Knives Out: The Complete Battle Royale Survival Guide
Introduction to Knives Out
Knives Out is a free-to-play battle royale game developed and published by NetEase Games. Originally launched in 2017, it has grown to become one of the most popular mobile battle royale games worldwide, particularly in Asian markets. The game drops up to 100 players onto a massive island where they must scavenge for weapons, gear, and vehicles while fighting to be the last person or team standing.
While often compared to PUBG and Fortnite, Knives Out distinguishes itself with unique mechanics like the "Mark System" for team communication, diverse vehicle options including helicopters and speedboats, and special game modes that rotate regularly. The game is optimized for mobile devices but also offers a PC version, making it accessible to a wide audience.
In recent years, Knives Out has gained significant popularity in India, with dedicated servers providing low-latency gameplay for Indian players. The game's relatively low hardware requirements make it accessible to players with mid-range smartphones, contributing to its widespread adoption.
Game Overview & Background
Knives Out was developed by NetEase Games, one of China's largest video game companies. It was released in November 2017, initially targeting the Chinese market before expanding globally. The game was part of the first wave of battle royale games to hit mobile platforms successfully, capitalizing on the genre's growing popularity.
🎮 Development History & Milestones
- November 2017: Knives Out launches in China as "荒野行动" (Wilderness Action)
- December 2017: Global version released with English localization
- March 2018: Hits 100 million registered players worldwide
- June 2018: Introduces 5v5 team deathmatch mode "Blitzkrieg"
- October 2019: Launches India-specific servers and localization
- March 2020: Adds helicopters and new map "Frostfire Island"
- December 2024: Graphics overhaul with Unreal Engine 4 upgrade
🌍 Global Popularity & Esports Scene
Knives Out has established a strong competitive scene, particularly in Asia. The game hosts regular tournaments with substantial prize pools:
- Knives Out Championship (KOC): Annual global tournament with $500,000+ prize pool
- India Challenger Series: Regional competition for Indian players
- University Leagues: Collegiate tournaments across Asia
- Content Creator Cups: Regular influencer tournaments
Core Gameplay Mechanics
The Knives Out battle royale experience follows the standard genre formula but introduces several unique mechanics that differentiate it from competitors.
📝 Match Structure & Basic Rules
- Pre-match: Players choose between Solo, Duo, or Squad modes before queuing for a match.
- Starting Area: All players begin in a waiting area where they can practice shooting and movement for 60 seconds before the match starts.
- Parachute Phase: Players board a plane that flies across the map, choosing when to jump and parachute to their desired location.
- Looting Phase: Upon landing, players must quickly scavenge for weapons, armor, medical supplies, and attachments.
- Safe Zone Mechanics: A constantly shrinking safe zone forces players into closer proximity, with damage increasing in later zones.
- Victory Condition: The last player or team standing wins the match, earning "Chicken Dinner" (a reference to PUBG's victory phrase).
🎮 Unique Knives Out Mechanics
🎯 Mark System
Knives Out features an innovative marking system that allows players to quickly communicate with teammates without voice chat. By tapping the map or aiming at objects, players can mark:
- Enemy locations
- Loot items
- Destinations
- Vehicle requests
🏃♂️ Advanced Movement
Beyond standard running and crouching, Knives Out includes:
- Prone Crawling: Lie completely flat for maximum concealment
- Vaulting: Automatically climb over low obstacles
- Swimming: Navigate water bodies with realistic swimming mechanics
- Ziplines: Use ziplines in certain areas for rapid vertical movement
⚙️ Character Customization & Progression
Knives Out offers extensive character customization through:
- Appearance: Modify facial features, hairstyles, skin tones, and body types
- Outfits: Hundreds of cosmetic items including military uniforms, casual wear, and special event costumes
- Weapon Skins: Customize weapon appearances with various skins and finishes
- Parachute Customization: Personalize your parachute and glider designs
- Rank System: Progress through tiers from Bronze to Conqueror based on match performance
Weapons Guide & Arsenal
Knives Out features an extensive arsenal of weapons divided into several categories, each with unique characteristics and optimal use cases.
