2XKO: Revolutionizing Tag-Team Fighting Games

Riot Games’ highly anticipated 2XKO, formerly Project L, is poised 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 classic 2v2 fighting game formula with gameplay demonstrations at EVO 2024, from July 19 to 21.

Unlike traditional tag fighters where a single player controls both characters, the League of Legends fighting game introduces 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 one player controls two champions.

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

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

According to demonstrations, matches tend to last longer than typical fighting games. Unlike games like Tekken Tag Tournament, where a single knockout ends the match, 2XKO requires both players to be knocked out before a round finishes. Remain alert, however, as defeated champions can remain active as Assists to aid the Point in a crisis.

Beyond selecting your champion’s color scheme, 2XKO’s character selection screen introduces "Fuses"—synergy options that let each team 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 designer on 2XKO, explained on Twitter(X) that the Fuse System is designed to "amplify player expression" and facilitate powerful combos, especially when a "duo is truly synchronized."

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 pre-release appearances. 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 free-to-play fighting game, similar to 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!