Riot Games is finally unleashing its highly anticipated tag-team fighter into the wild. 2XKO early access launches October 7, bringing League of Legends champions to the fighting game arena with explosive 2v2 gameplay. To celebrate this milestone, Riot’s bundling exclusive Arcane-inspired skins for Vi, Jinx, and Ekko in the Ultra Starter Pack, giving fans a cinematic flair straight from Netflix’s hit series.
Table of Contents
2XKO Early Access: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | October 7, 2025 |
| Platform | PC (Early Access) |
| Full Release Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S |
| Game Type | Free-to-play 2v2 tag-team fighter |
| Ultra Starter Pack | Arcane skins for Vi, Jinx, Ekko + avatars |
| Cross-Platform | Progress carries from PC to consoles |
| Previous Beta | Ends October 7 when early access begins |
What’s Inside the Ultra Starter Pack?
The Ultra Starter Pack debuts alongside 2XKO’s early access launch, offering fans more than just cosmetic upgrades. Players who purchase the pack unlock:
Arcane Character Skins: Cinematic designs for Vi, Jinx, and Ekko directly inspired by their Netflix series appearances. These aren’t simple recolors—they capture the distinctive art style that made Arcane a cultural phenomenon.
Profile Avatars: Arcane-themed avatars for lobby customization, allowing players to showcase their favorite characters while matchmaking.
The pack is available immediately through the in-game Store menu, making it accessible from the moment you boot up 2XKO.
Why Arcane Skins Matter for 2XKO
This isn’t just nostalgic fan service. Arcane became Netflix’s most-watched animated series, introducing millions to League of Legends’ universe without requiring MOBA knowledge. By launching with Arcane skins, Riot’s strategically bridging two audiences: hardcore League players and casual Netflix viewers who fell in love with Vi, Jinx, and Ekko’s stories.
The timing is brilliant. With Arcane’s second season generating massive buzz, these skins tap into existing hype while positioning 2XKO as part of Riot’s expanding transmedia empire. Similar to how League of Legends champions evolved from MOBA characters into cultural icons, these fighting game adaptations cement their status across gaming genres.
2XKO: From Project L to Reality
Formerly known as Project L, 2XKO represents Riot’s ambitious entry into fighting games. The free-to-play title features assist-based combat where players control two champions—a Point character handling primary combat and an Assist providing support through strategic tag systems.
The game emphasizes intuitive controls with explosive 2v2 gameplay, featuring iconic champions from League of Legends and Arcane with fresh movesets. This accessibility-focused approach aims to welcome newcomers while satisfying fighting game veterans seeking depth.
Unlike traditional fighting games requiring complex inputs, 2XKO relies on special moves triggered by button presses combined with directional inputs rather than classic quarter-circles or dragon punch motions. This design philosophy mirrors modern fighting games prioritizing accessibility over execution barriers.
Platform Availability and Progression
Early access launches exclusively on PC, with full release scheduled for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S later. Crucially, Riot confirmed cross-platform progression, meaning your early access progress—including purchased Arcane skins—transfers seamlessly when console versions drop.
For players currently in the ongoing PC beta, testing runs until October 7 before transitioning to early access. This marks 2XKO’s shift from closed testing to public availability, expanding the player base significantly.
How 2XKO Stacks Against Fighting Giants
With tag-based combat, flashy combos, and a roster of recognizable champions, 2XKO draws inevitable comparisons to Marvel vs. Capcom and Dragon Ball FighterZ. However, Riot’s bringing unique advantages: an established universe, free-to-play accessibility, and the pedigree of handling massive online player bases.
The question isn’t whether 2XKO can compete technically—it’s whether Riot can cultivate a competitive scene rivaling Street Fighter or Tekken. Early access serves as the proving ground, with Riot’s commitment to addressing feedback crucial for long-term success.
For gamers tracking upcoming fighting game releases, 2XKO represents one of the year’s most significant launches—a AAA publisher entering the genre with substantial resources and an existing fanbase.
The Bigger Picture
2XKO’s launch with Arcane skins symbolizes Riot’s transmedia strategy. From MOBA to animated series to fighting game, League of Legends’ universe continues expanding, with each medium reinforcing the others. Players who loved Arcane can now embody their favorite characters in competitive combat, while fighting game enthusiasts discover characters they might explore through other Riot properties.
The Ultra Starter Pack ensures Arcane fans can style their champions from day one, making these skins a centerpiece of the launch strategy rather than afterthought DLC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to purchase the Ultra Starter Pack to play 2XKO early access?
A: No, 2XKO is completely free-to-play, including early access starting October 7. The Ultra Starter Pack is optional cosmetic DLC that provides Arcane-inspired skins for Vi, Jinx, and Ekko, plus matching profile avatars for lobby customization. The base game includes the full roster and gameplay features at no cost. The Arcane skins are purely aesthetic and don’t affect gameplay balance or character abilities—they simply allow fans to experience these champions with their iconic Netflix series appearance.
Q: Will my 2XKO early access progress carry over to the full console release?
A: Yes, Riot Games has confirmed cross-platform progression for 2XKO. Any progress you make during PC early access—including unlocked content, purchased cosmetics like the Arcane Ultra Starter Pack, and gameplay statistics—will transfer when the full release launches on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. This means early adopters won’t lose their investment when console versions become available, encouraging players to jump in during early access without worrying about starting over later.
