2XKO’s Starting Roster: Familiar Faces, Safe Picks, and Mixed Reactions

Riot Games has finally unveiled the starting roster for their upcoming fighting game, 2XKO. The lineup consists of nine champions, most of whom are already household names for fans of League of Legends and Arcane. From Jinx and Vi to Yasuo and Ekko, the roster feels like a greatest hits collection of Riot’s most iconic characters.

While this move makes sense from a marketing perspective, it has also sparked debate within the community. Some see it as a smart, player-friendly choice, while others feel it lacks originality and surprise.

A Roster of Fan Favorites

There’s no denying that Riot is playing it safe by focusing on champions with mass appeal. Ahri, Jinx, Yasuo, Ekko, Vi, Illaoi, Blitzcrank, and Darius form the core of 2XKO’s opening roster. Blitzcrank’s recent reveal even added extra excitement, especially since he introduces a grappler archetype reminiscent of classic fighting games like Street Fighter and Guilty Gear.

For new players, this approach is a win. Familiar characters make the game easier to dive into, reducing the learning curve and creating instant recognition across different Riot titles and media.

Where’s the Surprise Factor?

That said, many long-time fans expected more daring choices. Out of the nine characters, only Darius feels somewhat unexpected, given his relatively low profile compared to the others. The rest of the lineup seems almost too predictable, as if Riot wanted to minimize risk by only including universally popular champions.

Some players have even described the roster as a “Riot all-star cast” that plays it too safe. In a genre where variety and character uniqueness are key, this has left veterans hoping for more adventurous picks.

Safe Strategy vs. Player Expectations

From one angle, Riot’s strategy is perfectly logical. A roster full of recognizable champions will pull in curious players and casual fans. On the flip side, competitive players and long-time LoL veterans may find the lineup underwhelming, lacking the freshness that makes fighting games exciting.

The big question now is whether Riot plans to expand the roster with riskier choices or stick to the same safe formula.

Future Expansions on the Horizon

Fortunately, 2XKO is a live service game, which means this is just the beginning. With over 160 champions in League of Legends’ universe, Riot has plenty of room to introduce new and unexpected fighters over time.

This gives hope that lesser-known or underrepresented champions—like Swain, Urgot, or Taliyah—might eventually join the fray. If that happens, the roster could quickly evolve from “safe” to “bold.”

Closing Thoughts

The starting roster of 2XKO reflects Riot’s careful, market-driven approach, but it has also stirred conversation about what players truly want from a new fighting game. For now, the nine champions provide a familiar entry point, but the community eagerly awaits Riot’s next move. Will they continue to play it safe, or will they surprise everyone with fresh and unique additions? Either way, the buzz around 2XKO shows just how much excitement the game has already generated.