Riot Games' eagerly awaited 2XKO, previously known as Project L, is set to transform the tag-team fighting game genre. Dive into the details of the game's innovative tag team features and its exciting playable demo.
2XKO Shakes Up Tag Team Dynamics
During EVO 2024, held from July 19 to 21, Riot Games unveiled 2XKO's unique approach to the traditional 2v2 fighting game format through engaging gameplay demonstrations.
Unlike conventional tag fighters where one player manages both characters, 2XKO introduces Duo Play. This feature enables two players to collaborate, each controlling a champion, resulting in matches that can involve four players split into two teams of two. Within each team, one player acts as the Point, while the other serves as the Assist.
The developers also demonstrated the possibility of 2v1 matches, where two players control their chosen champions, and one player manages two champions.
Even when not playing as the Point, the Assist remains active through the tag system, which includes three key 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.
Matches in 2XKO tend to be longer than those in 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. However, fallen champions can still contribute as Assists, aiding the Point in critical moments.
Beyond selecting your champion's color scheme, 2XKO's character select screen features "Fuses"—synergy options that allow teams to customize 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: Perform a Handshake Tag twice in one sequence!
- DOUBLE DOWN: Combine your Ultimate with your partner’s!
- 2X ASSIST: Empower 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 in perfect sync.
Choose Your Champion
The playable demo featured six characters: Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi, each with unique moves reflecting their League of Legends abilities.
Braum's durability is enhanced by his ice-coated shield, while Ahri's agility allows for aerial dashes. Yasuo leverages his speed and Wind Wall, Darius his raw power, Ekko his slows and afterimages, and so forth.
Notably absent from the demo were fan favorites Jinx and Katarina, despite their appearance in pre-release materials. The developers confirmed that these characters will not be available in 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. Scheduled for release on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025, the game is currently open for registrations for its Alpha Lab Playtest, running from August 8 to 19. For more information on the playtest and how to register, check out the article below!
