Revolutionary Tag-Team Combat Unveiled: 2XKO's Game-Changing Innovation

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—two teams of two. Each team designates one player as the "Point" and the other as the "Assist." The developers even demonstrated the possibility of 2v1 matches.

The game's tag system features three core mechanics:

• Assist Actions: The Point character can summon the Assist for a special move.
• Handshake Tag: The Point and Assist 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, defeated champions remain active as Assists, providing support.

Strategic Synergies: The Fuse System

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

• PULSE: Rapid attacks trigger 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 with your partner.
• 2X ASSIST: Grants the Assist character multiple assist actions.

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

Champion Selection

The playable demo featured six champions: Braum, Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Yasuo, and Illaoi, each reflecting their League of Legends counterparts. While Jinx and Katarina were shown in earlier materials, they are absent from the Alpha Lab Playtest but confirmed for future inclusion.

Alpha Lab Playtest

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 related articles.