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.
Reimagining 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) or even intense 2v1 showdowns. Within each team, one player is the "Point" character, while the other acts as the "Assist."
The tag system features three core mechanics:
- Assist Actions: The Point character can call upon the Assist for special moves.
- Handshake Tag: The Point and Assist instantly swap roles.
- Dynamic Save: The Assist can intervene to break up 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, providing strategic support. Matches are designed to be longer and more strategic.
Beyond character selection, 2XKO introduces "Fuses," synergy options that modify team playstyles. The demo featured five Fuses:
- PULSE: Rapid attacks for devastating combos.
- FURY: Increased damage and dash cancel below 40% health.
- FREESTYLE: Allows two Handshake Tags in quick succession.
- DOUBLE DOWN: Combine ultimate abilities 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 coordinated combos.
Champion Roster and Alpha Playtest
The playable demo featured six champions (Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi), each with movesets reflecting their League of Legends counterparts. While Jinx and Katarina were absent from the Alpha Lab Playtest (August 8-19), their inclusion is confirmed for the future.
2XKO, a free-to-play title, is launching on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025. Registration for the Alpha Lab Playtest is now open. Further details can be found in the linked article.
