2XKO Review [Early Access] | The Best Free Fighting Game So Far

Updated: October 11, 2025
Reviewed by: Michael Gerra-Clarin
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre: Fighting | Developer: Riot Games
Publisher: Riot Games | Release: Early Access 2025

Introduction

The fighting game community has been waiting for something truly fresh — a title that combines accessibility, depth, and high-quality visuals. 2XKO, Riot Games’ first big step into the fighting game world, might just be that spark. Built around the League of Legends universe, it takes familiar champions and transforms them into a fast, flashy, and surprisingly approachable 2v2 tag-team fighter.

Currently in Early Access, 2XKO is already making waves. It’s polished, responsive, and packed with mechanics that both beginners and pros can appreciate. But the question remains — does it have what it takes to stand among genre giants like Tekken or Street Fighter?

Let’s break it down.

What Is 2XKO?

2XKO is Riot Games’ new free-to-play 2v2 fighting game, inspired by the rich lore of League of Legends. It doesn’t focus on a main storyline like other fighting games — instead, it builds character depth through unique dialogues, rival interactions, and in-game introductions. These short exchanges give fans small glimpses into each character’s personality, rivalries, and relationships within the League universe.

You can choose from popular champions like Ahri, Yasuo, Ekko, Darius, Jinx, and more, each reimagined for close combat. Riot has made sure that each fighter feels distinct, carrying traits that match their original designs while adding new abilities suited for fighting gameplay.

Gameplay Overview

2XKO uses a tag-team combat system, similar to Marvel vs. Capcom. Players pick two champions — one active and one support — and can switch between them or call in assists for combo extensions, escapes, or defense.

The controls are simple enough for beginners but deep enough for advanced players. Each character has:

• Light, Medium, and Heavy attacks
• Unique special moves and supers
• Assist skills that vary based on team setup

The “Fuse System” adds another layer, letting players customize how their champions interact. Before each match, you can choose mechanical variations that affect movement, assists, and meter management — giving you room to experiment and find your personal playstyle.

2XKO also introduces a Juggle Limit System to prevent infinite combos, keeping fights competitive and fair. Thanks to Riot’s rollback netcode, online matches are smooth even across long distances — a huge win for any multiplayer fighter.

Learning Made Simple: Tutorials and Combo Trials

Teaching fighting games well is a rare skill, but 2XKO tries hard. Riot has added extensive tutorials that cover everything from basic movement to advanced defensive tools like parrying and push blocking.

While the tutorials rely heavily on text, they reward players for completing each segment, giving in-game incentives to keep learning. This helps new players build confidence before stepping into online matches.

The Combo Trials are another standout feature. Each character has a set of combos to practice — from simple chains to advanced juggles. While these aren’t the most powerful combos, they give players a solid foundation for experimenting and discovering their own creative routes.

For a free-to-play game, the level of mechanical depth is impressive. 2XKO respects your time as a player and gives you the tools to actually improve.

Monetization and Battle Pass System

Of course, being a Riot title, 2XKO comes with a live-service model. The base game is completely free-to-play, but Riot has implemented a mix of microtransactions, in-game currency, and battle passes.

Here’s how it works:

• Credits: Earned through gameplay and missions (used to unlock champions).
• KO Points: Premium currency for purchasing skins, cosmetics, and battle pass tiers.
• Battle Pass: Four tiers — Free, Standard ($10), Deluxe ($20), and Ultra ($35).
• Paid Editions: Starter packs and Ultra bundles ranging up to $100.

While this pricing might seem steep, all gameplay content remains free. Skins, animations, and color variants are purely cosmetic. Still, the rotating shop and time-limited exclusives may push some players to spend more than they’d like.

It’s a double-edged sword — 2XKO gives you incredible gameplay at no cost but tempts you with premium cosmetics that are hard to ignore.

New Additions: Warwick and Teemo Join the Fight

The Early Access version introduces two new champions to the roster — Warwick and Teemo, both fan favorites from League of Legends.

Warwick: The Blood-Hungry Beast

Warwick’s fighting style revolves around his Bloodlust gauge. As he attacks, the meter fills, empowering his moves and granting him faster combos. Once maxed out, his feral instincts kick in, allowing brutal follow-ups and extra hits. He’s perfect for aggressive players who love fast-paced, close-range combat.

Teemo: The Infamous Scout

Teemo, on the other hand, is all about zoning and trickery. He uses poison mushrooms, darts, and traps to frustrate opponents from a distance. His unique mechanic enhances his weapons the more he lands hits, making him increasingly dangerous as the match goes on. Just like in League, Teemo’s charm lies in being an adorable menace.

These new fighters bring variety and fun to the growing roster, and Riot’s quick additions show how actively the team plans to support the game.

Visuals and Performance

Visually, 2XKO is stunning. Riot’s art team combines the vibrant aesthetic of League of Legends with crisp animations and dynamic particle effects. The stage designs — from bustling Zaun factories to peaceful Ionia gardens — are full of detail and personality.

The rollback netcode deserves another shoutout. Even in cross-region matches, inputs feel instant, and delay-based lag is almost non-existent. For a competitive fighting game, this is one of the best online experiences you can get right now.

Pros & Cons

Ratings

Final Verdict — A Future Classic in the Making

2XKO feels like a dream come true for fighting game fans — it’s free, fun, and fair. Riot Games has built something that respects both newcomers and veterans, offering simple controls but endless room for mastery.

Yes, the monetization is a bit aggressive, and the roster could be bigger. But when you’re playing a match, none of that matters. The combat feels tight, rewarding, and expressive, exactly what the genre needs right now.

If Riot continues to refine and expand this game with consistent updates and balanced pricing, 2XKO could easily become the next major title in competitive fighting games.

FAQ

System Requirements (PC)