Riot Games’ new fighter 2XKO is about to open its doors to more players, with the Closed Beta kicking off this September. After a couple of Alpha Lab playtests earlier in the year, this next stage gives players the chance to try the most up-to-date version of the game while Riot pressure-tests servers and gameplay systems before launch.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2XKO Closed Beta, including start times, invites, regions, new content, system requirements, and what it means for the game’s future.

When does the 2XKO Closed Beta start?

The 2XKO Closed Beta starts on 9 September at 11am PT, which works out to 2am ET on 10 September for those on the other side of the globe. At launch, servers will only be live in North and South America, though Riot has said other regions will follow “soon after.”

The team hasn’t locked in how long the beta will run. Instead, Riot plans to keep it live “as long as needed” to gather feedback and scale the servers properly before moving into a full release. That means we’re unlikely to see long gaps without access once it begins.

Who gets access to the Closed Beta?

If you played during Alpha Lab 1 or 2, you’re in luck, you’ll be automatically invited into the beta on day one. On top of that, new players will be invited in waves while the beta is live.

Image Credit: Riot Games

Another big detail: every player who gets into the beta will receive a referral link to invite up to three friends. It’s not clear yet if invited players will also get extra invites, but expect to see more people trickling in quickly after launch.

Keep an eye on your email, as Riot will notify selected players with instructions on how to access the game. You can also still register at play2xko.com/beta.

What’s new in 2XKO’s Closed Beta?

While Riot hasn’t given the full gameplay patch notes just yet, the Closed Beta build is expected to be a step up from the Evo 2025 demo and earlier Alpha Lab versions. That means all current champions, updated mechanics teased earlier in the year, and one big reveal, Blitzcrank has officially joined the roster.

🤖commencing accidental leak protocol🤖

blitzcrank is 2xko’s 9th champion, available in closed beta. full reveal sept 2 pic.twitter.com/mqys0bd0NZ

— 2XKO (@Play2XKO) August 26, 2025

The huge robot champion from League of Legends becomes 2XKO’s ninth playable fighter, designed as a grappler that matches his iconic LoL playstyle. He was first spotted in background art on the game’s support site before Riot confirmed his arrival, with a full reveal planned for 2 September.

Expect plenty of new balance tweaks too, with Riot saying there are “too many Closed Beta gameplay changes to list here.”

How do you play 2XKO Closed Beta?

The Closed Beta will be PC-only, running on Windows 10. Even so, Riot has confirmed that any content earned will carry over across platforms once the full game launches thanks to cross-progression.

Minimum system requirements:

• Intel i7-4790
• Nvidia GTX 960 @1080p
• 8GB RAM
• Windows 10

As for controls, you can use keyboard and mouse, most controllers, and most basic fightsticks that are PC-compatible. Riot also noted that if you run into controller issues, closing the Steam app may fix it.

Can you stream or create content?

Yes. Riot is openly encouraging players to stream and record gameplay from the Closed Beta. Not only does it provide feedback, but it also helps build hype as the game moves closer to release.

Image Credit: Riot Games

And if you’re keen to push things further, Riot has already put together competitive guidelines for tournament organisers, meaning grassroots esports events for 2XKO could pop up even before launch.

Will progress carry over?

No. Riot confirmed that all player data will be wiped once the Closed Beta ends. This phase is purely for testing, feedback, and stability checks.

What does this mean for full release?

The 2XKO Closed Beta feels like Riot’s version of a soft launch, much like how VALORANT rolled out in 2020. The plan is to keep building on this live test until the game is ready for its 1.0 release, and based on Riot’s comments that “it won’t be long,” a full launch could come sooner than expected, possibly before the end of the year.

Image Credit: Riot Games

With Riot backing the project and early esports guidelines already out there, expect 2XKO to hit the competitive scene hard once it officially launches.

Final thoughts

The 2XKO Closed Beta is shaping up to be the most important step yet for Riot’s new 2v2 fighter. With Blitzcrank joining the roster, cross-progression in play, and servers scaling up worldwide, the beta will be the first time many players get to feel how the game stacks up in a real online environment.

If you’ve been waiting to jump in, September 9 is the date to watch — and don’t forget to check your inbox for that invite.

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