Introducing Braum, 2XKO’s new champion, PS5 playtest starts August 8

Hey everyone! I’m Shaun “Unconkable” Rivera, game director on 2XKO. 2XKO is our new free-to-play, team-based fighting game featuring champions from League of Legends, releasing in 2025. Fight solo or with a friend in intense 2v2 battles, and master powerful abilities, assists, and combos to outplay enemies.

Our team is led by Evo founders Tom and Tony Cannon here at Riot Games—the studio behind League of Legends and Valorant—and is composed of developers who have deep connections with the fighting game community, including former professional players, creators, and tournament organizers.

2XKO is currently in development. We’ve just revealed a new champion and announced Alpha Lab, the game’s first at-home playtest. Sign up for a chance to play starting August 8.

Meet Braum, the Heart of the Freljord

2XKO’s newest playable character is Braum, a beloved hero blessed with mighty biceps and an even bigger heart. He joins the previously announced roster of re-imagined League of Legends champions, which includes Ahri, Yasuo, Ekko, Darius, and Illaoi.

Since 2v2 combat and playing with your friends is at the core of 2XKO gameplay, the team was eager to design a champion who would thrive as a support character. Braum’s protective abilities make any duo partner shine.

Stand behind me

Early concept art of Braum with his shield

Braum’s design is centered around his massive shield, which was once the unbreakable door to an ancient treasure vault. With it, he protects allies from incoming damage. Braum excels at disrupting opponents and blocking their attacks, making space for his team to land devastating combos.

Defense is key to Braum’s gameplay design, but he still has strong offensive options. He gains a unique buff called Unbreakable when he lands certain abilities, which coats Braum’s shield in ice and makes his special moves deal more damage.

His kit also introduces a unique freeze mechanic to 2XKO. By activating the magic of his shield, Braum can gain extra armor and stop opponents cold.

Fluffs of fury

Early concept art of Braum’s beloved poros

Braum’s warm and infectious personality has fostered his friendship with poros—magical creatures who hail from the frozen Freljord, Braum’s home region.

Braum’s little friends are ready to assist him however they can, whether it’s by flying through the air to stop fleeing enemies, or by coming together to form a massive ball of fluff that deals tons of damage.

For a deeper dive into Braum’s kit and more information on his gameplay, be sure to check out his Champion Introduction dropping tomorrow, July 10 on the 2XKO YouTube channel.

To try Braum and 2XKO on PlayStation 5, register for a chance to be part of Alpha Lab—our first at-home playtest—starting August 8 in select regions. Those who are selected to participate will receive an invite code for a friend. Sign up and get more details on the Alpha Lab website.

2XKO will also be playable at Evo 2024. Follow our social channels for the latest news and live coverage of the event.

Thanks for reading. We’re excited to hear what you think of 2XKO.

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Revised and Expanded Version:

Hello, tech enthusiasts and gamers! I’m Shaun “Unconkable” Rivera, the game director for 2XKO, a groundbreaking free-to-play, team-based fighting game that is set to make waves in 2025. Designed by Riot Games—the creative powerhouse behind League of Legends and Valorant—2XKO brings together iconic champions from League of Legends into an exhilarating 2v2 combat experience. Whether you prefer battling solo or teaming up with a friend, this game promises intense, strategic gameplay where mastering powerful abilities, assists, and combos will be key to outplaying your opponents.

The Vision Behind 2XKO

The development team for 2XKO is led by none other than Tom and Tony Cannon, the founders of Evo, the premier fighting game tournament. Drawing from their extensive experience and deep-rooted connections in the fighting game community, our team includes former professional players, creators, and tournament organizers. This unique blend of talent ensures that 2XKO is crafted with the fighting game community in mind, bringing both authenticity and innovation to the table.

