You’ve braved Runeterra, destroying Nexus time and time again as a League of Legends (LoL) player. Maybe the animated hit show, Arcane, inspired you to try new things from Riot Games. If any of this rings true, or you just want to take a break from the iconic MOBA to try something different, 2XKO could be the perfect fit. Here’s how to get into 2XKO as a League of Legends Player.
Let’s discuss what League players should know about 2XKO so they can jump into the fighting game with ease. We’ll start with an explanation of the game and how to install it, before introducing the Champions, the Fuses system, similarities to LoL mechanics, and some beginner’s tips to help you get those first knockouts.
What Is 2XKO? Explained
Previously known as Project L, Riot Games officially unveiled 2XKO in February 2024. It’s pronounced “Two Ex Kay Oh,” referring to the game’s core 2v2, tag-team gameplay, where the ultimate goal is to knock out both your opponents’ fighters on beautiful stages, straight from League lore.
2XKO is built from the ground up for competitive play. Designed as a free-to-play title at launch, there’s no barrier to entry. The game features best-in-class rollback netcode and anti-cheat systems to deliver fair, lag-free gameplay.
Players must master the game’s unique tag and assist mechanics while controlling familiar Champions (fighters), who retain their personality, looks, sounds, and some abilities from the MOBA.
There are several skins per champion, avatars, stickers, and chromas to unlock via the seasonal battle passes, daily missions, and weekly rewards. You’ll notice Riot Games’ signature cartoonish but serious art style, which League and Arcane fans should be very familiar with.
While 2XKO is in its Early Access phase at the time of writing, it already feels like a complete and polished game, so let’s start the installation process.
How To Install 2XKO
If you are already playing League, Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, or VALORANT, the Riot Client is on your PC. If not, download the Riot Client from an official source to get started.
To install 2XKO on a PC for the first time, follow the steps below.
- Launch the Riot Client.
- Sign in with your Riot ID or another available option, such as a Google account.
- On the left-hand side of your screen, click on the 2XKO icon.
- Click on the “Install” button.
- Select where you want the game to be installed.
- Click “Install”
- Wait for the download and installation process to finish.
Once installation completes, select 2XKO from the left-hand side and click “Play.”
2XKO PC System Requirements
The minimum PC system requirements for LoL are lower than those of 2XKO. That’s because, as a fighting game, you’ll want to hit a smooth 60 frames per second (FPS), while in LoL, you can remain competitive with lower FPS or frame-rate drops during a match.
| Hardware | Min Specs | Rec Specs | 4K Specs |
| CPU | Intel i7-4770 / AMD FX9590 | Intel i5-11400 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X | Intel i5-11400 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X |
| GPU | AMD Radeon R9 380 / Nvidia GTX 960 | AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT / Nvidia GeForce 1660 Ti / Intel Arc A580 | AMD Radeon RX 6800XT / Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 |
| Resolution | 1080p | 1440p | 2160p |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| OS | Windows 10 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz (or 120 Hz) | 60 Hz (or 120 Hz) |
Check out the official 2XKO PC system requirements page. Note that the OS architecture must be 64-bit (standard) and that DirectX 11 is required. On Windows 11, TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot are also required.
Meet The 2XKO Champions
As a League player, you’ll no doubt recognize all the 2XKO fighters. These are staple LoL Champions, with the same general art style, facial and body features, and voices. The initial set had a heavy focus on Arcane, with a matching Bundle.
Below, you’ll find a short overview of each 2XKO champion, including the Runeterra region from which they hail, their fighting archetype, and some fun likes/dislikes for good measure.
Ahri
If you love fast and furious gameplay, Ahri could be the perfect fit. She has a range of mobility tools to pressure the enemy and can support her teammates effectively, chaining spells and combo attacks. The tradeoff is that Ahri’s defensive capabilities are below average.
- Region: Ionia
- Archetype: Rushdown
- Likes: Air dashing, spirit magic, new adventures
- Dislikes: Snow lilies
Check out Ahri’s official 2XKO moves list.
Teemo
Teemo’s attacks, including darts and specials, get stronger the more they hit, creating a chain reaction that can smash any opponents. The character excels at a zoning playstyle thanks to traps, but he has below-average health and deals less damage than others at the start of a match.
- Region: Bandle City
- Archetype: Trap
- Likes: Foraging, birding, stargazing
- Dislikes: Scout’s code violations
Check out Teemo’s official 2XKO moves list.
Blitzcrank
If you like playing a supporting role, Blitzcrank’s assists are some of the best in the game. Mix in long-range special attacks and grabs (throws), no matter the situation. Blitzcrank is, however, slower-moving than most and has a very short range on regular attacks.
- Region: Zaun
- Archetype: Grappler
- Likes: Sparks, fulfilling programming directives, hugs
- Dislikes: Messes
Check out Blitzcrank’s official 2XKO moves list.
Braum
Braum excels at protecting his teammate when using the Stand By Me assist. You should consider Braum a “tank” in 2XKO, boasting high defense, especially in his unbreakable state. The drawbacks of Braum are low mobility and range.
