The 2XKO Alpha Lab is a playtest phase for Riot Games’ upcoming fighting game, 2XKO, which was previously known as “Project L.” This playtest, running from August 8 to August 19, 2024, is designed to give selected players an early hands-on experience with the game, allowing Riot to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments before the full launch in 2025.
Overview of the Playtest:
The 2XKO Alpha Lab is available to players in specific regions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Japan, and Mexico. It supports platforms such as Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. This playtest is significant as it marks the first time the game is being made available to the public outside of controlled environments.
Gameplay and Features:
2XKO is a 2v2 tag-team fighting game, incorporating elements that are familiar to fans of the genre, while also introducing unique mechanics. During the Alpha Lab, players can explore a variety of characters, including popular champions from Riot’s other games like Ahri, Yasuo, and Ekko. The game features different stages and customization options, such as skins and chromas, which allow players to personalize their characters and game experience.
The Alpha Lab also introduces an early version of the game’s battle pass, which will offer 20 levels of rewards, including credits, skins, and other unlockables. Players can earn these by completing missions and playing matches.
Technical Details and Feedback:
Riot is particularly focused on gathering player feedback during this phase. The Alpha Lab is a test of both gameplay mechanics and technical features like rollback netcode, which is crucial for minimizing latency in online matches. Players are encouraged to report bugs and provide suggestions, as the game is still in a relatively early stage of development .
The test is not just about gameplay but also about understanding how players interact with the game’s systems, such as the friend referral program, which allows invited players to bring one friend into the Alpha Lab. This is part of Riot’s strategy to build a community around the game before its official launch .
Access and Participation:
To join the Alpha Lab, interested players needed to sign up through the official 2XKO website. Invitations were sent out starting on August 8, 2024, and the playtest is set to run until August 19. The test is open to a limited number of participants, who were selected based on a combination of factors, including region and survey responses collected by Riot Games.
In summary, the 2XKO Alpha Lab is a critical step in the development of Riot Games’ new fighting game, providing both the developers and players with valuable insights ahead of its 2025 release.
