within a round. Lose one player first and it's 3v2, which is very hard to turn around.
The rules
- Two teams of three; the first team to win two rounds wins the match.
- A defeated brawler stays out until the round ends.
- If a round drags on, poison gas closes in from the edges and pushes everyone toward the middle.
The first takedown decides a lot
The most important thing in Knockout is not dying first. In a 3v2, the remaining two take all three enemies' damage, and only a big skill gap can overcome that.
- Don't wander ahead alone: separated players get focused by all three enemies.
- Back off when you're hurt: Knockout rounds aren't rushed, so stepping back to heal rarely costs much.
- Check bushes: many first deaths come from ambushes. Throwing a shot into nearby bushes is a good habit.
When the gas closes in
Late in a round the gas forces a fight in the middle.
- The team that claims good central cover (walls or bushes) before the gas arrives has the edge.
- Health going into the final fight matters, so don't trade it away just before the gas.
- Abilities that push enemies into the gas, or area damage in tight spaces, shine here.
Team building basics
A common Knockout setup:
- One long-range brawler to chip enemies and make approaching costly.
- One zone-control or lobbing brawler to flush enemies out from behind walls and control tight spaces in the gas phase.
- A support or map-specific third pick: healing or shields to prevent the first death, or a close-range brawler on bush-heavy maps.
Maps vary, so check the day's map ranking.
Who's winning right now
Below are the top brawlers across all current ranked Knockout maps, from PickStudy data. It updates every morning.
Per-map rankings are on All Maps. Knockout shows up often in Ranked, so the counter picker helps once you see the enemy picks.
Summary
Knockout is a patience game. Stay together, back off when hurt, check bushes, and take the good central spots before the gas. The team that avoids the first death usually wins.