| Weapon Type | Best For | Top Weapons | Damage Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assault Rifles (AR) | Versatile combat at medium range | M4A1, AK-47, SCAR-L, AUG | High |
| Submachine Guns (SMG) | Close quarters combat | UMP9, Vector, MP5 | Medium |
| Sniper Rifles | Long-range engagements | AWM, M24, Kar98k | Very High |
| Shotguns | Extreme close range | S12K, M870, S686 | Extreme |
| Light Machine Guns (LMG) | Suppressive fire, vehicle combat | M249, DP-28 | High |
🎯 Weapon Attachments & Customization
Weapons in Knives Out can be customized with various attachments that significantly improve performance:
💥 Throwables & Equipment
Beyond firearms, players have access to tactical equipment:
- Frag Grenades: Standard explosive with 5-second fuse
- Smoke Grenades: Create visual cover for revives or movement
- Stun Grenades: Disorient enemies with flash and sound
- Molotov Cocktails: Area denial weapon that creates fire
- First Aid Kits: Restore health to 100% (10-second use time)
- Med Kits: Instant full health restoration (rare)
- Bandages: Restore health to 75% maximum (4-second use)
- Energy Drinks/Painkillers: Provide healing over time and slight speed boost
Vehicles & Transportation
Vehicles in Knives Out are essential for traversing the large maps quickly and safely. The game features one of the most diverse vehicle rosters in the battle royale genre.
🚗 Land Vehicles
- Jeep: Balanced all-terrain vehicle with moderate speed and durability
- Buggy: Fast two-seater with excellent off-road capability
- Motorcycle: Extremely fast but offers no protection
- Motorcycle with Sidecar: Three-seater variant of the motorcycle
- Truck: Slow but durable 6-seater vehicle
- Sports Car: Very fast on roads but poor off-road performance
🚁 Air & Water Vehicles
- Helicopter: Unique to Knives Out, allows vertical movement and aerial reconnaissance
- Speedboat: Fast water vehicle for crossing rivers and lakes
- Jet Ski: Personal watercraft for one or two players
🛡️ Vehicle Combat Tips
Pro Tip: Vehicle Strategy
Vehicles are both assets and liabilities:
- Use vehicles for mid-game rotation when the safe zone is far
- Abandon vehicles in late-game circles as they reveal your position
- Shoot at vehicle tires to immobilize pursuing enemies
- Helicopters are powerful but make you a visible target for all players
Maps & Key Locations
Knives Out features several maps, each with distinct geography, loot distribution, and tactical considerations.
🗺️ Main Maps Overview
🔥 Wilderness (Original Map)
The original 8km × 8km map featuring diverse environments:
- High-Risk Areas: Main Harbor, East City, Shooting Range
- Medium Loot: Farm, Logging Camp, Fisherman's Village
- Low-Risk Starts: Western Hills, Northern Outpost
- Key Terrain: Suspension Bridge, Dam, Airfield
❄️ Frostfire Island
Smaller 4km × 4km winter-themed map with faster gameplay:
- Hot Drops: Ski Resort, Frozen Lake Village
- Unique Mechanics: Temperature system requiring occasional warmth
- Fast-Paced: Designed for 15-minute matches
- Vertical Combat: Multi-level ski lifts and lodges
📍 Landing Strategy by Location Type
| Location Type | Recommended For | Player Count | Survival Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Centers | Aggressive players, squads with good communication | 15-25 players | Low (20%) |
| Military Bases | Experienced players seeking high-tier loot | 10-15 players | Medium (35%) |
| Rural Areas | New players, strategic players, solo queue | 2-5 players | High (60%) |
| Remote Compounds | Stealth players, those avoiding early combat | 0-2 players | Very High (75%) |
Advanced Strategy & Survival Guide
Mastering Knives Out requires more than good aim. Strategic decision-making separates average players from champions.