Current Development Status and Alpha Lab Announcement

2XKO is currently in active development, and we are thrilled to share some exciting updates. We have just introduced a new champion and announced the Alpha Lab, our first at-home playtest phase. This playtest will give a select group of players the opportunity to experience the game firsthand starting August 8. If you’re eager to be among the first to dive into 2XKO, make sure to sign up for a chance to participate.

Introducing Braum, the Heart of the Freljord

One of the most exciting additions to 2XKO’s roster is Braum, a beloved hero known for his mighty biceps and even bigger heart. Braum joins an already impressive lineup of re-imagined League of Legends champions, including Ahri, Yasuo, Ekko, Darius, and Illaoi. Given the game’s focus on 2v2 combat and teamwork, Braum was designed to excel as a support character, making his duo partner shine with his protective abilities.

Braum’s Unique Gameplay Mechanics

Braum’s gameplay revolves around his massive shield, which was once the unbreakable door to an ancient treasure vault. This shield allows him to protect his allies from incoming damage, disrupt opponents, and block attacks, giving his team the opportunity to land devastating combos. While defense is a key aspect of Braum’s design, he also has strong offensive capabilities. When he lands certain abilities, he gains a unique buff called Unbreakable, which coats his shield in ice and enhances his special moves, making them even more powerful.

Additionally, Braum introduces a unique freeze mechanic to 2XKO. By activating the magic of his shield, he can gain extra armor and freeze opponents in their tracks, adding a strategic layer to his gameplay.

The Role of Poros in Braum’s Gameplay

Braum’s warm and infectious personality extends to his friendship with poros, magical creatures from the frozen region of Freljord, which is Braum’s home. These endearing little friends are more than just companions; they play an active role in combat. Poros can fly through the air to stop fleeing enemies or come together to form a massive ball of fluff that deals significant damage. This unique interaction adds a delightful and strategic element to Braum’s gameplay.

How to Participate in the 2XKO Alpha Lab

For a more in-depth look at Braum’s abilities and gameplay mechanics, be sure to check out his Champion Introduction, which will be released on July 10 on the 2XKO YouTube channel. If you’re eager to try out Braum and the rest of the 2XKO roster on PlayStation 5, don’t miss the opportunity to register for the Alpha Lab. Starting August 8, selected participants will receive an invite code for themselves and a friend, giving them an exclusive chance to experience the game early. For more details and to sign up, visit the Alpha Lab website.

Looking Ahead: 2XKO at Evo 2024

In addition to the Alpha Lab, 2XKO will be showcased at Evo 2024, one of the most prestigious fighting game tournaments in the world. This event will provide an excellent platform for players to experience the game, compete, and share their feedback with our development team. Stay tuned to our social media channels for the latest news, updates, and live coverage of the event.

Conclusion

We are incredibly excited about the potential of 2XKO and can’t wait to hear your thoughts and feedback. This game represents a new frontier in team-based fighting games, combining the beloved characters of League of Legends with innovative gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re a seasoned fighting game veteran or a newcomer to the genre, 2XKO promises to offer a thrilling and engaging experience. Thank you for being part of this journey, and we look forward to seeing you in the arena!

Additional Insights and Community Reactions

As we gear up for the release of 2XKO, it’s worth noting the positive reactions and anticipation within the gaming community. Many players have expressed excitement about the game’s unique blend of familiar League of Legends characters and new, dynamic gameplay mechanics. The involvement of Tom and Tony Cannon has also been a significant point of interest, given their storied history with Evo and the fighting game community.

Moreover, the introduction of characters like Braum, with his unique abilities and interactions with poros, showcases Riot Games’ commitment to creating a rich and engaging gaming experience. The community is buzzing with theories and strategies on how these new mechanics will play out in competitive scenarios, adding to the overall excitement and anticipation.

In summary, 2XKO is shaping up to be a standout title in the world of fighting games. With its innovative approach, dedicated development team, and enthusiastic community support, the game is poised to make a significant impact upon its release. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to sign up for the Alpha Lab to get an early taste of what 2XKO has to offer!

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