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

Demonstrated at EVO 2024 (July 19-21), 2XKO 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 results in four-player matches—two teams of two. Each team designates one player as the "Point" and the other as the "Assist." The developers even showcased 2v1 matches, where a single player controls two champions against two individual players.

The Assist, while not directly controlling the Point character, plays a crucial role through three core mechanics:

• Assist Actions: The Point can summon the Assist for special moves.
• Handshake Tag: The Point and Assist instantly swap roles.
• Dynamic Save: The Assist can interrupt enemy combos to save the Point.

Unlike many tag fighters where a single knockout ends the match, 2XKO requires both players on a team to be defeated. However, defeated champions remain active as Assists, providing strategic support.

Strategic Synergy with "Fuses"

Beyond character selection and color customization, 2XKO introduces "Fuses"—team-based synergy options that significantly alter gameplay. The demo featured five Fuses:

• PULSE: Rapid attacks trigger devastating combos.
• FURY: Below 40% health: increased damage and special dash cancel.
• FREESTYLE: Allows two Handshake Tags in quick succession.
• DOUBLE DOWN: Combine ultimate moves with your partner.
• 2X ASSIST: Grants the Assist more frequent actions.

Game designer Daniel Maniago highlighted the Fuse System's goal: to "amplify player expression" and facilitate powerful combos, particularly for well-coordinated duos.

Champion Roster and Alpha Playtest

The playable demo featured six League of Legends champions: Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi, each with moves reflecting their in-game abilities. While Jinx and Katarina were previously showcased, they're absent from the Alpha Lab Playtest but confirmed for future inclusion.

2XKO, a free-to-play title, is launching on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025. The Alpha Lab Playtest ran from August 8th to 19th, offering early access to the game.