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 mechanics and the exciting demo available for play.
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 2v2 fighting game format through engaging gameplay demonstrations. Unlike conventional tag fighters where a single player manages both characters, 2XKO introduces Duo Play, allowing two players to team up, each controlling a different champion. This means matches can now involve four players, split into two teams of two, where one player takes the Point role while the other acts as the Assist.
The developers also demonstrated the possibility of 2v1 matches, where one player controls two champions, adding a thrilling twist to the gameplay.
Even when not in the Point role, the Assist player remains actively involved through a tag system that features three essential mechanics:
- Assist Actions: The Point can summon the Assist to execute a special move.
- Handshake Tag: The Point and Assist can swap roles seamlessly.
- Dynamic Save: The Assist can intervene to break 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 decides the match, 2XKO requires both players on a team to be defeated before a round ends. Moreover, even after being knocked out, champions can continue to support their Point as Assists.
In addition to choosing color schemes, the character select screen in 2XKO introduces "Fuses"—synergy options that allow teams to customize their playstyles. The demo showcased five Fuses:
- PULSE: Rapidly press attack buttons to unleash devastating combos!
- FURY: Gain bonus damage and a special dash cancel when below 40% health!
- FREESTYLE: Execute a Handshake Tag twice in one sequence!
- DOUBLE DOWN: Combine your Ultimate with your partner’s for a powerful effect!
- 2X ASSIST: Boost your partner with multiple assist actions!
Daniel Maniago, a game designer on 2XKO, shared on Twitter (X) that the Fuse System aims to "amplify player expression" and facilitate powerful combos, particularly when a duo is highly synchronized.
Choose Your Champion
The playable demo features six characters: Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi, each showcasing moves that echo their abilities from League of Legends. Braum's durability is enhanced by his ice-coated shield, while Ahri's agility enables aerial dashes. Yasuo's speed and Wind Wall, Darius's raw power, Ekko's time manipulation, and Illaoi's spiritual strength each offer distinct gameplay experiences.
Notably absent from the demo are fan favorites Jinx and Katarina, who were featured in earlier promotional materials. The developers have confirmed that while these characters won't be available during the Alpha Lab Playtest, they will be playable in the near future.
2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest
2XKO joins the ranks of free-to-play fighting games like MultiVersus and is slated for release on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025. Currently, the game is accepting registrations for its Alpha Lab Playtest, scheduled from August 8 to 19. For more information on the playtest and registration details, check out the article below!
