Blog: http://www.rocketleague.com/news/smash-into-spring-with-knockout-bash/
DRIVERS, BOOST YOUR ENGINES!
In all of Soccar history, the triumphant path has always been paved with cooperation and teamwork. Now, let all alliances be cast aside with the introduction of the free-for-all LTM, Knockout. This game mode will be part of a new in-game event called Knockout Bash, which runs from April 27 to May 10.
In this destructive derby, only the strong survive as 8 players crash their way through several new Arenas. Many of your Soccar skills will carry over, but you’ll need to master the new Attack, Block, and Grab mechanics to come out victorious!
Even the mightiest rocketeers need the occasional pit stop, so take a moment to unlock soothing Spring-themed rewards and free Golden Gift Baskets by completing in-game Challenges. Twitch viewers will also be able to receive the Bob’s Ramen Player Banner Twitch Drop throughout Knockout Bash by watching their favorite Rocket League streamers on their quest for domination.
KNOCKOUT: THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
So how does this new LTM work? Let’s dive right in. Knock opponents out of the Safezone or into Hazards, and the last player standing wins!
GAME RULES
Team Size - In Knockout there are no teams. Instead, 8 players compete in free-for-all action.
Lives - Unlike Soccar, Knockout doesn’t have unlimited respawns. Players will have to watch their back because once you’ve been KO’d 3 times it’s game over.
Safezone - Surrounding the arena is a translucent dome called the Safezone. When a player is knocked out of the Safezone, they must return within 10 seconds or they will be KO’d. Throughout the game the Safezone will shrink, increasing the danger. After 6 minutes the match will enter Sudden KO, where every Attack or Throw is maximum power, and being knocked out of the Safezone causes an instant KO.
Hazards - Each Knockout Arena contains several Hazards, including Spikes and a Laser Grid that lies below the platforms. Touching a Hazard will result in an instant KO.
CORE GAMEPLAY
Attack - Dodging into opponents will do a lot more than just bump them, in Knockout a well-placed Attack will send your opponents flying. Remember, the faster you’re going the harder you’ll hit.
Block - Blocking will reflect Attacks back at your opponent. Be careful though, this will only work with proper timing otherwise your block will fail, leaving you wide open to an Attack.
Grab - Hold the Grab button and dodge into an opponent to Grab them. Dodge again to throw them across the Arena.
SECONDARY MECHANICS
Stun - Players will be Stunned after being hit by an Attack, while being Grabbed, after being Thrown by a Grab, or after having an Attack Blocked. In this state, players are helpless and cannot control their cars. While Stunned, you can free yourself by mashing the Break Stun button.
Enemy Lock-On - Instead of locking on to a ball, the camera is now able to lock on to opposing players. While locked on, the player can cycle through targets.
Triple Jump - Double jump is SO retro. In Knockout, players can jump in the air twice before resetting their jumps by placing their wheels on the ground.
Multi Dodge - Dodging power has been increased, and now Players can dodge up to four times in the air. No need to flip reset either, as there is no time limit to how long your dodge can be saved mid-air.
Jump - In Knockout, jumping has much more vertical force than other Rocket League modes.
Boost - Boost is a bit stronger in Knockout, which allows players to get back to the platform when they have been slammed into the distance by other players. Boost will recharge whenever you’re not boosting while your wheels are touching the ground.
ENTER THE ARENA
Knockout has migrated off the Soccar pitch and onto 3 new Arenas built just for battling: Calavera, Carbon, and Quadron. The constant crashing of cars eventually wore away the walls and floors of all 3, so be careful! Players can easily be thrown out of the Arena, and once you fall too far there's no coming back.
KNOCKOUT BASH CHALLENGES
Battling it out in the Arena is no easy task, but a new batch of challenge rewards should help keep morale high. Unlock Spring-themed Items like the Florescence Wheels, Monarch Boost, or the animated Flutterby Decal as you smash your way to the top.
STOP AND SMELL THE GOLDEN GIFT BASKETS
Even the most dedicated fighters need to rest and recuperate, so why don’t you relax with a Golden Gift Basket? Throughout Knockout Bash, players can earn Golden Gift Baskets that unlock a mix of classic Items from the Victory, Accelerator, and Turbo Item Series. Golden Gift Baskets work just like previous Golden rewards. Complete the Challenge up to five times to earn Golden Gift Baskets, then open them in your Inventory to unlock items!
Want to know more about how this new Mode was created? Be on the lookout for a new video series called Under the Hood that will give a behind-the-scenes look into the development process.
Knockout Bash will be live from April 27 to May 10. Knock ‘em out, kid!