2XKO's Alpha Lab Playtest has been live for just four days, yet it has already garnered a wealth of player feedback. Here’s how 2XKO plans to address these insights and refine the game further.
2XKO to Refine Gameplay Based on Playtest Feedback
Players Call for Tamed Combos and Enhanced Tutorial Mode
2XKO’s director, Shaun Rivera, took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce adjustments to the upcoming fighting game based on feedback from the ongoing Alpha Lab Playtest.
Leveraging the game's League of Legends IP, the playtest drew a large and diverse player base. These players shared their experiences online, highlighting some extremely powerful combos that many consider unfair.
"One of the reasons we were excited for a ton of folks to get early hands on in Alpha Lab along with ensuring a training mode was available was to see what ways players cracked things wide open," Rivera explained in his post. Players indeed found ways to exploit the system, executing endless combos that left opponents helpless.
While Rivera commended these creative strategies, he also pointed out that "super long periods of low-to-zero agency are undesirable."
A key upcoming change is the reduction of Touch of Death (TOD) combos, which can instantly knock out an opponent from full health. The developers aim to preserve the game’s fast-paced and explosive nature while ensuring matches remain balanced and engaging.
Rivera noted that some TODs were "expected," but the team is actively analyzing gameplay data and player feedback to address these concerns. He stressed that TODs should be exceptional outcomes requiring significant skill and resources.
In addition to concerns about excessive combos, 2XKO’s Tutorial Mode has received criticism. While the game is relatively easy to pick up, mastering its complexities is challenging, especially without skill-based matchmaking during the playtest.
Professional fighting game player Christopher "NYChrisG" described 2XKO as "not meant for everyone," pointing to its complex six-button input system and gameplay that rivals the intricacy of titles like Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid, and BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle.
Responding to this feedback, Rivera stated, "I have heard feedback that folks want to see a lot more from our Tutorial in order to more easily onboard players to the game. This version is a rough pass, so please expect it to improve significantly in the future."
The developers are actively working to enhance 2XKO, as demonstrated by a recent Reddit post from a tutorial team member seeking player feedback. Suggestions from the community include adopting tutorial structures similar to those in Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter 6, providing more in-depth training beyond basic combos, and introducing an advanced tutorial on complex concepts like frame data.
2XKO Players Remain Enthusiastic Amidst Feedback
Despite these critiques, many players are thoroughly enjoying 2XKO. Professional players like William "Leffen" Hjelte have shown immense dedication, streaming the game for 19 hours straight. On Twitch, the game has attracted thousands of viewers, peaking at an impressive 60,425 during the first day of the playtest.
Currently in closed alpha, 2XKO does not yet have a confirmed release date. However, with its strong Twitch viewership and the substantial feedback from players, the game shows great potential and is fostering a passionate community.
Interested in trying out 2XKO’s Alpha Lab Playtest? Check out the article below to learn how to register!
