2XKO Local Duo Mode in Development; Akali, Senna Revealed as Upcoming Champions

Riot Games confirms Local Duo Mode is in development for 2XKO and reveals Akali and Senna as upcoming champions alongside 2026 competitive updates.

The update, published by game director Unconkable, focuses on three key pillars moving forward — duo play, core gameplay balance, and community and competitive programs — while also addressing player feedback on ranked matchmaking and console performance.

Local Duo Mode in Development

The development team confirmed it is prototyping a Local Duo Mode that would allow two players to team up via couch co-op and compete online together.

While details are still being finalized, the feature is described as a top priority. The mode aims to make 2XKO’s signature duo-based gameplay more accessible for players who want to team up locally.

Duo play remains central to 2XKO’s identity as a tag-based fighting game within the FGC (fighting game community).

Core Gameplay Balance Remains a Focus

The team reiterated its commitment to maintaining 2XKO’s fast-paced gameplay and high skill ceiling. According to the update, future balance changes will target outliers in the competitive meta while preserving each champion’s unique identity.

Developers acknowledged that not all champions currently have clearly defined strengths and weaknesses at higher levels of play, signaling that further tuning is expected.

Competitive Series and Community Support Programs

Riot also confirmed that the 2026 competitive season is underway. The next Challenger event will take place at Genesis X3, with matches streaming beginning February 13.

In addition, the team is developing a new support initiative for local tournament organizers (TOs). The program will grant access to exclusive in-game prizing that cannot be earned elsewhere. Riot stated that the goal is to provide smaller community organizers with additional tools to grow their local scenes.

The initiative will first be tested with select events before broader applications open.

Ranked, Screen Tearing, and Character Balance

The update also addressed several ongoing community discussions:

• Ranked matchmaking: The team is monitoring edge cases affecting fair matchups.

• Screen tearing: Console players have reported visual performance issues, and a future update is in development.

• Yasuo and Ekko: Developers acknowledged that while both characters are strong stylistically, their weaknesses may not be sufficiently clear at the highest levels of play.

Akali and Senna Confirmed as Upcoming Champions

The update concluded with a preview of two upcoming champions joining 2XKO’s roster.

Akali is confirmed as the next champion. She is described as a precision-based ninja focused on fast, stylish offense. Senna will also join the roster. She uses a massive cannon to attack from range and can transition into a wraith form to pressure opponents up close. Both champions are currently in development, with more details to be shared at a later date.

Riot stated it will continue gathering feedback from players as development progresses, with further updates expected in the coming months.