Riot Games, the studio behind the global phenomenon League of Legends (LoL) and its tactical shooter Valorant, is stepping into a new genre with its upcoming fighting game called 2XKO. Formerly known as Project L, 2XKO is set in the League of Legends universe and features iconic champions battling it out in a fast-paced, tag-team style fighter.
Announced officially with its final name in 2024, 2XKO aims to bring the accessibility and excitement of fighting games to a broader audience. Riot Games has promised to keep the game free-to-play, with a focus on fair monetization and competitive integrity. The title is expected to launch in 2025 for multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
What is 2XKO?
A Tag-Team Fighting Game
2XKO is a 2D tag-team fighting game that allows players to pick two champions from the League of Legends roster. Players can switch between their fighters during a match, using assists and combos to overwhelm their opponents. This mechanic is inspired by games like Marvel vs. Capcom, but Riot promises its own twist by blending deep strategy with accessible mechanics.
Built on League of Legends Lore
The game draws heavily from the Runeterra universe, meaning players can expect familiar champions such as Ahri, Darius, Jinx, Ekko, and Yasuo to be part of the roster. Each character has unique movesets that reflect their League abilities, adapted into fighting game mechanics. For example:
- Ahri uses charm and mobility-focused magic.
- Darius relies on heavy strikes and close-range dominance.
- Jinx mixes explosive projectiles with unpredictable speed.
Accessibility and Depth
Riot has stated that 2XKO will balance beginner-friendly controls with the strategic depth that hardcore fighting fans demand. Unlike traditional fighters that rely heavily on complicated button inputs, 2XKO focuses on timing, decision-making, and teamwork between the two chosen characters.
Core Gameplay Features 2XKO
Tag Mechanics and Assists
The most defining element of 2XKO is its tag system. Players choose two champions, with one as the active fighter and the other as support. You can switch fighters mid-battle or call them in for assists, creating combo opportunities. Mastering when to swap is crucial, as it impacts both defense and offense.
Combo System
The combo system is designed to feel rewarding without overwhelming casual players. While experienced fighting game fans can pull off long, flashy combos, beginners can still enjoy chaining attacks with simplified inputs. Riot’s philosophy is to create a system where everyone can feel powerful, but competitive depth remains intact.
Online Play and Netcode
Riot Games has emphasized that online multiplayer will be a core feature of 2XKO. The game is expected to use rollback netcode, which ensures smoother online matches with less lag, an industry standard for modern fighting games. Since Riot already operates large-scale servers for LoL and Valorant, players can expect reliable online infrastructure.
Champions and Roster 2XKO
Confirmed Characters
As of now, Riot has revealed several champions that will appear in 2XKO:
- Ahri-A- a mage with strong mobility and ranged attacks.
- Darius-A is a bruiser with powerful close-range abilities.
- Ekko-A- a tricky fighter who manipulates time to outplay enemies.
- Jinx -A chaotic ranged attacker with explosive projectiles.
- Yasuo-A- a swift swordsman with iconic wind-based abilities.
- These characters reflect different playstyles, ensuring diversity in the roster from the start.
Future Expansions
Given Riot’s commitment to long-term support, it’s likely that the roster will expand regularly. With over 160 champions in League of Legends, the possibilities are nearly endless. Riot may release additional fighters through seasonal updates, battle passes, or expansions, keeping the game fresh for years.
Why 2XKO Stands Out
Riot’s Competitive Experience
Riot Games has a proven track record in competitive gaming. League of Legends esports is one of the biggest in the world, and Valorant has quickly grown into a leading tactical shooter with a thriving professional scene. With 2XKO, Riot intends to bring the same level of competitive infrastructure to fighting games.
Free-to-Play Model
2XKO will follow Riot’s signature free-to-play model with optional cosmetic purchases. This ensures that the game is accessible to everyone, lowering the barrier of entry. Unlike some fighting games that lock characters behind paywalls, Riot has hinted that champions will be earnable without forcing players to spend money.
Community-Driven Development
Throughout its development, Riot has been transparent about progress. Developers like Tom Cannon and Tony Cannon, who co-founded the fighting game tournament EVO, are directly involved. Their experience ensures 2XKO respects fighting game culture while introducing innovations to attract new audiences.
Esports and Competitive Potential 2XKO
Built for Tournaments
Riot has made it clear that 2XKO will be esports-ready from day one. The game will include features like spectator modes, ranked ladders, and robust matchmaking systems. With Riot’s history of hosting large-scale tournaments, it’s safe to expect global competitions for 2XKO soon after launch.
A New Fighting Game Community
The fighting game genre has often been niche compared to shooters and MOBAs. Riot aims to expand the fighting game community by making 2XKO easy to pick up but hard to master. This design philosophy could introduce millions of new players to competitive fighting games.
Release Date and Platforms 2XKO
Expected Launch in 2025
While Riot has not given an exact release date, 2XKO is slated for 2025. Closed tests and early access phases are expected before the official release, allowing players to try the game and provide feedback.
Available Platforms
2XKO will be available on:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC
Cross-play support is also highly likely, enabling players across different platforms to compete with each other.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Riot has strong experience in competitive gaming.
- Free-to-play model increases accessibility.
- Tag-team mechanics bring depth and variety.
- Rollback netcode ensures smooth online play.
- Large potential roster from the League of Legends universe.
Weaknesses
- The fighting game market is highly competitive.
- Balancing a large roster could be challenging.
- Success depends on sustaining long-term player interest.
Conclusion
2XKO represents Riot Games’ ambitious entry into the fighting game genre. By combining the rich universe of League of Legends, a tag-team combat system, and competitive esports-ready features, Riot is positioning 2XKO to become a groundbreaking title.
With a free-to-play model, strong online infrastructure, and community-focused development, 2XKO has the potential to bring fighting games into the mainstream in a way few titles have achieved. Whether you are a hardcore fighting game veteran or a League of Legends fan curious about the genre, 2XKO promises an exciting future when it launches in 2025.
