Riot Games is introducing a new game mode into VALORANT with the new Season 2026 Act 2 on March 18, 2026. This new game mode is called “Knockout”. It is like an evolution of the Team Deathmatch mode with ability usage.
The Knockout game mode tends to bring a fast and team-focused experience with coordinated combat. Test your aim and skills in a fast-paced mode, where your kills resurrect fallen teammates. This is the complete guide to VALORANT’s new Knockout game mode.
Table of Contents
What is the Knockout Game Mode in VALORANT
The Knockout is a 5v5 round-based tactical elimination mode on the Team Deathmatch maps. Unlike the original TDMs, the Knockout introduces the agents’ ability usage, alongside unique rules. Both teams stage at the center line of the map and work to push into enemy territory across escalating weapon stages to wipe each other out.
It is all about teamwork and trading kills alongside your fellow players. With each kill you or your team gets, your fallen teammate will automatically be resurrected, continuing the round, until all players of a team are dead. The first team to secure 4 rounds wins the match.
Knockout Game Mode Details
In addition to the basic introduction and overview of what the Knockout game mode is, there are many more mechanics that play into it. Below, you can find all the major mechanics playing a key role and that you must understand to perform better.
Resurrection System
Eliminating an enemy brings back a fallen teammate. However, the Resurrection delay scales with round length. The longer the round goes, the higher the resurrection time will be. If your team dies within the time of someone being revived, your team will lose the round.
Team Territories
A center-line barrier divides the map into team territories. Capture orbs to shift the line toward the enemy, expanding your territory and compressing theirs. Orbs also heal you and grant you an ultimate charge. Crossing into enemy territory applies a debuff and blurs the mini-map, forcing the pushing team to coordinate their timing. Moreover, a “Threat Detected” notification pops up when a player crosses into your territory.
To get the upper hand on the enemies, your team must capture the orbs to increase your team’s playable space and compress the enemy team’s territory. This way, the enemy will have less room to play with and fewer angles to hold.
Loadouts
There is no economy system in the Knockout game mode. You can select your loadout each round. Weapon offerings escalate through stages as the match progresses.
Round Structure
Knockout mode is a 5v5 on Team Deathmatch maps. Each Round lasts 3 minutes. During overtime, respawns and healing are disabled. Moreover, the players receive damage over time, forcing a final fight. Eliminate all enemies to win the round. The first team to 4 rounds wins the match. Lastly, the match length is 8-15 minutes, depending on how the rounds go for both teams.
Agents & Abilities
The Knockout game mode offers the standard agent select with TDM ability recharge rates. You can earn your ultimate with kills or orb captures. However, the Ultimate charge resets on death and at the start of each round.