2XKO Closed Beta Kicks Off Today: Riot’s New Fighter Enters the Ring

2XKO is Riot’s newest free-to-play fighting game that combines fast-paced 2v2 tag-team action with the world and champions of League of Legends. Originally revealed under the codename Project L, the title has evolved into a highly polished competitive experience focused on team synergy, readable visuals, and smooth online play.

The game’s structure emphasizes duo gameplay — you can control both fighters yourself or team up with another player, with each of you managing one champion. This focus on teamwork makes assists, tag swaps, and coordination just as important as individual execution. It’s a mix of arcade-style spectacle and competitive precision designed for both casual and professional players.

2XKO uses modern rollback netcode, ensuring stable online matches with minimal lag. Riot has also integrated its anti-cheat system and network infrastructure to create a secure and reliable experience from day one.

Tag-Team Action

Every match centers around building synergy between two champions. You’ll chain assists, time safe tags, and coordinate dual supers for maximum impact. Before each fight, you choose a Fuse, a mechanic that defines your team’s playstyle — it can power up assists, boost damage, or unlock special combo extensions. Choosing the right Fuse and pairing champions that complement each other can decide the outcome of a match.

Familiar Champions

The roster features well-known League of Legends champions reimagined for the fighting-game format. Characters like Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Jinx, Vi, and Yasuo headline the lineup, with more joining as testing continues. Each champion’s abilities and personality are faithfully adapted, giving them unique movesets while staying true to their League identities.

Riot continues to expand the roster with new additions, such as Teemo and Warwick, each bringing their own mechanics and archetypes. The Closed Beta and Early Access phases serve as test grounds for tuning and balance before full release.

Esports-Ready Design

2XKO was built from the ground up with competitive play in mind. It features responsive controls, consistent frame data, and clear visual effects that make hitboxes and advantage states easy to read. With rollback netcode, dedicated servers, and Riot Vanguard anti-cheat, the game is optimized for both casual online play and high-stakes tournaments. Riot’s goal is to create a sustainable competitive ecosystem similar to its success with League and VALORANT.

The first public testing phase is a major milestone for Riot’s fighting-game project. It sets the foundation for the game’s balance, community culture, and technical stability. Thousands of players are putting the systems to the test — breaking combos, finding infinites, and exploring which team compositions dominate early on.

Riot is using this data to fine-tune key systems like assists, Fuses, and meter management, while also stress-testing matchmaking and netcode under real-world conditions. The Closed Beta is a rare chance for players to directly influence how the final version plays.

Another critical part of this phase is Season 0, which began with the Early Access launch. It introduces ranked matchmaking, a Battle Pass, and the basic structure for future seasons. Riot plans for roughly five seasons per year, each about 10 weeks long, bringing new champions, balance updates, and additional gameplay features. Getting involved early lets players understand core mechanics and build muscle memory before the competitive meta stabilizes.

In short, this is the best time to jump in, experiment, and help shape the direction of the game before the full release.

Getting started in 2XKO is simple, but mastering it takes practice. Whether you’re a veteran of traditional fighters or a newcomer from League, these tips will help you find your footing quickly:

• Start in Training Mode
  Spend some time mapping your controls, especially assists and tag buttons. Practice safe tag routes both on hit and on block. Learn how your chosen Fuse interacts with assists before experimenting with others.
• Keep Combos Simple at First
  Focus on consistency. Two- or three-hit confirms that always land are better than flashy five-link combos that drop under pressure. Mastering a few dependable routes gives you a strong foundation for future optimization.
• Use a Wired Connection
  Rollback netcode performs best with a stable connection. If possible, use an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi to reduce lag spikes. The in-game network indicators will help you monitor your connection quality.
• Watch Replays and Streams
  Early adopters and pro players are already breaking down matchups, discovering tech, and sharing optimal setups. Watching replays can teach you when to tag safely, how to punish assists, and what defensive options work best in each matchup.
• Learn the System Mechanics
  The tutorials and combo trials are worth completing. They teach universal skills like anti-air timing, pushblock mechanics, and safe jumps — all essential in ranked matches. Riot designed these challenges around realistic online scenarios, so they’re a great training ground.
• Ease Into Ranked
  Ranked play unlocks after a short warm-up period to let you get used to the systems. Use Casual or Custom Matches to build team chemistry before competing for rank points.
• Stay Updated on Patches
  Riot plans regular balance adjustments throughout the Beta and Early Access periods. Reading patch notes helps you avoid frustration when your favorite setup or combo changes overnight.