2XKO: First impressions from early access

October 7 marked the next phase of 2XKO, Riot Games’ free-to-play fighting title, going from closed beta to early access. This means the launch of its first season pass, Season 0, along with an 11th character. So far, the reception has been highly positive from players, commenting on how well the tag system works, as well as the fighting mechanics.

2XKO is only currently playable on PC, despite Riot Games confirming the game will be coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X. But this is clearly a sign that the developer wants to get things right before the title launches on these consoles. Nevertheless, we’ve been playing 2XKO in early access this past week, and we’re sharing our initial thoughts below.

2XKO’s closed beta began on September 16 and ended on October 7, changing into early access for the foreseeable future. From what we saw during that period, the 2XKO beta was hugely well-received by players, remarking how similar 2XKO is to Street Fighter 6 in gameplay mechanics and framerate. This is high praise for any fighting game, so Riot Games must be pleased with this feedback. Players have been warming to the attacks, counters, and more since September 16.

Combine this praise with the amount that’s been available since the closed beta’s debut, such as the many 2XKO characters available to play, the fresh balance patches based on the feedback that players have been giving Riot Games, and it’s clear that 2XKO could be special.

The gameplay does indeed remind us of Capcom’s Street Fighter in its fluidity and controls, but it also reminds us of Dragon Ball FighterZ, from Arc System Works. Despite that title having a 3v3 tag system, the intensity of the special attacks, dependent on how many ‘levels’ you’ve built up, can change the trajectory of any match. You’ll also want to see how the special attacks from each of the 11 champions from the 2XKO roster play out. They’re all very fun to do, and only add to the replayability of 2XKO, even in this early state. Nothing feels overpowered, nor does anything feel like it’s out of scope for new players. Thanks to the helpful Practice Mode, which guides new players by showcasing movesets and more for 2XKO, anyone can join.

Playing online is also a great time right now. Joining a match wasn’t an issue, and playing 2XKO on Wi-Fi and 5G connections didn’t result in a session being too laggy or frustrating to play. But this is Riot Games, they know how to create and maintain online modes, much like it has for League of Legends and VALORANT, so we’re not surprised.

But the main mechanic of 2XKO, the 2v2 tag system, is a big highlight in the game. Combining characters like Vi and Jynx in matches can give you new ideas about how to use them. As we head into the full game version, which is likely when we’ll see 2XKO arrive on PS5 and Xbox, we’re expecting even more characters to hone in on the 2v2 mechanic. Right now, though, gameplay-wise, the game feels polished enough, so we can’t help but think Riot Games may as well open up the floodgates for console players to join in on early access.

Overall, we’ve come away impressed with 2XKO. Everything at this point feels like it’s been worked on and refined constantly. Riot Games set high expectations with players since it was known as Project L, way back in 2019. With many characters to choose from, as well as the ability to use a variety of special attacks, all at a stable framerate, 2XKO has all the hallmarks of being a standout game once it inevitably starts appearing at some worldwide esports events.

2XKO’s graphical style is cel-shaded to the hilt, but feels very smooth. It harkens back to titles like Marvel vs. Capcom 3, as well as others like Sega’s Jet Set Radio. Everything feels like it’s straight out of a comic book, and we barely experienced any significant slowdowns during our time in early access. Every texture looks sharp, and the animations when fighters perform their special attacks are fantastic.

There’s not a great deal to say here other than Riot Games has managed to make 2XKO set itself apart in the fighting game genre, especially when you consider it alongside popular esports games like Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6.

Compared to how much Bandai Namco bodged its relationship with Tekken fans due to the mess of Tekken 8’s Season 2 pass earlier this year, Riot Games is on somewhat of a roll so far with 2XKO. Our experiences with the closed beta and early access versions of the game mirror those of other players, thanks to the fun mechanics and variations all the characters offer.

Considering the success Riot Games has had, and continues to have with League of Legends and VALORANT, players weren’t expecting much from 2XKO. But it’s proven many wrong, with players now hoping to see the game appear on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X soon. As things stand, Riot Games has done well with 2XKO, and if it keeps this momentum going, the game could be a juggernaut at many esports events in 2026.