adminRiot Games will end active 2XKO development in December, citing operating costs that substantially exceed the game’s revenue and player engagement that has remained relatively steady. The free-to-play fighting game will remain playable on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with its servers expected to stay online beyond 2026.
Image credit: Riot Games
Why 2XKO development is winding down
Riot said it reviewed the game’s performance and would have continued active development if it had identified a viable path forward. While new characters, gameplay updates, and competitive events received positive feedback, the company said they did not lead to a meaningful, lasting change in the game’s overall direction. It also reported that 2XKO costs substantially more to operate than it brings in.
The studio considered options such as reducing the team, changing its update schedule, and revising the business model. It ultimately decided to complete the content already in progress and then stop active development. For players, this means the game will remain available, but they should not expect ongoing major content updates after the planned final releases.
Final 2XKO patches and gameplay changes
Three more patches are planned before active development ends. The September 1.3.1 update is set to unlock most gameplay content, including every champion. It will also remove Battle Passes, KO Points, Champion Tokens, seasons, and events, with changes intended to support the game’s longer-term online availability.
A cosmetic bundle containing most of the game’s cosmetic items will be offered for $39.99/£33.99/€39.99. Some items will also be available for Credits. Ranked lobbies will be removed, while Casual matchmaking will be streamlined. Private lobbies will remain and are planned to receive voice chat and a larger map that can support up to 40 players.
The October 1.3.3 patch is scheduled to add Samira, the final champion. Riot also plans to update the 2XKO Ultimate Bundle with the remaining skins and cosmetics. This is expected to be the game’s final major content update. The December 1.3.5 patch will focus mainly on bug fixes and is not expected to add new content.
Image credit: Riot Games
KO Points and purchase refunds
Purchases of KO Points were disabled on August 20. Any remaining points can be spent in the rotating store until patch 1.3.1 arrives on September 8. Riot has also started refunding purchases made on or before August 20.
- PC players: KO Points and 2XKO Starter Edition purchases will be refunded to the original payment method. Riot expects most refunds to be completed within two weeks, with the remaining refunds due by November 2026.
- Console players: Refunds will be handled through the platform and payment provider used for the purchase.
- Players on Japan or Korea servers: KO Points refunds will be processed in accordance with local law.
Players should check the payment account or platform used for their purchase for refund updates. Refund timing may vary depending on the payment provider and local requirements.
What happens to 2XKO after December?
Riot has said online servers will remain available beyond 2026, and offline play will not be affected. The game will continue to be free to download on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. However, the end of active development means players should distinguish ongoing access from ongoing content support: the planned December patch is focused on fixes rather than new features or characters.
Riot also acknowledged the players, tournament organisers, competitors, and creators who have supported the fighting game community around 2XKO. Earlier in the year, the company reduced the development team by 80 positions. Executive producer Tom Cannon said at the time that the game was not reaching the level needed to support a team of that size over the long term.
For players, the key takeaway is that 2XKO development is ending, but the game is not being shut down in December. Servers are expected to remain online, and the remaining patches will deliver the announced final content and adjustments.
