2XKO Patch 1.1.5: Akali Joins the Roster and Major System Overhauls
Riot Games has released Patch 1.1.5 for 2XKO, introducing a high-speed novel fighter and significant changes to the game’s core combat mechanics. Beyond the addition of Akali, the update focuses on refining the tag system and meter management, ensuring a more balanced competitive environment as the game heads into Evo Japan.
The Arrival of Akali, the Rogue Assassin
Akali joins the 2XKO roster as a mixup-heavy rushdown character. Designed as an agile assassin, she utilizes a combination of long-range kunai throws and a signature smoke bomb called Twilight Shroud, which empowers her other moves and allows her to teleport. Her aerial game is notably strong, providing her with various methods to engage and control the pace of the match.
How to Unlock Akali
Players have multiple paths to add Akali to their roster:
- Immediate Purchase: Available for 1,000 KO Points or one Champion Token.
- Free Unlock: A Champion Recruitment Event lasts for three weeks, allowing players to earn her for free.
- Post-Event Purchase: After the recruitment event concludes, she will be available for 10,000 Credits.
To aid players test her synergy with other characters, Akali is available to everyone in Training and Offline mode, regardless of whether she has been purchased.
Major System and Combat Changes
Patch 1.1.5 introduces broad adjustments to the game’s core systems, specifically targeting how players defend and manage resources.
Handshake Tag and Parrying
The Handshake Tag has received a significant nerf in neutral situations. It now includes three frames of recovery when an assist fails to connect. Riot has implemented a 15-frame lockout on parries following a Handshake Tag, removing one of the game’s strongest defensive sequences.
Meter Usage Adjustments
Changes to meter gain aim to slow down the accumulation of resources:
- Limit Strike: Now builds 20 meter instead of 40.
- Projectile Parry: Meter gain dropped from 10 to six.
- Physical Parry: Now gives zero meter instead of five.
- Retreating Guard: Meter gain reduced from five to four.
New Features and Quality of Life
The update extends beyond combat balance, adding new ways to play and engage with the community.
Local Duos Mode
Available on all platforms, Local Duos allows two players to use a single device to play together online. A key benefit of this mode is that the duo’s chosen champion will as well progress the account’s Champion Mastery and contribute to champion-specific missions.
Additional Updates
The patch also introduces:
- A Spirit Blossom event featuring specific rewards.
- Upgraded replay functionality.
- A variety of “showstopper” skins.
- General quality-of-life improvements.
Key Takeaways
- New Character: Akali is a rushdown assassin specializing in speed and smoke-based teleports.
- System Nerfs: Handshake Tag is now riskier in neutral, and parry meter gains have been reduced.
- Co-op Play: Local Duos mode enables couch co-op for online matchmaking.
- Event: The Spirit Blossom event is now active.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Patch 1.1.5 launch?
The patch dropped on April 7, 2026, with maintenance beginning at 9:00 AM PT.
Can I play 2XKO although the servers are down for the patch?
Yes, players can still access Offline mode. Console players must disconnect from the internet before launching the game to access this mode during maintenance.
How does Akali’s Twilight Shroud function?
Twilight Shroud acts as a smoke bomb that empowers Akali’s other moves and facilitates her teleportation abilities.
With these systemic shifts and the addition of a high-pressure character like Akali, the competitive meta is expected to shift significantly as players adapt to the new meter rules and tag recovery frames.
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