2XKO: A Game-Changer in Tag-Team Fighting

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 New Spin on 2v2: Duo Play

Showcased at EVO 2024 (July 19-21), 2XKO departs from traditional tag fighters. Instead of one player controlling both characters, Duo Play lets two players team up, each controlling a champion. This creates thrilling four-player matches (2v2), with each team having a Point character and an Assist character. The developers even demonstrated the possibility of 2v1 matchups.

While only one player is the Point character at a time, the Assist isn't idle. The tag system features:

• Assist Actions: The Point character can summon the Assist for special moves.
• Handshake Tag: Instant role swap between Point and Assist.
• Dynamic Save: The Assist can interrupt enemy combos.

Matches are longer than in typical fighting games. Unlike in Tekken Tag Tournament, both players must be knocked out to win a round. Even defeated champions remain active as Assists.

Beyond character customization, 2XKO introduces "Fuses"—synergy options altering team playstyles. The demo showcased five:

• PULSE: Rapid attacks for devastating combos.
• FURY: Bonus damage and dash cancel below 40% health.
• FREESTYLE: Perform two Handshake Tags in sequence.
• DOUBLE DOWN: Combine Ultimate moves with your partner.
• 2X ASSIST: Empower your partner with multiple assist actions.

Game designer Daniel Maniago highlighted on Twitter (X) that Fuses are designed to enhance player expression and enable powerful combos, particularly for well-coordinated duos.

The Roster: Champions Assemble

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 previously shown, they’re absent from the Alpha Lab Playtest but confirmed for future inclusion.

2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest

Joining the free-to-play fighting game arena alongside MultiVersus, 2XKO launches on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025. Registration for the Alpha Lab Playtest (August 8-19) is open now. See the linked article for details!