2XKO Review: Riot Games’ Ambitious Fighter Brings Heart, Style, and High-Stakes Gameplay

When Riot Games first announced 2XKO, a 2v2 tag-team fighting game set in the League of Legends universe, expectations were sky-high. Known for their success in competitive genres like MOBAs and tactical shooters, Riot’s entry into the fighting game scene had fans wondering if they could pull off another success story. After spending countless hours in the game (around 1,500 matches, reaching Masters 2 on EUW) I can confidently say that 2XKO is not just another spin-off. It’s a deep, skill-based, and emotionally charged fighter that captures both the thrill of League’s world and the raw excitement of the fighting genre.

Gameplay and Core Mechanics

At its core, 2XKO is a tag-team fighter, with fast-paced, high-reward combat and an emphasis on teamwork, even when playing solo. Each match revolves around switching between your two chosen champions, managing cooldowns, assists, and positioning, while reading your opponent’s every move.

The controls are responsive, with satisfying impact on every hit, and the fluid animations make the action visually stunning. The game encourages aggressive play but punishes recklessness, rewarding those who can read patterns and predict movement rather than just mash buttons. At higher ranks, 2XKO becomes a mental chess match: a battle of wits and nerves.

One thing that becomes apparent at higher levels is how much the game shifts from casual fun to psychological warfare. The higher you climb, the more every small mistake counts. Matches become tense, mind-reading duels where a single misstep can turn a victory into defeat. At times, it even feels like gambling; you’re constantly making educated guesses about your opponent’s intentions. But that’s also part of the charm. When you outthink your opponent, few moments in gaming feel as satisfying.

Character Roster and Balance

At the time of writing, 2XKO’s roster includes a modest lineup: Ahri, Blitzcrank, Braum, Darius, Ekko, Illaoi, Jinx, Teemo, Vi, Warwick, and Yasuo.

While the limited selection can feel restrictive, each character offers a distinct playstyle that reflects their League counterpart’s identity. For example:

• Ahri offers mobility and zoning with her orb mechanics.
• Jinx brings high-risk, high-reward ranged pressure.
• Ekko manipulates time to create combos with deceptive setups.
• Braum provides defensive options that reward smart positioning.

However, balance remains a work in progress. In particular, Warwick feels overtuned; his sustain and pressure options make him frustrating to face, especially in high-ranked matches. Hopefully, Riot will address this in future patches.

Despite the small roster, 2XKO’s depth lies in how champions synergize in pairs. Finding your perfect duo feels like mastering a rhythm, and when it clicks, it’s exhilarating. My personal favorites, Ahri and Jinx, offer a flexible mix of zoning and burst, rewarding both patience and precision.

The Climb and Community

Reaching Masters 2 after around 1,500 matches has been a journey of both growth and grit. The ranked climb in 2XKO is not for the faint-hearted; it’s a rollercoaster of triumphs, close calls, and heartbreaks. At lower ranks, matches can feel chaotic, with players still experimenting. But as you rise, the game’s true complexity unfolds.

At the high end, matches feel less about raw mechanics and more about mind games. Reading your opponent’s habits, predicting assists, and managing