2XKO Closed Beta Review

2XKO Closed Beta Review: What We Learned from Riot’s LoL Fighter

Riot Games has taken another bold step with 2XKO, a fresh fighting game that brings the world of League of Legends into a new genre. Players can now brawl as iconic champions like Jinx, experimenting with slashes, blocks, and parries while mastering complex combos. With the closed beta wrapped up, we finally have a clear picture of what this game offers and where it’s heading.

From Project L to 2XKO: The Journey

Originally teased back in 2019 under the codename Project L, the road to 2XKO has been anything but straightforward. Producer Tom Cannon revealed in an interview with Edge Magazine that the early reveal didn’t exactly deliver the jaw-dropping excitement Riot hoped for. Instead, the game was perceived as just another Tekken-style fighter, only with LoL characters.

That lukewarm reaction sent the developers back to the drawing board. Cannon explained that the team wanted to capture the same synergy that makes League of Legends unique: champion interactions, team compositions, and strategic coordination. By focusing on translating those elements into a fighting game format, Riot aimed to create something that truly boosts the genre rather than blending into it.

The Closed Beta Experience The closed beta introduced players to an advanced tutorial system, smooth online play, and a lobby environment designed to encourage competition. Testers could hop into rooms, watch other matches, and queue for fights against real opponents, making the atmosphere feel both social and competitive. Performance was a standout highlight.

On PC, matches ran with little to no lag, and the animations looked crisp, ensuring every hit and combo felt impactful. The fighting game community took notice too; social media reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with players eager for invite codes and future access.

Key Takeaways from 2XKO

Every champion brought something different to the table. Attack ranges, animations, and combos varied widely, giving each character a distinct feel. At the same time, advanced mechanics carried over between fighters, meaning players could quickly adapt once they learned the fundamentals. This balance of variety and familiarity helps keep gameplay fresh without overwhelming newcomers.

Fighting games often struggle with tutorials, but 2XKO’s system stood out. It broke lessons into clear categories, easing players from basic movement into advanced offense and defense strategies. While simple to pick up, the game’s depth ensures that true mastery will take practice. For new players especially, this tutorial is a great starting point to boost their skills.

One of the most impressive aspects of the beta was how good the game looked and felt. 2XKO’s art style brings champions from Runeterra into a fighting environment without losing their identity. Combined with smooth performance, every battle had weight and spectacle, making it rewarding to both play and watch.

Surprisingly Deep Customisation

The online lobby was more than just a waiting room. Players appeared as customizable avatars, able to tweak body shapes, outfits, and more. This level of detail goes beyond what many fighting games offer and helps make the online experience feel lively and personal. It’s a small touch, but one that adds to the game’s long-term appeal.

The Future of 2XKO

The closed beta proved that Riot Games has something special on its hands. While content is still limited at this stage, the foundation is strong: familiar LoL champions, fluid combat, accessible tutorials, and engaging lobbies.

If Riot continues expanding the roster and refining balance, 2XKO could easily rank among the top fighting games of 2025. For fans of both fighters and MOBAs, it offers a fresh twist on beloved characters while pushing the genre in a new direction.

Final Thoughts

2XKO is a serious contender in the fighting game scene. The beta highlighted its potential, showing how well the team has merged League of Legends DNA with competitive combat.

There’s still room to grow, but with smooth gameplay, polished mechanics, and strong community interest, 2XKO is already boosting excitement across the fighting game community. As Riot adds more content and polish, expect this title to become a major player in the esports arena.

 

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