2XKO Hopes to Revolutionize Tag-Team fighting Games

Riot Games' highly anticipated 2XKO (formerly Project L) is set to revolutionize the tag-team fighting game genre. This article delves into its innovative tag-team mechanics and the recently available playable demo.

Reimagining Tag-Team Combat

2XKO, showcased at EVO 2024 (July 19-21), introduces a novel approach to 2v2 fighting. Instead of single-player control over both characters, Duo Play allows two players to team up, each controlling a champion. This results in four-player matches, with teams of two. Each team consists of a Point character and an Assist character. Even 2v1 matchups are possible, with one player controlling two champions against a two-player team.

The Assist character isn't passive. Three key mechanics define the tag system:

• Assist Actions: The Point character can summon the Assist for special moves.
• Handshake Tag: Instant role swap between Point and Assist.
• Dynamic Save: The Assist can interrupt enemy combos.

Matches are longer than in typical fighting games. Both players on a team must be defeated to win a round, unlike games like Tekken Tag Tournament. Defeated champions remain active as Assists.

Strategic Synergy: The Fuse System

Beyond character customization, 2XKO introduces "Fuses," which modify team playstyles. The demo featured five Fuses:

• PULSE: Rapid attacks for devastating combos.
• FURY: Bonus damage and dash cancel below 40% health.
• FREESTYLE: Perform two Handshake Tags in sequence.
• DOUBLE DOWN: Combine ultimate moves with your partner.
• 2X ASSIST: Multiple assist actions for your partner.

Game designer Daniel Maniago described the Fuse System as a way to "amplify player expression" and create powerful combos, especially for well-coordinated duos.

Champion Selection

The demo featured six League of Legends champions: Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi, each with unique movesets. While Jinx and Katarina were shown in earlier materials, they're absent from the Alpha Lab Playtest but confirmed for future inclusion.

Alpha Lab Playtest

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 are available via the linked article. (Note: The linked article is not included in this response as it was not provided in the original input.)