Riot Games’ eagerly awaited 2XKO, previously known as Project L, is set to transform the tag-team fighting game genre. Dive into the details about its innovative tag team features and the exciting playable demo.
2XKO Shakes Up Tag Team Dynamics
Four-Player Co-Op with Duo Play
Riot Games’ 2XKO brought a new perspective to the traditional 2v2 fighting game format with captivating gameplay demos at EVO 2024, held from July 19 to 21.
Unlike conventional tag fighters where a single player manages both characters, 2XKO introduces Duo Play, enabling two players to collaborate and each control a champion. This means matches can host up to four players, split into two teams of two, with one player designated as Point and the other as Assist.
The developers also demonstrated the possibility of 2v1 scenarios, where two players control their selected champions, while the third controls two.
While only one member can be the Point, the other teammate remains actively involved through the tag system, which includes three crucial mechanics:
⚫︎ Assist Actions - The Point can call on the Assist for a special move.
⚫︎ Handshake Tag - The Point and Assist can swap roles seamlessly.
⚫︎ Dynamic Save - The Assist can intervene to break an enemy's combo.
Matches in 2XKO tend to last longer than typical fighting games. Unlike games such as Tekken Tag Tournament, where a match ends with a single knockout, 2XKO requires both players to be defeated before a round concludes. Even after being knocked out, champions can still contribute as Assists to support the Point.
In addition to selecting your champion's color scheme, 2XKO's character selection screen offers "Fuses"—synergy options that let teams tailor their playstyles. The demo showcased five Fuses:
⚫︎ PULSE - Unleash devastating combos with rapid attack button presses!
⚫︎ 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 for a powerful effect!
⚫︎ 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 really in-sync."
Choose Your Champion
The playable demo featured six characters—Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi—each equipped with unique moves reflecting their abilities in League of Legends.
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 sheer power, Ekko his slows and afterimages, and so forth.
Notable absentees from the demo include fan favorites Jinx and Katarina, who appeared in pre-release content. The developers confirmed that while these characters won't be in the Alpha Lab Playtest, they 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 accepting registrations for its Alpha Lab Playtest, running from August 8 to 19. For more information on the playtest and how to register, please refer to the article below!
