Riot Games is gearing up to fully launch their eagerly anticipated fighting game, 2XKO, on both PC and consoles. Following its early access release in October 2025, fans have been eagerly awaiting the next step. Although an official announcement trailer was briefly made public on YouTube by Riot, it was quickly set to private, suggesting an accidental early release. Nonetheless, this trailer leak hints at the impending official reveal.
The Journey of 2XKO
The development of 2XKO has been a lengthy process. It began after Riot acquired Radiant Entertainment, the creators of Rising Thunder and Stonehearth, in 2016. This acquisition led to the cancellation of Rising Thunder, but the Cannon brothers, founders of Radiant Entertainment, shifted their focus to a new fighting game under Riot’s banner. Known for their passion for the fighting game community, the Cannon brothers are also the founders of the Evolution Championship Series and the developers of the GGPO middleware, which has become essential for online fighting games.
Evolution and Features of 2XKO
The first hint of a new fighting game from the former Rising Thunder developers surfaced in August 2019. It wasn’t until 2022 that the game was revealed to be a free-to-play title. The name 2XKO was officially announced in February 2024, along with key gameplay details. The game features a 2v2 tag-team system, where players choose characters from the League of Legends universe. The mechanics involve tagging characters in and out for strategic advantages, with an innovative Fuse system that customizes abilities and enhances synergies.
Riot Games plans to launch 2XKO on both PC and consoles, following its early access release.
Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
2XKO introduces unique gameplay mechanics to broaden its appeal. The traditional complex fighting game moves are replaced with simpler button combinations, making it more accessible to new players. The game also includes a Fuse system, which allows players to customize their teams with special abilities, enhancing their strategic options. This system offers advantages such as consecutive assist calls, increased damage benefits, and dual ultimate moves, contributing to diverse and dynamic gameplay.