2XKO Hopes to Revolutionize Tag-Team fighting Games

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 its innovative tag team mechanics and the exciting playable demo.

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 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 different champion. Consequently, matches can involve 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 matches, where two players control their chosen champions, while the third player manages two champions.

While only one team member can act as the Point, the other isn't sidelined. The tag system includes three essential 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 Tekken Tag Tournament, where a single knockout ends the match, 2XKO requires both players on a team to be defeated before a round ends. Even after being knocked out, champions can still contribute as Assists, aiding their Point teammate.

2XKO's character selection screen goes beyond mere aesthetics, introducing "Fuses"—synergy options that allow teams to tailor their playstyles. The demo showcased five Fuses:

⚫︎ PULSE - Unleash devastating combos by rapidly pressing attack buttons!
⚫︎ FURY - Gain bonus damage and a special dash cancel when health drops below 40%!
⚫︎ FREESTYLE - Execute two Handshake Tags in a single sequence!
⚫︎ DOUBLE DOWN - Combine your Ultimate with your partner’s for maximum impact!
⚫︎ 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 perfectly synchronized.

Choose Your Champion

The playable demo featured six characters—Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi—each with unique moves that echo their abilities from 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 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 during 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. Currently, registrations are open for the Alpha Lab Playtest, scheduled from August 8 to 19. For more information on the playtest and how to register, check out the article below!