2XKO Hopes to Revolutionize Tag-Team fighting Games

Riot Games' highly anticipated 2XKO (formerly Project L) is poised to revolutionize the tag-team fighting game genre. This article explores its innovative tag-team features and the recently available playable demo.

2XKO: A Fresh Take on Tag-Team Fighting

Four-Player Co-op with Duo Play

Showcased at EVO 2024 (July 19-21), 2XKO offers a unique twist on the 2v2 formula with its Duo Play system. Instead of one player controlling both characters, two players team up, each controlling a champion. This creates thrilling four-player matches, with each team consisting of a Point character and an Assist character. The developers even demonstrated the possibility of exciting 2v1 matchups.

The tag system itself is built around three core mechanics:

• Assist Actions: The Point character can call upon the Assist for powerful special moves.
• Handshake Tag: A quick swap between Point and Assist roles, adding strategic depth.
• Dynamic Save: The Assist can intervene to break up enemy combos, turning the tide of battle.

Matches in 2XKO are designed to be longer and more strategic than in traditional tag fighters. Unlike games where a single knockout ends the match, both players on a team must be defeated to win a round. Even defeated champions remain active as Assists, providing crucial support.

Beyond character selection, 2XKO introduces "Fuses"—synergy options that significantly alter team playstyles. The demo featured five Fuses:

• PULSE: Rapid button presses unleash devastating combos.
• FURY: Below 40% health, gain bonus damage and a special dash cancel.
• FREESTYLE: Allows two Handshake Tags in quick succession.
• DOUBLE DOWN: Combine ultimate abilities for enhanced power.
• 2X ASSIST: Empower your partner with multiple assist actions.

Game designer Daniel Maniago highlighted on Twitter (X) that the Fuse system is intended to "amplify player expression" and facilitate devastating combos for well-coordinated duos.

Choose Your Champion

The playable demo featured six champions from the League of Legends universe: Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi, each with movesets reflecting their League of Legends counterparts. While popular characters like Jinx and Katarina were shown in earlier materials, they were not included in the Alpha Lab Playtest but are confirmed for future inclusion.

2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest

2XKO, a free-to-play fighter joining the likes of MultiVersus, launches on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025. The Alpha Lab Playtest ran from August 8th to 19th, with registration open prior to the event. Further details on the playtest and registration can be found in [ttpp] (link to article).