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 upcoming 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.
In a departure from 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, resulting in matches that can involve up to 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 game's tag system, which 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.
Matches in 2XKO tend to be longer than those in typical fighting games. Unlike games such as Tekken Tag Tournament, where a single knockout can end the match, 2XKO requires both team members to be defeated before a round ends. However, even after being knocked out, champions can still contribute as Assists, aiding their Point teammate in critical moments.
Beyond selecting your champion's color scheme, 2XKO's character select screen features "Fuses"—synergy options that allow teams to tailor their playstyles. The demo showcased five Fuses:
⚫︎ PULSE - Rapidly press attack buttons for devastating combos!
⚫︎ FURY - Gain bonus damage and 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 - 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 with unique moves that echo 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 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!
