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 delves into its innovative tag team mechanics 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 traditional 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 comprised of a Point character and an Assist character. The developers even demonstrated the exciting possibility of 2v1 showdowns.

The tag system itself is built around three core mechanics:

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

Unlike many tag fighters where a single knockout ends the match, 2XKO requires both players on a team to be defeated. Even after being knocked out, a fallen champion remains active as an Assist, providing crucial support. Matches are designed to be longer and more strategic.

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

• PULSE: Rapid button presses unleash devastating combos.
• FURY: Below 40% health, bonus damage and special dash cancels are activated.
• FREESTYLE: Allows for 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 highlighted on Twitter (X) that the Fuse system is designed to "amplify player expression" and facilitate devastating combos, especially for well-coordinated duos.

Choose Your Champion

The playable demo featured six champions: Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi—each with movesets reflecting their League of Legends counterparts. Braum's tankiness and ice shield, Ahri's aerial mobility, Yasuo's speed and Wind Wall, Darius's brute strength, and Ekko's slows and afterimages showcase the diverse roster.

While popular characters like Jinx and Katarina were showcased in earlier materials, they were absent from the Alpha Lab Playtest. Developers confirmed their future inclusion.

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 for the Alpha Lab Playtest (August 8-19) is now open. Further details on the playtest and registration can be found [here]([link to article]).