Tag Team Battler 2XKO Set to Redefine Gaming

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 results in four-player matches, with each team consisting of a "Point" character and an "Assist" character. The developers even demonstrated 2v1 matches where one player controls a duo.

The tag system incorporates three key mechanics:

• Assist Actions: The Point character can summon the Assist for a special move.
• Handshake Tag: The Point and Assist characters instantly swap roles.
• Dynamic Save: The Assist can interrupt an opponent's combo.

Unlike some tag fighters where a single knockout ends the match, 2XKO requires both players on a team to be defeated. However, even after being knocked out, a character remains active as an Assist.

Strategic Synergy with "Fuses"

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

• PULSE: Rapid button presses unleash devastating combos.
• FURY: Below 40% health, gain bonus damage and a special dash cancel.
• FREESTYLE: Allows two Handshake Tags in quick succession.
• DOUBLE DOWN: Combine ultimate moves with your partner.
• 2X ASSIST: Enables multiple Assist actions.

Game designer Daniel Maniago highlighted the Fuse System's role in amplifying player expression and facilitating powerful combos, particularly for well-coordinated duos.

Champion Selection

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 absent from the Alpha Lab Playtest, their inclusion in the future has been confirmed.

Alpha Lab Playtest and Beyond

2XKO, a free-to-play title for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 (launching in 2025), is currently accepting registrations for its Alpha Lab Playtest (August 8-19). Details on registration can be found in the linked article (not included here, as it was not part of the original input).