2XKO: Revolutionizing Tag-Team Fighters

Riot Games’ highly anticipated 2XKO, formerly Project L, is set to revolutionize the tag-team fighting game genre. Read on to learn more about the game’s tag team features and its playable demo.

2XKO Revamps Tag Team DynamicsFour-Player Co-op with Duo Play

Riot Games’ 2XKO presented their novel approach to the established 2v2 fighting game format with gameplay demonstrations at EVO 2024, from July 19 to 21.

Unlike conventional tag fighters where a single player manages both characters, the League of Legends fighting game presents Duo Play. This enables two players to collaborate against opponents, each controlling a champion. Consequently, matches can include four players, split into two teams of two. Within each team, one player assumes the Point role while the other takes the Assist role.

The developers also demonstrated that 2v1 matchups are feasible. In this mode, two players each control a champion, while a single player controls two champions.

While only one member can function as the Point, the other teammate isn't completely inactive. The tag system offers three key mechanics:

⚫︎ Assist Actions - The Point requests the Assist to execute a special move.
⚫︎ Handshake Tag - The Point and Assist exchange roles.
⚫︎ Dynamic Save - The Assist intervenes to break up a damaging enemy combo.

Based on the demonstration, matches tend to last longer than typical fighting games. Unlike games like Tekken Tag Tournament, where a single knockout ends the match, 2XKO necessitates both players being knocked out before a round finishes. Stay alert, though, as defeated champions can still actively support the Point as Assists in critical situations.

Beyond selecting your champion’s color scheme, 2XKO’s character selection screen introduces "Fuses"—synergy options that enable each team to adjust their gameplay. The playable demo showcased five Fuses:

⚫︎ PULSE - Rapidly press attack buttons for powerful combos!
⚫︎ FURY - Below 40% health: increased damage + special dash cancel!
⚫︎ FREESTYLE - Execute Handshake Tag twice consecutively!
⚫︎ DOUBLE DOWN - Combine your Ultimate with your partner’s!
⚫︎ 2X ASSIST - Enhance your partner with multiple assist actions!

Daniel Maniago, a game developer on 2XKO, explained on Twitter(X) that the Fuse System is designed to "enhance player expression" and facilitate powerful combos, particularly when a "duo is highly coordinated."

Choose Your Champion

The playable demo only showed six characters—Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi—each with their own unique move set reminiscent of their abilities in League of Legends.

Braum’s durability is complemented by an ice shield, while Ahri’s adaptability allows her to dash in the air. Yasuo relies on his speed and Wind Wall, Darius on his power, Ekko on his slows and afterimages, and so on.

Fan favorites Jinx and Katarina are notably absent despite being shown in pre-release materials. The developers stated that the two will not feature in the Alpha Lab Playtest but confirmed their future inclusion.

2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest

2XKO is the newest addition to the free-to-play fighting game genre, alongside titles like MultiVersus. Launching on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025, the game is currently accepting registrations for its Alpha Lab Playtest from August 8 to 19. Learn more about the playtest and registration via the article below!