2XKO Alpha Lab 2 Introduces Ranked Lobbies and New Fuses, but European Players Face Delays

A thrilling new update video for 2XKO just dropped, dissecting the game’s second Alpha Lab test. Nearly bursting with details, the video introduces two fresh fuses: Juggernaut and Sidekick, teases ranked lobbies, champion mastery, and a slew of enticing gameplay tweaks. Mark your calendars if you’re in Canada, the USA, or Brazil, for it kicks off from April 18 to 20. Unfortunately, for the rest of the world, it’s a swing and a miss this time, but don’t lose hope!

One of the highlights of this test is the long-awaited arrival of Jinx, now available for everyone to try. Bringing the roster to seven fully fleshed-out characters, this marks another step closer to 2XKO’s much-anticipated release later this year. Tom Cannon explained the smaller scope of this test was strategically chosen to avoid pushing the release date back. But don’t fret; future tests are already in the pipeline. So, patience, my friends!

Now, let’s dive into the juicy details of the new additions. Kicking off is Sidekick, unveiled by Shaun Rivera last month. This feature ensures your point champion and backup champion remain in their roles, providing a health and defense screen to your main champ when they’re down to 30% health. On top of this, with the Sidekick Fuse, you gain Double Down—letting you chain supers—alongside instant access to super assist and fury break as rounds commence.

Sidekick is all about fun interactivity, providing the player controlling the backup champion a chance to time button presses with enemy attacks to trim down damage, adding a playful twist to matches even if you’re not leading.

Then there’s Juggernaut, the flip of the coin to Sidekick. It disposes of interactions with the secondary character altogether, honing your focus on one champion. Like Sidekick, it comes with a health and defense boost below 30% health and round-start fury break access. What sets it apart is Eject, forcing your foe to switch to their backup champ, plus you get your very own solo Double Down, letting you unleash one super after another. For solo trainees keen to perfect one champion without worrying about a duo, this could be a game changer. It certainly has my attention after my experience in Alpha Lab 1!

As we touch on the new universal feature—Fury Break—this mechanic replaced the now-defunct Fury Fuse. Every player, no matter their Fuse choice, can access Fury Break when one of their champions gets knocked out. It grants a 25% boost to damage and damage reduction, with extra effects based on usage. However, if you dash-cancel normal or special moves with it, the duration shortens by five seconds.

The Pulse Combo Fuse also sees a change as it morphs into an optional setting at champion selection, allowing auto combos through simple button presses. It opens up the exciting realm of other fuses while ensuring newbies have a chance at pulling off auto combos.

Enter Ranked Lobbies—introducing a ranking system reminiscent of League of Legends, ranging from Aspirant to Challenger. It aims to pair players with those of comparable skill levels, a much-needed innovation after the mixed-skill encounters experienced in the original Alpha Lab. This change strives to prevent unfair duels, especially against veterans of the fighting game scene.

These are the primary gameplay revolutions awaiting in Alpha Lab 2. Of course, there’s more like Push Assist, the axing of Last Stand in favor of super assists, and maintaining assist usage despite having a downed champion. Limit strike combos add an exciting edge, offering potent bonuses if deployed at combo conclusions. Additional changes lurk in the dev update post.

That’s not the complete package! Easier control schemes, enhanced visual clarity, and refined public/private lobbies add to the allure, not to mention the cosmetic goodies. A new battle pass accompanies an in-game store where players can use currency to snag various cosmetics and finishers, such as Pool Party skins for Ahri, Darius, and Jinx.

And don’t forget Mastery rewards! Completing specific champion missions unlocks cosmetics for your fighter, including Avatar wear, taunts, stickers, a mastery reward chroma, and more. Time to get grinding, folks!

It’s wonderful to see 2XKO back in the hands of players, despite those outside the Americas feeling a touch left out. Nevertheless, it’ll be intriguing to see how testers respond to the sweeping gameplay modifications. Personally, I’m jazzed about the new Fuses, as they seem ingeniously tailored to welcome new players with open arms, each offering unique onboarding paths. Observing how these changes impact player retention, especially among those with minimal experience, will be fascinating when the Alpha Lab wraps up.

How does this announcement grab you? Ready to leap into the fray next month? Share your thoughts below!