Riot Games' Tag-Team Fighter Exits Early Access with Console Launch
After years of development and months of PC early access, 2XKO is finally making its way to consoles. Riot Games has confirmed that their free-to-play 2v2 fighting game will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on January 20, 2026, alongside the start of Season 1 on PC.
The launch marks a significant milestone for the League of Legends universe's expansion into the fighting game genre. 2XKO was first revealed as "Project L" back in 2019, and the game has undergone extensive development and community testing since then.
Indian Launch Times
For gamers in India, the servers will go live on January 21, 2026, at approximately 6:30 AM IST. Riot Games has scheduled a nine-hour maintenance window starting at 10:30 PM IST on January 20, during which the team will prepare servers for the console launch and Season 1 content update.
During maintenance, offline modes will remain accessible for players who have previously logged into the game at least once on their device.
Season 1 Brings Caitlyn to the Roster
The console launch coincides with 2XKO's first competitive season, which introduces Caitlyn, the Sheriff of Piltover, as the twelfth playable champion. Armed with her signature hextech rifle, Caitlyn brings a ranged playstyle to the roster, focusing on zoning and precise positioning.
Players can unlock Caitlyn for free by completing missions during her Champion Recruitment event. Her moveset includes her trademark steel traps and long-range rifle attacks that fans of League of Legends will instantly recognize.
The full launch roster includes Ahri, Blitzcrank, Braum, Darius, Ekko, Illaoi, Jinx, Teemo, Vi, Warwick, Yasuo, and now Caitlyn. Six champions (Ahri, Braum, Darius, Ekko, Illaoi, and Yasuo) are available immediately upon starting the game.
Cross-Platform Play and Progression
2XKO supports full cross-platform play between PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S from day one. Players can compete against friends regardless of their platform choice, and cross-save functionality ensures progress carries over between devices.
This unified ecosystem means Indian players on console can immediately jump into matches with the existing PC player base, ensuring healthy queue times from launch.
Free-to-Play Model
Like Valorant and League of Legends, 2XKO follows Riot's free-to-play approach. The base game and all competitive content are completely free. Revenue comes from optional cosmetics, battle passes, and champion tokens for players who want to unlock fighters without completing in-game missions.
Remaining champions can be unlocked through:
- 10,000 Credits (earned through gameplay)
- 1,000 KO Points (premium currency)
- 1 Champion Token (earned through events or purchased)
Competitive Scene Already Taking Shape
Riot has announced plans for organized competitive play throughout 2026, building on the foundation established during early access. The company has partnered with major esports organizations, and tournament announcements are expected shortly after the console launch.
Technical Requirements
The game runs at stable framerates on both current-generation consoles, with Riot prioritizing responsive controls essential for competitive fighting games. PC players can continue playing with their preferred setup, and controller support has been refined based on early access feedback.
What Makes 2XKO Different
Unlike traditional 1v1 fighters, 2XKO emphasizes tag-team mechanics where players select two champions. The Point character handles primary combat while the Assist character can be called in for support attacks and combos. Mastering character synergies and team composition adds strategic depth beyond individual execution.
The game draws heavily from League of Legends lore, with champions retaining their signature abilities translated into fighting game mechanics. Vi's gauntlet strikes, Jinx's explosive weaponry, and Yasuo's wind techniques all feel faithful to their source material.
For Indian fighting game enthusiasts, 2XKO represents a significant entry point into the competitive scene with zero financial barrier. The January 21 launch at 6:30 AM IST gives early risers the chance to be among the first on console to experience Riot's take on the genre.
