The wait is almost over for fans of Riot Games’ upcoming fighter. 2XKO’s Closed Beta officially kicks off on September 9, 2025, inviting more players than ever to test the highly anticipated 2v2 tag-based brawler. This follows two Alpha Lab playtests earlier this year, marking Riot’s biggest step toward launch readiness.
The Closed Beta isn’t just another limited-time test. Riot Games plans to keep the servers live for an extended period, allowing players to explore the roster, practice team combos, and provide valuable feedback as the game edges closer to release.
2XKO Closed Beta Goes Live September 9 on PC
What is 2XKO
2XKO is Riot Games’ entry into the competitive fighting game scene, blending fast-paced 2v2 tag combat with the recognizable champions of League of Legends. Built from the ground up for both casual players and competitive communities, the game emphasizes team synergy, reactive gameplay, and accessibility without sacrificing depth.
Each champion has been reimagined with unique move sets tailored for fighting game mechanics. Players can expect responsive rollback netcode, precise inputs, and mechanics designed for both local and online play. Riot has also been vocal about its goal to make 2XKO a sustainable live-service title, with ongoing updates, events, and seasonal content planned post-launch.
Key Details on the Closed Beta
The Closed Beta for 2XKO is set up as a large-scale test that will showcase much of what players can expect at launch. Riot Games is using this period to gather important data on matchmaking, netcode stability, and gameplay balance while giving players a real taste of the game’s core systems. This is more than a small preview, as it marks a major step in preparing 2XKO for release.
The Closed Beta begins on September 9, 2025, and will launch first on Windows PC. Riot has confirmed that support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S will arrive later, and any progress made during this beta will carry over thanks to cross-progression. Players can start investing time into the beta knowing that their progress will be safe when the full game releases.
2XKO Ekko and Ahri Splash Art
Alpha Lab 1 or 2 and New Playable Champions
Players who participated in Alpha Lab 1 or 2 will automatically be included in this phase, regardless of their platform. Riot is also opening sign-ups for new participants through the official 2XKO site. Invitations will be sent out in waves both before and after the beta begins. Those selected will also be able to invite up to three friends, making it easier to bring new players into the game and grow the testing pool.
The beta roster will include nine playable champions: Ahri, Blitzcrank, Braum, Darius, Ekko, Illaoi, Jinx, Vi, and Yasuo. Vi is making her first playable appearance in this phase, and Blitzcrank has been fully revealed as a grappler-style fighter. His kit is focused on crowd control, defensive play, and a slam-heavy ultimate, reflecting Riot’s dedication to translating familiar champions into a fighting game setting.
Beyond trying out the roster, this phase is designed to put core systems to the test. Riot will be monitoring rollback netcode performance, matchmaking, and infrastructure stability while actively adjusting the game through regular updates. The company has confirmed this will be a living beta with servers staying online long-term, giving players an experience that is close to what they can expect at launch.
Final Thoughts
With a growing roster, cross-progression support, and Riot’s commitment to keeping servers live, 2XKO’s Closed Beta feels like more than a sneak peek, as it’s a major step toward launch. League of Legends fans and fighting game veterans now have a date to circle on their calendars, and this beta will provide the first true taste of how Riot plans to carve out space in the fighting game scene.
Players can sign up today through the official 2XKO site, while Alpha Lab veterans can log in on September 9 with guaranteed access. Whether you’re excited to try Yasuo’s fluid combos, Blitzcrank’s grappler toolkit, or simply want to see Riot’s vision for competitive 2v2 gameplay, this Closed Beta is the perfect place to start.