- Region: Freljord
- Archetype: Bruiser
- Likes: Helping others, push-ups, poros
- Dislikes: Cold-hearted people
Check out Braum’s official 2XKO moves list.
Darius
Love wielding an axe? Darius does, and he boasts deadly precision while swinging to inflict “wound” damage. He’s a beginner-friendly pick with an all-around kit that can output severe damage and has some defense options to play with. His downsides are slow movement and struggles against armor.
- Region: Noxus
- Archetype: Striker
- Likes: Earning battle scars, sharpening his axe, the color red
- Dislikes: Weakness
Check out Darius’ official 2XKO moves list.
Jinx
Using traps, guns, and explosives, just like in the Arcane series, Jinx is your go-to gal if you want to deal damage from range. She excels at zoning out the enemy fighters but has slow dash speed and relies heavily on her supers and ultimate for damage output.
- Region: Zaun
- Archetype: Zoner
- Likes: Wreaking havoc, explosions, belts
- Dislikes: Rules
Check out Jinx’s official 2XKO moves list.
Ekko
Ekko manipulates time, and his kit enables significant creativity in each fight. Playing as this character, you can move quickly both in the air and on the ground, while assisting your teammate with precision. However, he has lower damage than most other characters and below-average health.
- Region: Zaun
- Archetype: Mixup
- Likes: Time traveling, hoverboarding, the lab
- Dislikes: People who are always late
Check out Ekko’s official 2XKO moves list.
Illaoi
With Illaoi, you can easily put pressure on your opponents and push them into a corner, thanks to far-reaching and hard-hitting attacks. As a tradeoff, she can sometimes struggle against fast-moving Champions.
- Region: Serpent Isles
- Archetype: Bruiser
- Likes: The Great Kraken, mangos, testing spirits
- Dislikes: Idleness
Check out Illaoi’s official 2XKO moves list.
Vi
Close the distance quickly against any 2XKO fighter with Vi. Her kit is ideal for those who want to maintain pressure, punch, and throw enemies with ease. While Vi is fast on the ground, she’s slow in the air, and some of her attacks have very short range.
- Region: Zaun
- Archetype: Rushdown
- Likes: Punching things, punk music, cupcakes
- Dislikes: Authority
Check out Vi’s official 2XKO moves list.
Warwick
Unleash the beast with Warwick, the 2XKO Champion with the most relentless combo attacks. You can put a lot of pressure on your opponents with Warwick, but the trade-off is that the Champion is highly predictable and quite big.
- Region: Zaun
- Archetype: Rushdown
- Likes: Howling at the moon, raw meat, prowling the Sump
- Dislikes: Cages
Check out Warwick’s official 2XKO moves list.
As the development of 2XKO continues, Riot Games will add more Champions to the mix.
2XKO Fuses Are Like LoL Runes
If you’ve played LoL, you’ll know how important it is to pick the correct Runes to complement your playstyle. In 2XKO, Fuses are the equivalent of the Runes system in LoL. They’re gameplay modifiers that players pick during the pre-match champion select screen, granting unique benefits.
At the start of the Early Access period, there are six Fuses for players to unlock as they progress through the game. The first one, Double Down, is unlocked during the tutorial. Check out the 2XKO Fuses and their gameplay modifiers below.
| 2XKO Fuses | Unique Gameplay Modifiers |
| Double Down | Combine your Super Attacks with your Assists. |
| 2X Assist | Empower your partner with multiple Assist Actions. |
| Freestyle | Handshake Tag twice in one sequence. |
| Sidekick | Assist cannot be KO’d or tagged. Has unique tools to help. |
| Juggernaut | Fight as a single champion with enhanced powers. |
Fuses cannot be swapped in the middle of a match, so choose wisely!
Joining A 2XKO Lobby
Once you get through the tutorial, where the game teaches you all the basics with expert precision, you can step into 2XKO’s lobby system. It’s a unique experience designed to recreate the atmosphere you may find in real-life arcades, where gamers meet up, make friends, spectate, and compete.
There are Ranked, Casual, Private, and Versus lobbies. Follow the steps below to join your first 2XKO lobby:
- Launch 2XKO.
- Click on the green Play button at the top-left of your screen.
- Select Casual mode.
- Click on the green Play button at the bottom-middle of your screen.
- Select your Champions.
- Pick your Fuse.
- Choose the stage.
Your match will now load, so get ready to fight!
We strongly recommend joining the Casual lobbies first to learn the ropes. Ranked (unlocked at player level 3) is for the more serious, competitive player, and you’ll likely get crushed if you haven’t built up some experience.
2XKO Moves & Mechanics Compared To League
You’ll learn the ins and outs of 2XKO’s moves, specials, and various other systems as you play.
