What Is Next for 2XKO? Riot Games Releases Patch 1.3.1 Pre-Preview

Riot Games announced on August 20 that development of 2XKO, its 2v2 tag-fighting game set in the League of Legends universe, will end in December 2026.

For now, the game continues to receive updates, with Riot now revealing an early preview of 2XKO Patch 1.3.1, which is set to release on September 8.

Core Rules

2XKO Patch 1.3.1 will introduce improvements to the defensive systems, particularly Pushblock and Break. Pushblock distance will send opponents farther back, though this comes with a slight increase in recovery frames. 

Overall, these changes should make 2XKO feel faster and more high-octane, with timeouts becoming directed to zoning-focused strategies.

Here are some other adjustments coming:

• With improved ways to save Assists, they will increase the true damage they take, meaning Assists will have less recoverable health.
• The Break penalty is decreasing, and players will no longer receive a penalty if an Assist is hit after Pushblock, Burst, or when the player's Assist is dead.
• Champions are getting their hurtboxes standardized, so champion heights are the same across similar-sized champions.
• Getup attack will require a hold for a few frames so players can perform wakeup options more easily.

Champion Balance Changes in 2XKO Patch 1.3.1

According to Riot Games data, 2XKO champion win rates and pick rates at all levels of play remain healthy. In Patch 1.3.1, they will only address specific balance issues affecting champions such as Senna, Akali, Yasuo, Darius, Teemo, Warwick, and Illaoi.

Champion Pick and Win Rates in 2XKO (Photo by Riot Games)

New 2XKO Champions

Lux

Lux is the next champion coming to 2XKO, following her initial preview at EVO 2026, held in Las Vegas. She was designed to be an all-rounder, capable of fighting effectively at different ranges without specializing in one. Her kit will include:

• Strong normal attacks
• A solid fireball
• A reliable DP
• An air dash

The developers have also confirmed that Lux will be a beginner-friendly champion, while also having advanced tools and mechanics for experienced players.

Lux's full gameplay will be revealed on September 3.

2XKO Lux artwork (Photo by Riot Games)

Samira

With the faster development process, Riot Games has also confirmed that the team will move to a six-champions-per-year schedule. Right after Lux, players will meet Samira. 

Samira's design will focus on creative, open-ended offense, rewarding players who experiment with different combos and routes.

Unlike Lux, she will have more aggressive gameplay and freedom in her offensive options. More information about her gameplay and kit will be revealed in October. 

Samira is coming to 2XKO in October 2026 (Photo by Riot Games)

New Skins

Here are all the new skins coming with 2XKO Patch 1.3.1:

• Faerie Court Lux
• Demonic skins for Teemo, Illaoi, and Warwick
• Good vs. Evil, with Yasuo leading Ahri, Akali, and Illaoi for team Sentinels, and Darius leading Braum, Ekko, and Jinx for team Ruined
• Ruined and Halloween-themed avatar items and stickers

Demonic skins for Teemo, Illaoi, and Warwick (Photo by Riot Games)

Upcoming Dates

To give players an idea of what to expect during the game's final months of updates, Riot Games has shared a roadmap outlining the most important content and changes coming to 2XKO.

Players can find a more detailed version of the preview on 2XKO's X page.

Follow Strafe Esports for all the latest esports news, and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured image credit: Riot Games

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