Riot Games is currently developing 2XKO, the highly anticipated 2v2 fighting game based on the acclaimed League of Legends universe. Initially planned for a larger-scale global playtest, the developers have recently announced significant changes to their timeline, leading to considerable disappointment among fans eager to get their hands on the game.
Shaun Rivera, the game director for 2XKO, posted on Reddit explaining the situation. He indicated, "We were planning on running a larger-scale global playtest next month, and the Feb update was going to cover what was in ... instead, we are going to focus on running a much smaller one than Alpha Lab 1..." This current adjustment stems from the need to build infrastructure capable of supporting more players later this year.
The initial expectations of testing players were optimistic. With 2XKO being described as one of the more intriguing League of Legends spinoffs, anticipation was high for the gameplay possibilities stemming from its unique characters. Its tag team mechanic, paired with Fuse abilities, set it apart from other fighting games, creating excitement for the competitive environment it could establish.
Fans had believed the upcoming months would entail various developments – including the exciting reveal of character designs, gameplay updates, and possibly even an open beta surrounding EVO, which is renowned for showcasing top-tier fighting games. Unfortunately, the change to smaller playtest scenarios signals delays, likely pushing back timelines around its release, previously expected for 2025.
Rivera’s announcement also addressed gameplay tweaks based on player feedback, confirming significant alterations to the game’s mechanics. Notably, the Pulse Fuse, which enabled autocombos, has been removed and replaced with customizable settings giving players the option to toggle autocombo functions. Rivera noted, "First, players really wanted autocombo functionality ...we’re excited to hear what you all think when you get a chance to check it out..."
These adjustments reflect not just player concerns but Riot’s commitment to deliver quality gameplay. The new fuse called Sidekick allows the player's assist character to bolster the main fighter without switching, promoting strategies and increasing engagement for those learning the game.
The community, as expressed on platforms like Reddit, has mixed feelings about the delays and changes to 2XKO. Some fans expressed frustration on the forums, writing comments like, "Yeah, the game isn't coming out till at least November/December if it is even coming out this year," and predicting the game release might slip beyond its 2025 window. Many have concerns similar to, “Man this game is never coming out,” highlighting the widely held skepticism about the development schedule.
On the flip side, several fans exhibited patience, recognizing the franchise’s history of significant updates and enhancements throughout development stages. Comments like, "What’s annoying is they announced the game so many years early," showcase the dichotomy between impatience from consumers and the need for developers to prioritize game quality over release speed.
Despite the hurdles, Rivera concludes on a hopeful note, implying more exciting content is on the horizon for eager fans. He stated, "We have some other cool stuff cooking, but we are not quite ready to talk about it just yet." Rivera assures players excited for 2XKO's potential, "Ideally, next month," letting discussions slip about additional reveals and build-outs coming soon.
For now, fans of 2XKO will need to remain patient as the game developers focus on refining the gameplay experience and adjusting their timelines accordingly. The fighting game community continues to watch closely, hoping for more news and the fast-approaching opportunity to experience this unique League of Legends spinoff.