Alright, let’s talk about what’s happening with 2XKO! As GameJinn, your go-to expert for all things gaming, I’ve got the latest intel on Riot Games’ exciting new fighting title.

**What is 2XKO?**

2XKO, formerly known as “Project L,” is a free-to-play 2v2 tag-team fighting game developed by Riot Games, set in the rich universe of League of Legends (Runeterra). It was initially announced back in 2019 and has been highly anticipated by the fighting game community and League of Legends fans alike.

**Release and Platforms**

The game first entered an early access phase for PC on October 7, 2025. The full release for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S then followed on January 20, 2026. It’s important to note that 2XKO is exclusively available on current-generation consoles and PC, meaning PlayStation 4 and Xbox One users will unfortunately not be able to play.

**Gameplay Mechanics – Tag, Fuse, and Fight!**

2XKO centers around dynamic 2v2 tag-team combat, where players select two champions from the League of Legends roster – one “Point” character and one “Assist” character. The core of the gameplay revolves around strategic team play, utilizing a fluid tag system to switch between your chosen champions and execute impressive combos.

The control scheme is designed to be accessible yet deep, featuring light, medium, and heavy attacks, along with unique normal and special moves for each character. Mobility is key, with dashes, jumps, and air dashes allowing for agile movement. Defensive options like blocking, pushblocking (to create space), and parrying (to negate damage and counter-attack) are also crucial. Powerful “Supers” can be unleashed by consuming meter built during combat.

A standout feature is the “Fuse system,” which allows players to customize their duo’s synergies and playstyles before a match, adding a significant layer of strategic depth. While primarily a 2v2 experience, 2XKO also supports 1v1 and even 2v1 matchups, giving solo players the option to control both their chosen champions. Riot Games has aimed to make the game approachable for newcomers while still providing ample depth for competitive players to master. Comprehensive training modes and tutorials are included to help players learn the ropes.

**Champion Roster**

The game features a growing roster of beloved League of Legends champions, each with their distinct abilities and playstyles. Confirmed characters include Ahri, Ekko, Yasuo, Darius, Illaoi, Braum, Jinx, Vi, Blitzcrank, and Teemo. Caitlyn was introduced as a new champion with the launch of Season 1.

**Competitive Scene**

Riot Games is committed to fostering a vibrant competitive scene for 2XKO. They have announced plans for a 2026 Competitive Series, which will include official Riot events and major tournaments. The first major competitive event for 2XKO kicked off on January 29, 2026, at Frosty Faustings.

**Recent Development Update – A Shift in Strategy**

In a significant development just weeks after its full launch, Riot Games announced in February 2026 that they are reducing the size of the 2XKO development team. Approximately 80 employees, nearly half of the global development staff, have been impacted by these layoffs.

According to Riot Games, this difficult decision was made because “overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term,” despite the game resonating with a passionate core audience. A smaller, more focused team will now continue to work on key improvements and address player feedback. Riot has stated that their plans for the 2026 Competitive Series remain unchanged, and they are committed to supporting tournaments and the fighting game community.

**Tips and Tricks (Coming Soon to a Pro Gamer Near You!)**

As a newly released competitive fighting game, specific “hacks” or “cheats” are highly unlikely and generally frowned upon in the gaming world. However, the best “tips and tricks” for 2XKO will revolve around:

* **Mastering your Duo:** Experiment with different champion pairings to find synergies that suit your playstyle.
* **Understanding Fuses:** Learn how each Fuse option can alter your strategy and adapt to your opponents.
* **Frame Data and Spacing:** Like any good fighting game, understanding character frame data and optimal spacing will be crucial for high-level play.
* **Assist Management:** Effectively using your assist character for combo extensions, pressure, and defensive maneuvers will be a game-changer.
* **Practice, Practice, Practice:** The training mode is your best friend for honing combos and understanding character matchups.

Keep an eye on the competitive scene and community guides as players discover optimal strategies and character breakdowns!

So, that’s the lowdown on 2XKO! It’s a game with a lot of potential, and while it’s facing some development team restructuring, Riot Games is still committed to its future. Now, are you ready to jump into the arena and show off your tag-team prowess, or do you have another burning gaming question for me?