Check out our review of 2XKO here!
Riot Games’ 2XKO Closed Beta is officially ending on October 7th after several weeks in Closed Beta. During the Closed Beta, Riot has made numerous changes to the game to optimise the players' experience. They have improved matchmaking, fixed bugs, and performed various behind-the-scenes adjustments to make the game as smooth as possible.
Riot has decided to end the Closed Beta on October 7th, when they will officially launch the game into Early Access. Riot has noted that the Closed Beta was very successful and they’re looking to move the game along to its next stage.
What is Early Access
Early Access is the full version of the game. Compared to the Closed Beta, there will be more for players to try. With its launch, there will be a full Season of content and new features for players to try, such as Combo Trials.
During the Early Access, Riot will also fine-tune the Battle Pass, Battle Tuning and seasonal changes. You can expect them to add more to the game as Early Access progresses.
Cosmetics, Battle Passes and More
In Early Access, there will be cosmetics that players can buy to customise their favourite champions. You can buy these in the store or get them via the Battle Pass.
These include the likes of champion skins, taunts and more!
Combo Trials
Combo Trials is a brand-new mode in 2XKO where players can learn how to play different champions and test out combos for any hero. This is a game mode which you’ll want to try out, as it can give you a quick taste of the champion before heading into an actual game and getting your butt beat!
I expect this game mode to be where a lot of players will spend their time if they want to learn how to play a champion, as you can practice your combo sets and learn how to do button smashing in the correct order!
Each champion will have beginner, intermediate and advanced combos that you can practice. After completing each of them, you’ll have a better chance of dominating your opponent- just make sure you keep the practice up to stay on top of your game.
Let the Ranked Grind Begin!
With the Early Access launch, the first official Ranked Season will begin. Every year of 2XKO will be split into 5 Seasons, so there will be 5 opportunities to get Rank 1 in the world!
Every Season will introduce new content into the game, such as skins, taunts, and customisation options for your favourite champion. Unfortunately, with every Ranked Season, the Ranked ladder will be reset.
The biggest thing that comes with each Season is a brand-new champion. This means there will be 5 new champions each year! We expect to see the 10th champion released on October 7th, which we believe will be Teemo.
No More Resets
With the Early Access release, there will be no more resets. As we discussed in our 2XKO Closed Beta post, all progress made during the Closed Beta would be wiped. However, Riot has stated that there will be no more resets in Early Access, ensuring that no progress will be lost.
Sponsorships and Tournaments
Riot really wants to make 2XKO a success, and they are placing a lot of emphasis on esports and competitive play. This is why Riot is sponsoring 22 community-led tournaments, featuring a mix of online and in-person events, across the world. They are calling this program First Impact.
Not only will this be a great incentive for players across the world, but if you are playing as a duo and win first place, you can claim a duo bounty, which provides an extra $2,500 cash prize on top of the preexisting pot. Duo’s are meant to be a key part of 2XKO, so they want to encourage you to play with your friends as much as possible!
Head to the Official Announcement to see if there is a tournament happening near you that you can join!
And that's about it for 2XKO in the meantime. Riot has been very open with the game and is in constant talks with the community to make the best game possible. If you didn’t get a chance to try the game yet, there is still time before Early Access launches on October 7th!