After nearly six years of anticipation and a rebranding from Project L to 2XKO, the gaming community is finally witnessing the dawn of this highly awaited title. Earlier this month, 2XKO commenced a closed beta phase, allowing a select group of players to experience the game. However, the wait for broader access is coming to an end sooner than expected, as Riot Games has announced that 2XKO will officially transition into early access on October 7. This means no more closed beta restrictions or invite codes, opening the gates for all players eager to join the fray.
Current Limitations and Future Prospects
While the excitement builds, it is important to note that early access will be limited to PC users for the time being. Although PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S players were included in the 2024 beta, they will have to wait a bit longer to engage with the main event. Riot has yet to provide a timeline for when the game might expand to additional platforms.
For PC gamers, the early access phase signifies the commencement of ‘Season 0’ and introduces the game’s 10th champion, whose identity remains shrouded in secrecy. A recent datamine of the upcoming battle pass hinted at new costumes for popular characters like Braum, Yasuo, and Darius, alongside a playful appearance by the beloved mascot Teemo. Riot’s response to the leak was lighthearted, suggesting a sense of humor about the situation while maintaining an air of mystery regarding the new champion.
Importantly, Riot has confirmed that any items acquired during the early access period—including cosmetics, champions, and mastery rewards—will carry over into the full game upon its eventual launch. As the company looks ahead to 2026, they plan to introduce five additional seasons, each featuring a new champion and cosmetic rewards, which should significantly enhance the character roster of 2XKO, currently perceived as somewhat sparse for a tag fighter.
Competitive Scene and Community Engagement
As a fighting game, 2XKO is poised to make its mark on the competitive gaming landscape. The title will make its debut at EVO France shortly after the early access launch, with Riot contributing additional funds to the prize pools of 22 upcoming tournaments. This approach reflects the developer’s commitment to fostering a community-led competitive environment while also enhancing the stakes for players.
In light of recent controversies surrounding sportswashing in esports, particularly with the Esports World Cup and the acquisition of EVO by the Saudi Arabian city of Qiddiya, Riot’s strategy appears to strike a thoughtful balance. By supporting community initiatives while boosting prize funds, the company is setting a precedent that could resonate well within the gaming community as 2XKO embarks on its tournament journey.
