The 2XKO Alpha Lab 2 has been announced for April, allowing the FGC to experience plenty of new gameplay elements in Riot’s upcoming fighting game.
In a nearly hour-long YouTube video, Riot developers discussed all the big gameplay changes in 2XKO since Alpha Lab 1 last year, which gamers can experience during the Alpha Lab 2 from April 18th to April 20th, 2025.
2XKO Gameplay Will Be Much Different in Alpha Lab 2
One big change coming to the 2XKO Alpha Lab 2 is the roster. Jinx will be available to play for the first time, alongside Braum, Ekko, Yasuo, Darius, Ahri and Illaoi. Jinx is a zoner that controls the stage with traps and explosives.
After reviewing player feedback from the first Alpha Lab, Riot has decided to remove the Pulse Fuse, which made teams forfeit a Fuse slot to toggle autocombos — it’s been replaced with the Pulse Combo setting.
There will be two new Fuses to try out as well. The Sidekick Fuse gives the active champion (known as the point) a health and defensive boost, along with one bar of Super meter. In exchange, assist champion can’t switch places with them. The Juggernaut Fuse removes the assist champion entirely, offering the point champion bonuses and buffs in their place. This includes things like access to Double Down, letting them perform two Supers back-to-back.
Alpha Lab 2 will also introduce players to Ranked lobbies. During the alpha, players can team up to climb the Ranked tiers by winning matches:
- Aspirant
- Iron
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Emerald
- Diamond
- Master
- Grandmaster
- Challenger
2XKO will also have improved and simplified controls, the removal of Last Stand, the introduction of a Limit Strike system and many other gameplay mechanic changes. New skins will be revealed in Alpha Lab 2 as well as a battle pass. Check out Riot’s update to learn more about every change coming to 2XKO.
How to Join the 2XKO Alpha Lab 2
FGC players who already signed up for Alpha Lab 1 will be automatically signed up for the upcoming Alpha Lab 2. For players that aren’t signed up yet, make a Riot account and register here. Whether you’re new to 2XKO or played in the past alpha, you are not guaranteed an invite — and this playtest will be quite small so there isn’t a way to invite a friend this time.
Alpha Lab 2 is only available to players in the United States, Canada and Brazil. It will be on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Riot developers promised that there will be a larger playtest closer to when the game launches. However, the game may end up getting delayed.