Riot Games is stepping into the ring this September as its highly anticipated fighting game, 2XKO, officially enters closed beta. Designed to bring the vibrant world of League of Legends into the realm of competitive fighters, 2XKO is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious genre crossovers in recent memory.
Formerly known by its working title “Project L,” 2XKO blends Riot’s iconic roster of champions with high-speed, tag-based combat, offering both casual fans and competitive players a fresh take on the fighting game formula. The closed beta will be available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, and—perhaps most notably—will support full cross-play and cross-progression, allowing players to team up or face off across platforms without losing any progress.
The current beta roster includes fan-favorite champions such as Vi, the hard-hitting enforcer made globally famous by Riot’s animated series Arcane, alongside Ahri, the charismatic nine-tailed fox, and Yasuo, the wind-wielding swordsman beloved—and feared—by League players worldwide. Each fighter comes equipped with a unique move set that reflects their original in-game identity, reimagined for the fast-paced, assist-heavy world of 2v2 battles.
Gameplay in 2XKO centers around a tag-team system, where players control two champions and can swap between them mid-match for combos, assists, and reversals. This opens the door to countless strategic possibilities and flashy, momentum-based combat, with an emphasis on synergy between fighters. Riot has confirmed that the game will feature both online and offline play, rollback netcode for smoother matches, and a focus on accessibility for newcomers, while still offering depth for seasoned fighting game veterans.
The visual presentation is just as striking. Built on a stylized 2.5D engine, 2XKO combines smooth animation with bold, comic-inspired effects that pay homage to both traditional fighting games and Riot’s vibrant art direction. Every punch, kick, and ultimate move carries weight and spectacle, bringing the fantasy of Runeterra to life in a new, visceral way.
Beyond the combat itself, Riot is also teasing additional features designed to keep players invested long-term. These include a progression system tied to each champion, unlockable cosmetics, ranked matchmaking, and a community-focused approach to updates and balancing. With Riot’s track record in live-service games, 2XKO is likely to receive consistent post-launch support, including new fighters, stages, and game modes.
The closed beta is expected to run for several weeks, with limited invites being rolled out gradually. Players can sign up via Riot’s official site and will need a Riot account to participate. Feedback from the beta will reportedly shape the final version of the game, with Riot promising to stay responsive to player input during development.
While no official release date has been announced, the closed beta marks a major milestone in 2XKO’s journey to full release. For fans of League of Legends, fighting games, or competitive esports in general, this is one title worth watching closely.
