Riot's New Free-To-Play Fighting Game 2XKO Launches Strong, But Has Room to Grow

2XKO Vi

Riot Games has entered the fighting game arena with 2XKO, a free-to-play 2v2 tag-team fighter set in the League of Legends universe. After years of anticipation under its former codename “Project L,” the game finally released in early access on October 7 for PC, with console versions coming soon. Although the launch is technically still a work in progress, the reception from players has been highly positive so far.

What immediately stands out about 2XKO is its accessibility. The game maintains traditional fighting mechanics while being both deep and beginner-friendly, which is a rare balance. The control scheme removes the usual quarter-circle and dragon-punch motions that often intimidate newcomers. Instead, attacks and specials are executed with simple directional inputs and button combinations, similar to Dragon Ball FighterZ. This streamlined approach allows players to focus more on movement, spacing, and teamwork rather than memorizing complex inputs. It remains skill-based, but the execution barrier is significantly lower — an advantage for casual players who have long wanted to enter the genre but found it overwhelming.

Another major highlight is the online performance. 2XKO uses robust rollback netcode that makes matches feel smooth even across long distances. Latency is minimal, inputs are responsive, and disconnections are rare — an essential feature for a fighting game. The community has already begun organizing online tournaments, and early impressions suggest the infrastructure is strong enough to sustain a healthy esports scene for years to come.

Now let us talk about visuals. You do not even need to play the game to appreciate how striking it looks. The stylized art direction brings League of Legends champions to life through a bold, comic-book aesthetic. Each punch, kick, and spell feels impactful, with flashy animations that remain readable amid the chaos. Riot Games also struck an excellent balance between flair and clarity with the user interface and visual effects. The transition from MOBA to fighter feels remarkably natural, and the sound design is equally impressive. Even when watching a stream or video, the hits sound weighty, the voice lines land with personality, and the soundtrack energizes each match.

In terms of gameplay, depth comes from the tag-team mechanics. Each player selects two champions, switching between them mid-combo or calling assists to extend strings and apply pressure. Riot Games has implemented a “Fuse System” that grants unique bonuses to specific team combinations, encouraging experimentation and synergy discovery. Players have praised how dynamic and creative this feels, allowing theorycrafting and counterplay at every level. For those who enjoy mastering multiple champions, this system ensures variety and replayability instead of repetition.

That said, 2XKO’s early access status is still apparent. The most common criticism is the limited roster. Only a handful of champions are available at launch, and while each one feels distinct, fans are eager for more variety. Riot Games has confirmed that new fighters will arrive through seasonal updates, but the speed of that rollout will be critical. The game also lacks a few expected modes such as arcade or survival. While there is a training mode, some players have noted that the tutorials do not adequately teach advanced concepts like frame data, cross-ups, and combo optimization. For a game aiming to attract newcomers, refining those educational tools will be essential.

Monetization has also sparked mixed reactions. The core game is free, but it includes a battle pass and cosmetic shop that require either grinding or paying for premium currency. It does not feel predatory, but some worry that long-term FOMO mechanics may appear — similar to League of Legends and Valorant. On the positive side, every champion is available to try in training mode, even if you have not unlocked them yet.

Overall, the reception has been strong. Players praise the smooth online experience, the engaging core gameplay, and the thoughtful quality-of-life features that make the game feel polished from day one. Its potential as both a competitive and casual fighter is evident. Riot Games has a strong track record of long-term support, and 2XKO’s connection to the League of Legends universe provides it with a built-in community that could keep it thriving for many years to come.

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