Knives Out vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against Knives Out's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Knives Out
This App
Standoff 2
Contender
Undawn
New Kid
Core Identity
DeveloperNetEase GamesTencent Mobile International LimitedAXLEBOLT LTDLevel InfiniteActivision Publishing, Inc.Critical Force OyFarlight GamesLevel Infinite
CategoryGamesGamesGamesActionGamesGamesGamesAction
PlatformAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.3 / 54.3 / 54.4 / 54.7 / 54.7 / 54.6 / 54.1 / 54.5 / 5
Ratings Count4491,575,145122,73577,4281,986,83010,1716,36018,690
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateNov 14, 2017Mar 19, 2018Mar 28, 2018Jul 13, 2023Sep 30, 2019Oct 19, 2016Apr 23, 2023Jun 13, 2023
Last UpdatedMay 3, 2026Mar 12, 2026Apr 7, 2026Mar 12, 2026Apr 20, 2026Apr 24, 2026Apr 23, 2026Apr 21, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentmixedmixedmixedmixedmixedmixednegativemixed
Score55/10045/10048/10035/10055/10065/10025/10035/100
Praises
  • Smooth battle royale gameplay mechanics provide a compelling alternative to established mobile shooter titles
  • Character customization options offer a standout creative outlet that differentiates the game from competitors
  • Accessible performance on lower-end hardware allows a wider range of players to participate
  • Core battle royale gameplay loop provides high replayability and long-term entertainment value for players
  • Graphics and Visuals
  • Core Gameplay Mechanics
  • Realistic military extraction gameplay provides a high-stakes experience that differentiates the title from arcade shooters
  • High-fidelity graphics and realistic weapon mechanics provide a console-like experience on mobile devices
  • Tactical shooter mechanics provide a competitive experience comparable to desktop titles
  • Aspect ratio adjustments allow players to customize their field of view effectively
  • Low hardware requirements enable smooth performance on older mobile devices
  • Core gunplay mechanics and visual fidelity maintain high engagement for long-term players
  • Immersive open world survival mechanics provide a compelling and addictive gameplay experience for new players
  • High-fidelity graphics and detailed environmental design rival console-level quality on mobile devices
Complaints
  • Technical instability and visual glitches post-update disrupt the core combat experience for many players
  • Lack of regional server support forces players into high-latency matches that degrade competitive integrity
  • Monetization pressure and repetitive reward structures diminish the long-term value for dedicated players
  • New promotion match requirements create artificial progression barriers that frustrate dedicated long-term players
  • App Stability and Crashes
  • Cheating and Anti-cheat
  • Aggressive anti-cheat systems trigger false bans for players using legitimate device-level performance optimization tools
  • Post-update connectivity and server stability issues prevent players from completing matches consistently
  • Persistent network latency and server instability cause rubberbanding during intense matches
  • Unfair matchmaking systems pair low-ranked players against significantly higher-skilled opponents
  • Account security vulnerabilities allow unauthorized access and unlinking of player profiles
  • Removal of jetpack mechanics post-update has alienated the core player base
  • Frequent application crashes and stability regressions post-update disrupt gameplay sessions for mobile users
  • Aggressive pay-to-win monetization and unfair matchmaking mechanics alienate non-spending players in competitive modes
Requests
  • Native controller support implementation to improve precision and comfort for mobile shooter enthusiasts
  • Localized language support for in-game communications to bridge the gap between international player bases
  • Official controller support requested to improve precision and parity with other mobile shooters
-
  • Full controller support integration to improve precision and comfort for competitive extraction gameplay
  • Improved anti-cheat measures to address the prevalence of hackers in ranked and DMZ modes
  • Integrated voice communication features would improve coordination during solo ranked play
  • Expanded offline practice modes with bot support for map and weapon training
  • Clan system improvements to provide meaningful progression and team-based rewards
  • Reintroduction of legacy gameplay features including jetpacks and original movement
  • Native controller support is requested to improve movement precision and combat responsiveness during gameplay
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Stylized aesthetic differentiates from hyper-realistic competitors
  • Performance accessibility on budget hardware expands addressable market
  • Squad-based vehicle mechanics increase session duration
  • High-fidelity visual presentation sustains long-term loyalty
  • Squad-based social infrastructure drives daily active usage
  • Ptopia Design Project lowers asset production costs
  • 120 FPS high-performance engine
  • No-unlock weapon system (fair play)
  • Active player-driven skin marketplace
  • High-stakes gear loss creates unique tension-based retention loop
  • 700+ part gunsmithing system drives deep loadout investment
  • Console-quality HD graphics sustain high-fidelity retention
  • Integrated multi-mode launcher creates a high-retention hub
  • Modular download system reduces storage barriers for acquisition
  • Skill-based matchmaking loop sustains long-term player retention
  • Low hardware requirements enable access on mid-range devices
  • Esports spectator tools build brand authority
  • Vertical parkour movement mechanics differentiate the core loop
  • Buddy Pet system creates unpredictable gameplay variance
  • Unreal Engine 4 visual fidelity sustains high-end mobile immersion
  • Complex survival-indicator loop drives daily session frequency
Weaknesses
  • High-latency matches due to missing regional servers
  • Technical instability (flickering/quits) post-update
  • Monetization pressure from duplicate cosmetic items
  • Promotion match requirements frustrate veteran players
  • Performance regressions on mid-range hardware
  • Missing 120 FPS support on modern hardware
  • Version 0.38.0 stability (frequent crashes)
  • Perceived weak anti-cheat measures
  • Imbalanced matchmaking (Gold vs Masters)
  • False-positive anti-cheat bans on legitimate hardware tools
  • Persistent network latency during critical firefights
  • Post-update connectivity issues erode match completion rates
  • Aggressive monetization draws create pay-to-win perception
  • Frame rate drops on mid-range devices degrade experience
  • Persistent server latency erodes competitive integrity
  • Account security vulnerabilities cause player churn
  • Lack of integrated voice chat hinders solo-ranked coordination
  • 0.7★ Android-iOS rating gap indicates technical instability
  • Jetpack removal triggered high-frequency churn among legacy players
  • 4.08 rating on Android vs 4.53 on iOS indicates platform-specific stability gaps
  • Aggressive IAP gating alienates non-spending competitive players
Pricingfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfreemium
MomentumActiveSteadyActiveMaintenanceActiveActiveMaintenanceMaintenance
Update Cadence5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~10d avg5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~47d avg5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~27d avg2 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~3d avg5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~33d avg5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~3d avg4 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~25d avg4 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~58d avg

Compare Knives Out head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Knives Out, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0