🏆 Phases of a Match & Optimal Strategy
Early Game (0-5 mins)
Priority: Survival and basic gear
- Land away from the plane's path if possible
- Secure at least one weapon immediately
- Find Level 1 armor and helmet
- Gather healing items
- Avoid unnecessary fights
Mid Game (5-15 mins)
Priority: Positioning and loot optimization
- Rotate early to safe zone center
- Upgrade to Level 2-3 armor
- Find optimal weapon attachments
- Engage advantageous fights
- Secure a vehicle for next rotation
Late Game (15+ mins)
Priority: Winning the match
- Minimize movement and visibility
- Use smoke grenades for cover
- Let other players fight each other
- Track remaining player positions
- Save throwables for final circle
🎯 Exclusive Pro Tips from Top Players
Insider Strategies from Competitive Players
🔫 Weapon Loadout Optimization
Top players recommend these weapon combinations:
- Versatile Combo: M4A1 (4x scope) + UMP9 (red dot)
- Aggressive Combo: AK-47 + S12K shotgun
- Sniper Specialization: AWM sniper + Vector for close defense
- New Player Friendly: SCAR-L + UMP9 (both easy to control)
👁️ Advanced Awareness Techniques
Beyond basic game sense:
- Listen for specific sounds: helmet breaking (high damage taken), vehicle fuel levels (enemies may stop soon)
- Count shots: if you hear a Kar98k fire twice without a kill, player likely has poor aim
- Watch kill feed: note what weapons eliminated players are using
- Track plane path: predict where most players landed based on jump timing
🎮 Solo vs. Squad Strategy Differences
| Aspect | Solo Play | Squad Play |
|---|---|---|
| Landing Strategy | Avoid conflicts initially, land remotely | Stick together, can afford hotter drops |
| Loot Distribution | Take everything you need | Specialize roles (medic, sniper, assault) |
| Engagement Style | Ambush, avoid fair fights | Flank and overwhelm with numbers |
| Revive Considerations | No revives - play extremely carefully | Can take more risks if teammates can revive |
| Win Rate Expectation | 1-3% for average players | 5-15% for coordinated squads |
Download, Install & India Server Guide
📱 How to Download & Install Knives Out
Android Installation
- Open Google Play Store on your Android device
- Search for "Knives Out" by NetEase Games
- Tap "Install" (APK size: ~1.8GB)
- Wait for download and automatic installation
- Open the game and download additional resources (~500MB)
- Create account or login with social media
Alternative: Download APK directly from official NetEase website if unavailable in your region.
iOS Installation
- Open App Store on your iPhone or iPad
- Search for "Knives Out" by NetEase Games
- Tap "Get" to download (Size: ~2.1GB)
- Game will install automatically
- Launch and download additional game data
- Sign in with Apple ID, Facebook, or Twitter
Note: iOS version may have different update schedule than Android.
🇮🇳 India Server Setup & Optimization
For Indian Players: Reducing Lag & Ping
Server Selection
- Always choose "Asia" server for lowest ping
- Within Asia, select "South Asia" if available
- Test ping in training mode before competitive matches
- Preferred ping: <50ms (excellent), 50-100ms (good), 100-200ms (playable)
Network Optimization
- Use 4G/5G mobile data for more stable connection than public WiFi
- For WiFi, ensure router is on 5GHz band (less interference)
- Close background apps consuming bandwidth
- Consider gaming VPNs optimized for India (may reduce ping by 10-20ms)
💰 In-Game Purchases & Indian Payment Methods
Knives Out uses a free-to-play model with optional in-game purchases:
| Currency | What It Buys | Cost in INR | Best Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold (Basic) | Standard cosmetics, basic crates | ₹79 - ₹7,999 | ₹799 pack (12,000 Gold) |
| E-Coins (Premium) | Premium outfits, weapon skins | ₹129 - ₹8,499 | ₹1,299 seasonal pass |
| Crates/Loot Boxes | Random cosmetic items | ₹49 - ₹349 each | 10+1 bundle offers |
Indian Payment Methods Supported: Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, RuPay), NetBanking, UPI (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm), Mobile Wallets, Amazon Pay.
