When is the 2XKO release date? Formerly known as ‘Project L,’ 2XKO is an upcoming 2D, 2v2 fighting game, developed by Riot Games, that is set to feature a wide array of champions from the League of Legends franchise. Fans of LoL will be ecstatic to see their favorites battling it out in this fighting game spin-off, especially since they’ll get the chance to master all their moves in a new combat system when it comes to PS5 and Xbox.
2XKO was announced in 2019 in a League of Legends anniversary stream, causing quite a stir among fans across the globe. Updates on the game’s development were initially sparse, but as what could become one of the best fighting games has continued its training arc in the hyperbolic time chamber, more and more info has gradually been shared by Riot – information you can find below.
2XKO release date window
The 2XKO release date window is 2025. Executive producer Tom Cannon confirmed during the Year in Preview 2024 update that the studio is “aiming to fully launch” the game next year on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
As for what we can expect from Riot this year, Cannon says “2024 will be about getting you more involved with events, updates and, yes, maybe even some at-home playtesting later this year.”
If you’re interested in checking out 2XKO, make sure to sign up over at the official website – the game’s still a ways off yet, so throwing your hat in for playtests is the best chance you’ll have to play outside of heading to something like EVO.
2XKO trailers
So far, Riot has dropped a mixture of teasers and trailers across its official YouTube channel, as well as the 2XKO channel that popped up when the game name was confirmed in February 2024. You can check the reveal out below.
All the way back in 2021, the Cannon brothers laid the foundation that 2XKO will be built upon in order to “deliver a game that allows you to create new, iconic moments for many years to come.” Though three years have passed, the dream for an approachable fighter with a high skill ceiling, backed by top-tier netcode is still very much intact.
2XKO gameplay
Contrary to the 1v1 combat we were initially teased with all the way back in 2019, 2XKO is a 2v2 tag fighter. But, as executive producer Tom Cannon states in the Duo Play dev diary, “[2XKO] isn’t just a tag-based fighting game, it’s a 2v2 team-based fighting game.”
To aid in pulling off all sorts of crazy combos, 2XKO has implemented a support character system. This function will allow you to tag in a secondary character – be they an AI or a human ally – to unleash powerful moves that can help you in the heat of battle and extend your combos.
You can also tag in your secondary partner to take over the match, giving your primary character some breathing space if your health is getting low.
During the Duo Play dev diary, game director Shaun Rivera says that 2XKO “will support 1v1, 2v2, and even 2v1 matchups”, so solo players can still take on duos if they wish.
The most unique mechanic we’ve seen so far is easily the 2XKO Fuse system. While in champ select, players can customize their duo’s playstyle, opting between “powerful synergies” that “really allow player expression to shine.”
For example, the ‘2x Assist’ Fuse “allows your team to throw out two assists back-to-back instead of just one”, game director Shaun Rivera says during the Duo Play dev diary. This looks to not only provide helpful direction for duos that aren’t on comms but also give the opponent(s) another element to consider and play around. You can get an overview of how to play in the latest trailer from Riot Games.
Prominent creators within the scene like ‘Maximilian Dood’ had a chance to take their sticks to a preview build in July 2023, and it already looks to possess a decent amount of polish. Environments already look crisp, and fans of Arcane may immediately recognize the bridge showcased in the video below.
2XKO characters
So far, five 2XKO characters have been announced:
- Ahri
- Darius
- Ekko
- Illaoi
- Yasuo
Each character’s playstyle is heavily influenced by their League counterparts, remaining as lore-accurate as possible. For example, Ahri’s S1 attacks use a charge system called ‘Foxfire,’ while Darius can Wound opponents with certain attacks.
From what we’ve seen, Ekko’s afterimages are our favorite unique fighter mechanic so far, allowing the boy who shattered time to run it back to a previous position on the field – the outplay potential is wild.
The most recent addition to the 2XKO roster is Illaoi. The Kraken Priestess was officially revealed in April 2024, after initially being teased back in 2022. A lean, mean, tentacle-smashing machine, Illaoi can summon spectral squid legs (or are they arms?) to beat the stuffing out of her opponents – more on that here.
That’s everything we have on the 2XKO release date for now. If you’re interested in checking out the new fighting game but wish to dip your toes into League of Legends first, then take notes from our LoL beginner guide. See you on the Rift, maybe.