Tag-Team Gaming Revolutionized by 2XKO

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 Twist on 2v2: Duo Play

Demonstrated at EVO 2024 (July 19-21), 2XKO offers a unique take on the traditional 2v2 fighter. Instead of one player controlling both characters, Duo Play lets two players team up, each controlling a champion. This creates exciting four-player matches (two teams of two). Each team has a Point character and an Assist character. The developers even showcased 2v1 matches, where one player controls two champions against two individual players.

While only one player is the Point character at a time, the Assist player remains crucial. The tag system features:

• Assist Actions: The Point can call on the Assist for special moves.
• Handshake Tag: The Point and Assist instantly switch roles.
• Dynamic Save: The Assist can interrupt enemy combos.

Matches are longer than in typical fighting games. Unlike games like Tekken Tag Tournament, where a single knockout ends the match, both players on a team must be defeated to win a round. However, defeated champions remain active as Assists.

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

• PULSE: Rapid attacks for powerful 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: The Assist can perform multiple actions.

Game designer Daniel Maniago highlighted on Twitter (X) that Fuses are designed to "amplify player expression" and create devastating combos for well-coordinated duos.

The Roster: Champions Assemble!

The demo featured six League of Legends champions: Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi, each with moves reflecting their original game abilities. While Jinx and Katarina were previously showcased, they are not included in the Alpha Lab Playtest, but their inclusion is planned for the future.

2XKO Alpha Lab Playtest

2XKO, a free-to-play fighter, will launch on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025. Registration for the Alpha Lab Playtest (August 8-19) is currently open. See the link below for details!