Riot's 2XKO Fighting Game Set for Closed Beta After Years of Anticipation

Unveiling the Future of Fighting: 2XKO Enters Closed Beta!

A Long-Awaited Reveal for a Champion Fighter

What began as Project L, Riot Games' ambitious foray into the fighting game genre, has largely remained a mystery since its 2017 announcement. Despite its rebranding to 2XKO last year and the release of several insightful YouTube developer diaries offering glimpses into its progress, tangible playability has been elusive. Now, after a substantial period of refinement, the curtain is finally drawing back on this highly anticipated 2v2 brawler.

The Countdown to Combat: Closed Beta Commences

A recent video communication from Riot Games has delivered the exciting news: 2XKO is undeniably real and will soon be in the hands of eager players. Executive producer Tom Cannon confirmed that a PC-exclusive closed beta is slated to begin on September 9. This announcement brings a sigh of relief to fans who have patiently awaited the chance to experience the game firsthand.

Vi Joins the Fray: New Character Tease and Beta Details

The latest update offered a brief yet electrifying gameplay preview featuring the dynamic new character, Vi, expanding the roster of familiar faces from the League of Legends universe. Cannon assured the community that the game is thriving and on track. He also outlined the beta's primary objective: to rigorously test and refine the game's intricate backend systems. While acknowledging potential initial bumps, the development team is committed to maintaining continuous online availability once the beta commences.

Invitations Extended and Public Showcase

Access to the initial closed beta phase will be granted automatically to all participants of previous alpha tests, alongside a select group of new players. Riot plans to extend invitations in successive waves, gradually broadening the pool of testers. For those eager for an early look, 2XKO will also be prominently featured at Riot's dedicated booth during EVO 2025, held in Las Vegas from August 1 to 3. This event will offer a unique opportunity to witness the game's mechanics and get hands-on experience, including playing as the newly introduced character, Vi.

Navigating Expectations: Release Window and Future Plans

Although the official website previously indicated a 2025 release window, that information has since been removed. Given some recent delays in larger-scale playtests, it would not be surprising if the full launch extends into the following year. Interested players can sign up for the closed beta via the game's official website, marking a significant step towards the public debut of Riot's long-developed fighting title.