🎁 Special Events & Bonuses for Indian Players
Festival Events 🎉
- Diwali Celebration: Special Indian outfits, firework weapons skins, bonus gold
- Holi Festival: Colorful weapon finishes, special game mode
- Republic Day: Indian flag parachutes, national emblem outfits
- Eid Mubarak: Crescent moon weapon charms, special login rewards
Regular Bonuses 🇮🇳
- Weekly Login Rewards: Free crates, gold, temporary outfits
- New Player Bonus: 7-day login with permanent weapon skin on day 7
- Server Maintenance Compensation: Usually 200-500 gold after downtime
- Esports Viewing Drops: Watch tournaments in-game for rewards
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Knives Out free to play? What's the catch?
Yes, Knives Out is completely free to download and play. The game makes money through optional in-game purchases for cosmetic items only. All gameplay-affecting items (weapons, armor, healing) must be found during matches and cannot be purchased. This ensures a level playing field where skill determines victory, not spending.
2. How does Knives Out compare to PUBG Mobile?
While both are battle royale games, Knives Out has several distinctions: (1) It features helicopters as vehicles, (2) Has a more arcade-like feel with slightly faster movement, (3) Includes a unique "Mark System" for team communication, (4) Generally has lower hardware requirements, (5) Offers different maps including Frostfire Island. Many players find Knives Out more accessible while PUBG Mobile has slightly more realistic gunplay.
3. What are the minimum requirements to play Knives Out smoothly?
Android: 2GB RAM, Android 5.1 or higher, Snapdragon 625/equivalent or better, 2GB free storage. iOS: iPhone 6s or newer, iOS 10.0 or later, 2.5GB free space. For optimal experience: 3GB+ RAM, Snapdragon 660/equivalent or better, stable 20Mbps+ internet connection. The game automatically adjusts graphics based on your device capability.
4. Can I play with friends on different platforms?
Yes, Knives Out supports cross-platform play between mobile devices (Android and iOS). However, PC players are matched separately from mobile players to ensure fair competition due to control advantages. To play with friends, add them via their in-game ID or connect through social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter).
5. How can I reduce lag and improve performance on Indian servers?
To optimize performance: (1) Always select Asia/South Asia server, (2) Use 5GHz WiFi or 4G/5G mobile data, (3) Close background apps, (4) Lower graphics settings in game options, (5) Clear game cache regularly, (6) Avoid peak hours (8-11 PM) if experiencing lag. Many Indian players report best results using Jio or Airtel 4G networks.
Game Update Log & Version History
Knives Out receives regular updates with new content, balance changes, and optimizations. Below is the recent version history:
| Date | Version | Key Updates & Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-05 | v3.8.0 |
Winter Update:
|
| 2025-11-20 | v3.7.5 | Diwali Festival Event with special Indian outfits, firework weapons, and 2x XP bonus. New UPI payment integration for Indian players. Weapon balance: AK-47 recoil increased slightly, M4A1 damage buffed at long range. |
| 2025-10-15 | v3.7.0 | Halloween Event with zombie-themed mode. New weapon: P90 SMG. South Asia server optimization reducing ping by 15-30ms for Indian players. Graphics improvements for devices with 6GB+ RAM. |
| 2025-09-01 | v3.6.2 | Major anti-cheat system upgrade. New reporting system with faster response. Vehicle physics overhaul for more realistic handling. Bug fixes for crash issues on specific Xiaomi and Samsung devices common in India. |
About the Editor
Marcus Rodriguez
Battle Royale Strategist & Esports Analyst | Former Competitive Knives Out Player
With over 5,000 hours in Knives Out and a top 500 ranked player for three consecutive seasons, Marcus brings hands-on competitive experience to his analysis. He has coached several emerging teams in the Indian Knives Out competitive scene and regularly contributes strategy content to major gaming publications. His approach emphasizes data-driven decision making combined with practical in-game experience.
Credentials: Season 12 Conqueror-tier rank, Analyst for KOC 2024 Indian Regional Finals, Contributor to "Mobile Battle Royale Quarterly", Creator of popular "Tactical Drops" YouTube series with 250K+ subscribers.
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