"2XKO Aims to Transform Tag-Team Fighting Genre"

Riot Games’ eagerly awaited 2XKO, previously known as Project L, is set to transform the tag-team fighting game genre. Dive into the game's innovative tag team features and explore its playable demo below.

2XKO Shakes Up Tag Team Dynamics

Four-Player Co-Op with Duo Play

During EVO 2024, held from July 19 to 21, Riot Games unveiled 2XKO's innovative approach to the traditional 2v2 fighting game format through exciting gameplay demos.

Unlike conventional tag fighters where one player controls both characters, 2XKO introduces Duo Play. This feature allows two players to collaborate against opponents, each controlling a different champion. Consequently, matches can include four players, split into two teams of two, with one player designated as the Point and the other as the Assist.

The developers also demonstrated the possibility of 2v1 showdowns, where two players control their chosen champions, and one player manages two champions simultaneously.

While only one team member can be the Point, the other isn’t sidelined. The tag system incorporates three crucial mechanics:

⚫︎ Assist Actions - The Point can summon the Assist for a special move.
⚫︎ Handshake Tag - The Point and Assist can switch roles seamlessly.
⚫︎ Dynamic Save - The Assist can intervene to break up an enemy combo.

The showcased matches suggested that 2XKO games may last longer than typical fighting games. Unlike games like Tekken Tag Tournament, where a single knockout ends the match, 2XKO requires both players on a team to be defeated before a round concludes. Even after a champion falls, they can still contribute as an Assist to support the Point.

In addition to selecting your champion’s color scheme, 2XKO’s character select screen features "Fuses"—synergy options that enable teams to tailor their playstyles. The demo highlighted five Fuses:

⚫︎ PULSE - Rapidly press attack buttons for devastating combos!
⚫︎ FURY - Gain bonus damage and special dash cancel below 40% health!
⚫︎ FREESTYLE - Execute a Handshake Tag twice in one sequence!
⚫︎ DOUBLE DOWN - Combine your Ultimate with your partner’s!
⚫︎ 2X ASSIST - Enhance your partner with multiple assist actions!

Daniel Maniago, a game designer for 2XKO, shared on Twitter (X) that the Fuse System aims to "amplify player expression" and facilitate powerful combos, particularly when a duo is highly synchronized.

Choose Your Champion

The playable demo featured six characters—Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi—each equipped with unique moves reminiscent of their League of Legends abilities.

Braum's durability is enhanced by his ice-covered shield, while Ahri’s agility allows her to dash through the air. Yasuo depends on his speed and Wind Wall, Darius on sheer power, Ekko on his slows and afterimages, and so forth.

Notably absent from the demo were fan favorites Jinx and Katarina, despite their appearances in pre-release materials. The developers confirmed that these characters won’t be in the Alpha Lab Playtest but will be available to play soon.

2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest

2XKO is poised to join the ranks of free-to-play fighting games like MultiVersus. Scheduled for release on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025, the game is currently accepting registrations for its Alpha Lab Playtest, set to run from August 8 to 19. Discover more about the playtest and how to sign up by reading the article below!