2XKO Closed Beta Brings Blitzcrank, Big Changes, and a Fresh Meta
So, the big news for fighting game fans is that Riot Games is rolling out the 2XKO closed beta , and it goes live tomorrow. This is the first real chance players will get to try out Blitzcrank, the iconic robotic brawler, inside the 2v2 fighter. And honestly, this update isn’t just about adding one character—it’s about reshaping the entire game.
The developers have shared a huge set of patch notes ahead of time, and the most talked about detail is, of course, Blitzcrank. The devs even joked in the notes that they didn’t want him to “feel left out,” but really, he’s the centerpiece of this patch. Alongside Blitzcrank, every other champion has seen some type of adjustment—some buffs, some nerfs, but the goal was clear: increase the overall power level of the roster while tightening balance in key areas.
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Health pools for bulkier fighters have been trimmed slightly, so they can’t just tank forever, and universal changes were put in place to make matches move faster and feel more aggressive. If you played during Alpha Lab 2, you might remember matches dragging on too long. That’s being addressed head-on. Damage across the board is higher, defensive mechanics have more counterplay, and comeback tools like Fury and Break meter have been reworked so games stay exciting right up to the last second.
Now, cosmetics are also part of the beta, but they’re limited. Skins won’t be available yet, only chromas—basically alternate color palettes—plus new player cards and taunts that can be unlocked through Champion Mastery. Importantly, there’s no way to spend real money during the closed beta. Everything is tied to credits earned in-game.
Stages have also been expanded. A handful of arenas are unlocked by default, including Spirit Hills and Bridge of Progress, while others like Annihilator’s Reach can be purchased with in-game credits. If you spotted that Zaun stage in Blitzcrank’s trailer, though, don’t expect it yet—it’s being saved for a future update.
On the gameplay side, things are really shifting. Super meter now resets between rounds, Break meter starts at 75%, and defensive tools like pushblock and backdash are a little weaker, forcing players to stay engaged instead of turtling. Counter hits have been beefed up to make offense more rewarding, throws are stronger, gray health regenerates more slowly, and juggle systems feel more fluid. The end result should be faster, more intense fights with fewer timeouts.
As for the roster, standout changes include Ahri getting smoother air options and a flashier cinematic for her Charm, Darius gaining a projectile to spice up his neutral game, and Vi’s damage being toned down just a touch after her dominance at Evo. Illaoi and Jinx both received tweaks to make their kits less one-note, while Yasuo’s mixup potential has been given new life.
All of this points to Riot not just testing servers, but testing balance philosophy. The devs clearly want 2XKO to feel explosive, competitive, and fun from the very start. With Blitzcrank stepping into the spotlight and Vi solidifying her role in the roster, tomorrow’s closed beta is shaping up to feel like the game’s true first step into the fighting game scene.
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