Riot reveals massive changes to 2XKO in upcoming Alpha Lab 2

The 2XKO Alpha Lab 2 is set to take place in April, providing a fresh opportunity for the fighting game community (FGC) to explore new gameplay features in Riot’s upcoming title. A nearly hour-long discussion by Riot developers on YouTube highlighted the significant gameplay modifications since the first Alpha Lab, with players invited to try these updates from April 18th to April 20th, 2025.

A key highlight of Alpha Lab 2 is the introduction of new characters to the roster. For the first time, players will be able to engage with Jinx, who joins the ranks alongside Braum, Ekko, Yasuo, Darius, Ahri, and Illaoi. Jinx is designed as a zoner, utilizing traps and explosives to exert control over the stage, thus adding a new strategic layer to gameplay.

In response to community feedback from the initial Alpha Lab, Riot has opted to remove the Pulse Fuse, which previously required teams to sacrifice a Fuse slot to enable autocombos. This has been replaced by the new Pulse Combo setting. Additionally, two new Fuses have been introduced. The Sidekick Fuse provides the active champion, known as the point, with health and defensive enhancements, along with one bar of Super meter, while preventing the assist champion from switching places. On the other hand, the Juggernaut Fuse eliminates the assist champion entirely, granting the point champion enhanced bonuses and abilities, including Double Down, which permits two consecutive Supers.

Alpha Lab 2 will also feature Ranked lobbies, allowing players to compete together and advance through various Ranked tiers by securing victories. Tiers will include Aspirant, Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger.

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Additionally, improvements to controls and the removal of the Last Stand mechanic will be implemented, alongside the introduction of a new Limit Strike system and various other gameplay changes. Players can also anticipate new character skins and a battle pass to be unveiled during this testing phase. Interested participants should keep an eye out for Riot’s updates to learn about all the changes in store for 2XKO.

For those wanting to participate in Alpha Lab 2, previous participants of Alpha Lab 1 will automatically be enrolled in this new version. New players should create a Riot account and complete the registration process; however, it’s important to understand that invitations are not guaranteed, and the playtest will be limited in scope, making it impossible to invite friends for this round.

Alpha Lab 2 will be exclusively accessible to players located in the United States, Canada, and Brazil on platforms such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Riot developers have mentioned plans for a more extensive playtest closer to the game’s official launch, although there’s a possibility of a delay in its release.