Instead of covering every move of every Champion, we’ve decided to help League players understand how the 2XKO mechanics work by providing LoL equivalents, how they work, gameplay characteristics, and champion examples where applicable.
| 2XKO Mechanic | LoL Equivalent | Description | Characteristics | Examples |
| Normal Attacks | Auto Attacks | Light, Medium, Heavy attacks. | Used for poking and chaining combos. | Jinx (Minigun/Rocket), Darius (Axe swings) |
| Special Moves | Abilities (Q/W/E) | Character-specific moves. | No mana/cooldowns; builds meter. | Ahri (Fox-Fire), Ekko (Timewinder), Yasuo (Steel Tempest) |
| Supers | Ultimate (R) | 1-Meter cost abilities. | Versatile utility/combo enders. | Illaoi (Tentacle Smash), Ahri (Spirit Rush) |
| Ultimates | Execute Ultimates | 3-Meter cost abilities. | Cinematic, high-damage finishers. | Darius (Noxian Guillotine), Jinx (Super Mega Death Rocket!) |
| Blocking | Armor / Magic Resistance | Damage negation. | Must guess high/low attacks. | Universal (All Champions) |
| Push Block | Janna Ultimate | Shoves the attacker away. | Puts Assist on cooldown. | Universal (All Champions) |
| Break | Cleanse | Escapes hit stun/combos. | Uses Full Break Meter (Long Refill). | Universal (All Champions) |
| Invincible Move | Zhonya’s Hourglass item ability | Immune to hits/grabs. | Long recovery if blocked, which an enemy can exploit. | Character-specific, for example, Yasuo Anti-air, Ahri Reversal. |
| Assist | Gank | Partner enters to attack. | Has a cooldown, so you can’t just instantly assist again. | Braum (Winter’s Bite), Illaoi (Tentacle Slam) |
Learn the basic controls and moves via an official guide from Riot Games.
Beginner’s Tips To Win At 2XKO
Here are five quickfire beginner tips for LoL fans starting in 2XKO.
Experiment With Champions
As a beginner, you’ll want to experiment with the Champions that resonate with you the most. There are no wrong answers when picking your team of two Champions. You’ll choose two and control both when playing solo, or you’ll pick one, and your partner will select the other if playing in a group.
We recommend mixing and matching Champions, so you have one with strong close-range abilities and one with strong long-range attacks. A solid starter combo is Darius and Ahri.
Teamwork & Communication
If you are playing with a partner, the best way to start winning more 2XKO matches as a beginner duo is to communicate effectively. Let your partner know when you’ll swap so they’re ready when tagged in. You can also set up scenarios that trigger swaps, like “when I reach 50% HP,” as a basic example.
Never Forget Assists
If you’re used to playing with one character, 2XKO’s unique Assists feature may become an afterthought, especially if you’re controlling both. You should treat the Assist mechanic as a way to dish out additional damage and make it a regular part of your offensive tactics.
In 2XKO, you can call in the other Champion while you are performing a Combo to extend the pressure and attack, making it more challenging for the enemy to block.
Block, Parry & Move
Dash forwards, backwards, jump, and duck to avoid enemy projectiles or melee attacks. There’s no shame in avoiding high-damage moves. Many new 2XKO players forget to use defensive moves, leading to a swift demise.
You can dash back while blocking, or use Push Block (pressing forward and dashing while blocking) to push your opponent away. Lastly, practice Parry on easy-to-read attacks. It’s a fantastic defensive skill to have in your arsenal, which you can use to not only negate damage but also punish your opponents for sloppy attacks.
Use The Learning Hub
2XKO has one of the most robust learning hubs available. Click the Play button and select Learning Hub (the default key is Q). From here, you can train with different Champions, go through basic tutorials, and learn all the fighting mechanics.
The Learning Hub also offers Combo trials and advanced lessons, including parry combos, ultimate moves, and everything in between. It’s the best way for beginners to improve at 2XKO, so take your time and complete everything available.
Bonus tip: Enable Pulse Combo in the Champion selection screen, which allows you to perform Combos more easily by simply pressing light, medium, or heavy attacks. It’s an excellent option for learning a new Champion.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2XKO
We’ve outlined some frequently asked questions and answers about 2XKO, covering all the bases that League players and/or fighting game beginners may want to know.
When Does 2XKO Release On Consoles?
2XKO is set to release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in January 2026.
How Much Space Does 2XKO Take?
2XKO is roughly 6GB, but the HDD/SSD space required will likely increase as the game adds more content.
Can I Play 2XKO Solo?
Despite the 2v2 nature, you can play 2XKO alone. You can queue up for 2v2 matchmaking or play solo, controlling both fighters.
Do I Need A Controller To Play 2XKO?
No, you can play 2XKO with your keyboard, so you don’t need to purchase a controller. Many early players seem to prefer the WASD movement and keyboard input.
How Is 2XKO Pronounced?
When talking to your friends about the game or this guide, pronounce it as “Two Ex Kay Oh.”
Is 2XKO An Esports Title?
Yes, 2XKO is very much built with esports in mind. Starting in 2026, there will be five in-game seasons, and each one will feature one Major and three Challenger events. Riot Games has partnered directly with tournament organizers to get the ball rolling.
Can I Bet On 2XKO Esports?
Yes, you certainly can! Navigate to our 2XKO betting section and place wagers with your favorite cryptocurrencies.
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