2XKO will be available in Early Access starting October 7. At the same time, a new mode for beginners will be introduced, while the old progress for beta players will remain – and Riot is launching a prize money offensive for community tournaments.
2XKO will enter Early Access worldwide on October 7. The free-to-play title will initially be released exclusively for PCs. Console players who were already in the beta in 2024 will have to be patient for now.
Ten champions will be playable at the start of “Season 0.” Riot has not yet revealed which character will complete the roster, but data miners have found signs pointing to Teemo as a possible addition. A new champion is to follow with each new season. This is an ambitious goal, as the co-op fighter is set to have five seasons per year. This is a tutorial-like feature where beginners can learn and practice different combos. Newcomers in particular felt overwhelmed by the many combos – the new mode is designed to address this.
What remains, however, are progress, items, and unlocked champions from the beta. But Riot is not only focusing on playful accessibility – the competitive scene is also getting an early boost.
Riot’s cash injection for community tournaments
While the game is just going live, its developer is already launching its first tournament offensive: “First Impact” will support a total of 22 fighting game tournaments in America, Europe, and Asia until the end of 2025. Local organizers will continue to be responsible for the organization.
The 2XKO developer is providing substantial prize money. The highlight: if a First Impact tournament is won by a duo, they will receive the “Duo Bounty” – an additional prize of $2,500. They will also receive an exclusive “Local Legend” title, which they can use to distinguish themselves in the game.
“Tournament organizers are the foundation of the fighting game community and play a central role in our vision for 2XKO. First Impact aims to put the spotlight on both the organizers and the participants who bring the scene to life,” said Michael Shermann, head of competitive gaming at 2XKO.
In other words, First Impact is intended to lay the foundation for a long-term competitive scene for the 2vs2 fighter, which could well continue to be supported by local organizers in the future.
