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

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

2XKO Shakes Up Tag Team Dynamics

Four-Player Co-Op with Duo Play

During EVO 2024, from July 19 to 21, Riot Games unveiled 2XKO's unique approach to the 2v2 fighting game format through engaging gameplay demonstrations. Unlike conventional tag fighters where a single player controls both characters, 2XKO introduces Duo Play, enabling two players to team up and control one champion each. This setup allows for matches with four players, forming two teams of two, where one player acts as the Point and the other as the Assist.

The developers also highlighted the potential for 2v1 showdowns, where two players control their chosen champions while the third manages two characters.

Although only one team member can be the Point at a time, the Assist remains active through three key tag mechanics:

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

Demonstrations showed that 2XKO matches tend to be longer than typical fighting games. Unlike Tekken Tag Tournament, where a single knockout decides the match, 2XKO requires both players on a team to be knocked out before a round ends. However, fallen champions can still contribute as Assists, aiding their Point teammate in crucial moments.

Beyond customizing your champion’s color scheme, 2XKO’s character select screen features "Fuses"—synergy options that let teams tailor their playstyles. The demo introduced five Fuses:

⚫︎ PULSE - Unleash devastating combos by rapidly pressing attack buttons!
⚫︎ FURY - Gain bonus damage and special dash cancel abilities when below 40% health!
⚫︎ FREESTYLE - Execute a Handshake Tag twice in one sequence!
⚫︎ DOUBLE DOWN - Combine your Ultimate with your partner’s for a powerful attack!
⚫︎ 2X ASSIST - Boost 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 enable powerful combos, particularly when teams are in perfect sync.

Choose Your Champion

The playable demo showcased six characters: Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi, each equipped with unique moves echoing their League of Legends abilities. Braum's durability is enhanced by his ice-coated shield, while Ahri's agility lets her dash through the air. Yasuo leverages his speed and Wind Wall, Darius his raw power, Ekko his slows and afterimages, and so forth.

Notably absent from the demo are fan favorites Jinx and Katarina, who appeared in pre-release materials. The developers confirmed that these characters will not be part of the Alpha Lab Playtest but will be playable soon.

2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest

2XKO joins the ranks of free-to-play fighting games like MultiVersus, set to launch on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025. The game is currently inviting registrations for its Alpha Lab Playtest, scheduled from August 8 to 19. To learn more about the playtest and how to register, check out the article below!