2XKO closed beta: What we learned

2XKO is a new Riot Games project that brings the magic of League of Legends into a fighting game format. You can play as your favourite characters, like Jinx, as you learn how to slash, block, and parry your opposition.

Esports Insider has been playing the closed beta, and we’re bringing fighting fans this guide to help you navigate the latest Riot Games title. With an exciting roster of fighters and a unique customisation system, 2XKO is one of the biggest fighting games of 2025.

2XKO is in ongoing development with an active closed beta that will run indefinitely until a future date. Unfortunately, player progress from the closed beta won’t carry over into 2XKO’s full release.

Currently, there are nine characters available to play, though more may be added in the future. The focus is on online play at the moment, meaning that 2XKO’s esports potential is considerable. As we get deeper into the closed beta, Riot Games will continue to perfect the gameplay and online services in 2XKO based on player feedback.

The closed beta includes an advanced tutorial to teach every core combat mechanic, along with online play. Gamers can enter a room that allows them to watch other matches and queue up to fight against real players, creating a competitive atmosphere.

Overall, 2XKO ran very smoothly during our experience with the closed beta on PC, and the animations were enjoyable to watch. Social media posts surrounding the closed beta for 2XKO have also been largely positive, with many gamers hoping to receive invite codes. The online response indicates that the fighting game community is excited about the Riot Games fighter.

We found that 2XKO is a fun fighting game with simple-to-understand mechanics, but complex movesets for each character. Two characters are assigned to each team, letting you switch between different play styles mid-round. This mechanic allows you to use multiple skill sets across an expansive roster, all in the same match.

League of Legends fans will find the fighters familiar, though their movesets still feel fresh. It can be tricky for new players to understand the deeper mechanics at first, but the advanced tutorials teach you everything you need to succeed in online play.

Let’s discuss a few of our key takeaways after playing the 2XKO closed beta.

During the closed beta, we found that 2XKO’s characters all felt different due to varying attack ranges and unique movesets. However, many of the advanced moves you’ll learn are transferable between characters, so you’ll be able to quickly transition between playing different fighters. Overall, 2XKO’s combat is satisfying and full of advanced moves to learn, so it was easy to stay busy during the beta.

One of the best things about the 2XKO beta is its advanced tutorial mode, which explains everything you need to know about the game’s combat, including both offence and defence.

We thought that the lessons in 2XKO were better than the tutorials in many other fighting games because they explain everything in separate categories, and the tutorials seamlessly transition between lessons. 2XKO is easy to understand, but mastering its combat will take more than just the tutorial.

2XKO ran well during our playtime in the closed beta, with nearly zero lag or stutter in offline and online play. Additionally, we found that 2XKO has a beautiful art style that does justice to the characters in the universe of Runeterra.

The online lobbies in 2XKO are quite interesting, as you can walk around a room before entering a match. While wandering around in the lobby, you’ll show up as a customisable avatar. Players can adjust their character’s body and clothing, with dozens of different options for every gamer. The customisation was shockingly expansive, and it shows that Riot Games has thought of the little things alongside 2XKO’s core mechanics.

2XKO is likely to be a smash hit in the long term, as it has a developed cast of characters from League of Legends, along with a beginner-friendly tutorial offering a smooth starting experience.

Though there’s room for growth, the content available in 2XKO and vibrant animation shows great promise for the future. Online players will love 2XKO’s lively lobby and competitive mechanics, so all FGC fans should give it a try.