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

2XKO Reimagines Tag-Team Combat

A Novel Approach to 2v2 Fighting

At EVO 2024 (July 19-21), Riot Games unveiled 2XKO's unique take on the classic 2v2 format with exciting gameplay demonstrations. Unlike traditional tag fighters where one player controls both characters, 2XKO introduces "Duo Play," allowing two players to team up, each controlling a champion. This results in thrilling four-player matches, with two teams of two. Each team features a "Point" character and an "Assist" character. The developers even showcased the possibility of 2v1 matches.

The game's tag system boasts three core mechanics:

• Assist Actions: The Point character can call on the Assist for special moves.
• Handshake Tag: The Point and Assist characters instantly swap roles.
• Dynamic Save: The Assist can intervene to break up enemy combos.

Matches in 2XKO are typically longer than in other fighting games. Unlike games like Tekken Tag Tournament, 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.

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

• PULSE: Rapid attacks unleash devastating combos.
• FURY: Below 40% health: increased damage and special dash cancel.
• FREESTYLE: Allows two Handshake Tags in quick succession.
• DOUBLE DOWN: Combine ultimate moves with your partner's.
• 2X ASSIST: Empower your partner with multiple assist actions.

Game designer Daniel Maniago stated on Twitter (X) that the Fuse System is designed to enhance player expression and enable devastating combos, especially for well-coordinated duos.

The Roster Unveiled

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

2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest

2XKO joins the free-to-play fighting game scene, launching on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025. Registration is open for the Alpha Lab Playtest, running from August 8th to 19th. Further details on registration can be found in the linked article.