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, introduces "Duo Play," a unique twist on the 2v2 formula. Instead of one player controlling both characters, two players team up, each controlling a champion. This creates exciting 2v2 matches with four players total. Each team consists of a "Point" character and an "Assist" character. The developers even demonstrated the possibility of 2v1 matches.
The Assist character isn't just a spectator. Three key mechanics define the tag system:
- Assist Actions: The Point character can call on 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.
Matches are longer than in traditional tag fighters. Both players on a team must be defeated to win a round, although fallen champions remain active as Assists.
Beyond character selection, the "Fuse" system lets teams customize their playstyle. Five Fuses were shown in the demo:
- PULSE: Rapid attacks for devastating combos.
- FURY: Increased damage and dash cancel below 40% health.
- FREESTYLE: Allows two Handshake Tags in a sequence.
- DOUBLE DOWN: Combine ultimate moves with your partner.
- 2X ASSIST: Multiple assist actions for your partner.
Game designer Daniel Maniago highlighted the Fuse system's role in boosting 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 moves reflecting their League of Legends counterparts. While Jinx and Katarina were shown in earlier materials, they're not included in the Alpha Lab Playtest, but their inclusion is planned for the future.
2XKO, a free-to-play title launching on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025, is currently accepting registrations for its Alpha Lab Playtest (August 8-19). Further details on the playtest and registration can be found in the linked article.
