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.
Redefining Tag-Team Combat
2XKO, showcased at EVO 2024 (July 19-21), introduces "Duo Play," a unique twist on the traditional 2v2 format. Instead of one player controlling both characters, two players team up, each controlling a champion. This creates thrilling four-player matches (2v2), and even allows for 2v1 showdowns where a single player manages two champions. Within each team, one player is the "Point" and the other the "Assist."
The innovative tag system features:
- Assist Actions: The Point character can summon the Assist for special moves.
- Handshake Tag: The Point and Assist instantly swap roles.
- Dynamic Save: The Assist can interrupt enemy combos.
Unlike some tag fighters where a single knockout ends the match, 2XKO requires both players on a team to be defeated. Even defeated champions remain active as Assists.
Beyond character selection, "Fuses" offer team synergy options, altering playstyles. The demo featured five Fuses:
- PULSE: Rapid attacks for devastating combos.
- FURY: Bonus damage and dash cancel below 40% health.
- FREESTYLE: Allows two Handshake Tags in quick succession.
- DOUBLE DOWN: Combine ultimate moves with your partner.
- 2X ASSIST: Enables multiple Assist actions.
Game designer Daniel Maniago highlighted the Fuse system's role in amplifying player expression and enabling powerful combos, especially for well-coordinated duos.
Champion Roster
The demo featured six playable champions (Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi), each 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 are confirmed for future inclusion.
Alpha Lab Playtest
2XKO, a free-to-play title for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 (releasing in 2025), is currently accepting registrations for its Alpha Lab Playtest (August 8-19). Further details and registration information can be found in related articles.
