Tag Team Gaming Gets a Revolutionary Twist with 2XKO

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 playable demo, showcased at EVO 2024.

Reimagining Tag Team Combat

2XKO introduces "Duo Play," a groundbreaking feature that allows two players to team up and control one champion each, resulting in thrilling 2v2 matches (or even 2v1 showdowns). Each team consists of a "Point" character and an "Assist" character. The unique tag system offers three key interactions:

• Assist Actions: The Point character can summon the Assist for powerful special moves.
• Handshake Tag: A seamless switch between Point and Assist roles.
• Dynamic Save: The Assist can intervene to break up enemy combos.

Unlike some tag fighters where a single knockout ends the match, 2XKO demands both characters on a team be defeated to win a round. Even defeated champions remain active as Assists, providing crucial support. Matches are designed to be longer and more strategic.

Strategic Synergy with "Fuses"

Beyond character selection and color customization, 2XKO introduces "Fuses"—synergy options that dramatically alter team playstyles. The demo showcased five Fuses:

• PULSE: Rapid attacks unleash 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 for explosive team attacks.
• 2X ASSIST: Grants the Assist character multiple assist actions.

Game designer Daniel Maniago highlights the Fuse system's role in enhancing player expression and enabling powerful combos, especially for well-coordinated duos.

A Roster of League of Legends Champions

The playable demo featured six champions: Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi, each with moves reflecting their League of Legends abilities. While Jinx and Katarina were absent from the Alpha Lab Playtest, their inclusion in future updates is confirmed.

Alpha Lab Playtest and Beyond

2XKO joins the free-to-play fighting game arena, launching on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 in 2025. The Alpha Lab Playtest, running August 8-19, is currently accepting registrations. Details on registration can be found in the linked article.