2XKO developer update details Caitlyn design, console release, and upcoming esports plans

Riot Games’ upcoming fighting game 2XKO is set to receive a console release window update in January, while longer-term gameplay adjustments — including changes to combo length — are already in development, according to a recent developer update.

The details were shared by Shaun ‘Unconkable’ Rivera, Game Director and Gameplay Design Lead for 2XKO at Riot Games, in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter). The update arrived ahead of Riot Games’ winter break, covering several topics raised by the community, ranging from character development to competitive play.

In the video, Unconkable confirmed that the console version of 2XKO is still scheduled to arrive in January next year, with an exact release date to be announced in the new year. While no date was officially confirmed, the timing aligns with the end of the game’s current Season 0, prompting speculation among players that the launch could take place around late January.

Unconkable also addressed the reveal of Caitlyn as the next playable champion, which was announced during The Game Awards. He noted that Caitlyn and other upcoming champions had been planned “well in advance,” pushing back against speculation that Riot was rapidly pivoting its roster plans.

“I know there’s been some discussion of ‘another Arcane champ,’” Unconkable said, adding that players would likely be surprised once they tried her in-game. He clarified that Caitlyn would not function as a hitscan character, instead placing an emphasis on precision and ‘hitting headshots.’

One of the more substantive gameplay topics discussed was combo length, an issue that has been raised frequently by the competitive community. Unconkable said the development team agreed that combos were currently too long and confirmed that changes were already being worked on internally.

However, he cautioned that adjustments would not arrive immediately. According to Unconkable, reducing combo length would require multiple balance passes over time, as any changes could have knock-on effects across the game’s systems.

“This isn’t something you’re going to see immediately addressed,” he explained, noting that the goal was to shorten combos without removing elements that players had said they enjoyed about 2XKO.

The update also touched on the game’s early competitive ecosystem. Unconkable highlighted the conclusion of 22 First Impact events and acknowledged several standout performers.

Despite those events coming to an end, Unconkable confirmed that 2XKO’s 2026 Competitive Series would begin with Frosty Faustings, which will serve as the game’s first official Major in January. He added that members of the development team planned to attend the event in person.

Unconkable concluded the update by reiterating that more information — particularly around the console release date — would be shared in the new year, once Riot Games returned from its winter break.