2XKO Hands-On: Riot’s League of Legends Tag Team Fighter Mixes Accessibility With Competitive Depth
Can Riot Games capture lightning in a bottle for the third time? After redefining MOBAs with League of Legends and shaking up tactical shooters with Valorant, Riot is taking on the fighting game arena with 2XKO. This ambitious tag team brawler aims to blend the unmistakable flair of League’s champions with a fighting system that’s approachable for newcomers, yet deep enough for genre veterans. After spending hands-on time with an early build, I’m convinced Riot is setting their sights on a new cornerstone for both fighting game fans and League loyalists.
Gameplay: Fast, Flashy, and Surprisingly Strategic
2XKO’s core loop will feel instantly familiar to anyone versed in fighting games: two teams of two face off in side-on 2D arenas, each controlling a hand-picked duo from League’s roster. Light, medium, heavy, and special attacks are all present and accounted for. What truly distinguishes 2XKO from the crowded field is its tag mechanic—think Marvel vs. Capcom but with a modern League twist. Swapping out characters mid-fight isn’t just a gimmick; it’s an essential tactical layer. Tag for a surprise cross-up, retreat to recover health, or unleash a deadly combo—there’s a real dance of momentum and mind games here.
Accessible, but Not Watered Down
Riot’s designers clearly understand the intimidation factor that comes with the fighting game genre. That’s why 2XKO offers a robust tutorial and an “auto-combo” system, letting players pull off stylish moves without needing to master complex button strings. This approach, reminiscent of Dragon Ball FighterZ and Granblue Fantasy Versus, makes the game inviting to League fans and newcomers alike. But don’t be fooled: there’s real depth under the surface. The “fusion” system lets you pick pre-fight bonuses to tweak your team’s strategy, and there’s ample room for high-level tactical play—smart tags, combo extensions, and mind games galore.
Champions Reimagined for the Ring
At the recent Paris hands-on event, seven champions were available: Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and more. Each fighter feels both familiar and fresh, with signature moves adapted for the game’s quick, kinetic pacing. Yasuo’s whirlwind, for example, becomes a key combo tool, while Ahri’s charms can turn the tide mid-match. Animations are lush and expressive, sometimes bordering on sensory overload during chaotic tag-ins—but that’s part of the genre’s charm. As a long-time League player, seeing these champions reinterpreted for fast-paced 2D combat is a thrill; every punch, dash, and ultimate oozes personality.
Free-to-Play and Built for the Long Haul
2XKO will hit PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series as a free-to-play title, sticking with Riot’s proven model. Monetization comes via cosmetics and a battle pass, with no pay-to-win nonsense in sight. Riot is promising regular updates and new content drops—think new champions, stages, and fresh mechanics. If they can deliver on that cadence, 2XKO could become a mainstay in both the FGC and the broader League community.
Final Impressions: A Promising New Chapter
My hands-on time with 2XKO left me wanting more—a rare feeling in a genre that can often feel impenetrable. Riot’s blend of accessibility and tactical depth could open the gates for a new wave of fighting game fans, while giving seasoned players plenty to chew on. If you’re a League devotee, a fighting game regular, or just looking for your next competitive obsession, keep your eyes on 2XKO. Riot’s third act might just be their boldest yet.