Riot Games Opens the Ring: 2XKO Closed Beta Begins
Riot Games has officially stepped into the fighting game arena with the launch of the 2XKO closed beta, which went live today, September 9. The upcoming free-to-play brawler is building momentum ahead of its full release, and players who joined earlier alpha tests are already inside throwing punches.
Here's something that caught me off guard: a 2v2 fighting game set in the world of League of Legends. The beta for 2XKO brings a solid lineup of League of Legends favorites into the spotlight, including Ahri, Ekko, and Jinx, while confirming Vi’s debut as a playable champion; Vi’s quickly become a fan-favorite addition, boosted by her popularity in Arcane. Riot is also leaning into accessibility with cross-progression across PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, making sure fighters can jump between platforms without losing progress.
Hands-on impressions from early testers has been positive, highlighting the fast-paced tag-team mechanics, sharp visuals, and combo-heavy action that clearly nods to genre classics while carving out its own space. It’s clear Riot wants 2XKO to be more than a side project as it’s positioning itself to be a serious contender in the fighting game scene.
With the closed beta now underway, anticipation will only grow as players get their first real taste of Riot’s ambitious fighter. Whether you’re a League veteran curious to see your mains brawl in a new format or a fighting game purist looking for a fresh challenge, 2XKO is already making its case.
If Riot can deliver on polish and competitive balance, 2XKO could punch its way into the upper tier of fighting games when it launches. Are you interested in a League-themed brawler? Sound off in the comments!
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