Riot Games' eagerly awaited 2XKO, previously known as Project L, is set to transform the tag-team fighting game landscape. Dive into the details of its innovative tag team features and the exciting playable demo.
2XKO Shakes Up Tag Team Dynamics
Four-Player Co-Op with Duo Play
At EVO 2024, from July 19 to 21, Riot Games unveiled 2XKO's innovative approach to the traditional 2v2 fighting game format through engaging gameplay demos. Unlike conventional tag fighters, where one player manages both characters, 2XKO introduces Duo Play. This feature enables two players to collaborate against adversaries, each controlling a distinct champion. Consequently, matches can involve up to 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 matchups, where two players control their chosen champions, and the third manages two champions.
Although only one teammate can act as the Point, the Assist remains actively involved thanks to the tag system, which includes three crucial mechanics:
- Assist Actions - The Point can summon the Assist to execute a special move.
- Handshake Tag - The Point and Assist can switch roles seamlessly.
- Dynamic Save - The Assist can step in to break up an opponent's combo.
Demonstrations revealed that matches in 2XKO tend to be longer than those in typical fighting games. Unlike games like Tekken Tag Tournament, where a single knockout can end a match, 2XKO requires both players on a team to be defeated before a round ends. Defeated champions can still contribute as Assists, aiding their Point partner when needed.
In addition to selecting your champion's color scheme, 2XKO's character select screen features "Fuses"—synergy options that let teams tailor their playstyles. The playable demo showcased five Fuses:
- PULSE - Rapidly press attack buttons for devastating combos!
- FURY - Gain bonus damage and a special dash cancel when below 40% health!
- FREESTYLE - Execute two Handshake Tags 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 well-coordinated.
Choose Your Champion
The playable demo featured six characters: Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi, each with unique moves echoing their League of Legends abilities. Braum's durability is enhanced by an ice-coated shield, while Ahri's agility allows for aerial dashes. Yasuo's speed and Wind Wall, Darius's raw power, Ekko's slows and afterimages, and more bring diverse strategies to the game.
Notably absent are fan favorites Jinx and Katarina, who appeared in pre-release materials but won't be part of the Alpha Lab Playtest. However, developers have confirmed that these characters will be playable in the near future.
2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest
2XKO joins the free-to-play fighting game arena, alongside titles like MultiVersus. Set to launch on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025, the game is now accepting registrations for its Alpha Lab Playtest, scheduled from August 8 to 19. For more information on the playtest and how to register, check out the article below!
