Riot’s Next Revolution: Everything We Know About the League of Legends Fighting Game, 2XKO

For years, it was a myth, a dream whispered among fans of both the League of Legends universe and the fighting game community. Then, it was “Project L.” Now, after a long journey of development and a recent name change, Riot Games’ highly anticipated fighting game has a proper title: 2XKO. With a release window set for 2025 and a recently launched Closed Beta, the game is finally becoming a reality. As a free-to-play, 2v2 tag fighter, it’s not only a major new entry in the genre but also a fascinating attempt to translate the massive world of Runeterra into a competitive brawler. Here’s everything you need to know about the new title, from its confirmed characters to its unique gameplay mechanics.

Release Date and Platforms

2XKO is officially slated for a 2025 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. While a specific release date has not been locked in, the game is currently in a Closed Beta, which began on September 9, 2025. This beta is a major step for the developers, as it’s the first time the game has been available for an extended period to a large number of players outside of a few playtests at major fighting game events like EVO 2024 and 2025. Riot has confirmed that the game will be free-to-play, a model that has proven successful for their other titles, such as Valorant.

A Roster of Champions: The Confirmed Characters

The core of any fighting game is its roster, and 2XKO is bringing a number of fan-favorite champions to the fight. The game will feature a roster of at least 10 playable characters at launch. A number of them have already been confirmed and are playable in the current beta. The confirmed champions include:

• Ahri: The mystical nine-tailed fox who uses a variety of magical attacks.
• Braum: A sturdy defender who uses his massive shield to protect himself and his partner.
• Darius: A brutal juggernaut with a massive axe and high-damage combos.
• Ekko: The boy who shattered time, a fast and tricky character who can rewind his movements.
• Illaoi: A powerful priestess who uses her spiritual tentacles to control space.
• Yasuo: The unforgiving swordsman with fast, fluid movements and wind-based attacks.
• Jinx: The loose-cannon marksman with a variety of explosive attacks and traps.
• Vi: The Piltover Enforcer who uses her hextech gauntlets for devastating, close-range punches.
• Blitzcrank: The first confirmed grappler, whose iconic rocket grab is sure to be a game-changer.

In a major win for the community, Riot has also confirmed that additional champions will be unlockable in a way that is similar to League of Legends or Valorant, where players can earn them by simply playing the game rather than having to purchase them with real money. The game will also feature a number of “Fuses,” which are modifiers that can be applied before a match to change a player’s combat style, such as “Juggernaut” and “Sidekick” fuses that allow a single player to fight alone with a single life bar but with increased health and defense.

Gameplay and Mechanics: A Simplified Approach

2XKO is designed to be accessible to newcomers while still providing a high skill ceiling for veterans. Unlike traditional fighting games with complex quarter-circle inputs, 2XKO simplifies all special and super moves to one or two-button presses. This allows players to focus more on strategy and team synergy rather than on execution. The game’s core is its 2v2 tag system. Players can play solo, controlling two characters and using assists, or team up with a friend in “Duo” mode, where each player controls one character. The game’s combat is fast-paced, with a focus on assist actions and “Handshake Tags” that allow for complex combos and mix-up opportunities. Riot has stated that their goal is to capture the “synergy between multiple champions” and the “coordination” that is a hallmark of League of Legends‘ team-based gameplay, and their design choices for 2XKO reflect this ambition.

Conclusion: The Wait Is Almost Over

2XKO has been a long time coming, but all signs point to the wait being well worth it. By combining the rich world of League of Legends with a polished, accessible, and deeply strategic fighting game, Riot is poised to make a massive splash in the genre. The recent Closed Beta has been a testament to the game’s potential, with players praising its smooth gameplay, robust systems, and compelling roster. The future of 2XKO is looking very bright, and with the full release on the horizon, it’s time for both fighting game veterans and new players to start planning their duos. The battle for Runeterra is coming to a new stage, and it’s time to get ready to fight.