2XKO patch 1.3.1 is scheduled to release on September 8, 2026, with Lux, major defensive system changes, champion balance adjustments, new skins, two stages, larger Private lobbies, voice chat and several changes designed to prepare the fighting game for its long-term future.
It will also be 2XKO's final major balance patch. Riot Games has confirmed that active development will end after 2026, making the September update an unusually important combination of new content, competitive balancing and long-term system changes.
Riot has not released the complete 2XKO patch 1.3.1 notes yet. Exact damage values, frame data, individual move changes and the full bug-fix list are still to come. What follows is everything Riot has confirmed or previewed ahead of release.
2XKO patch 1.3.1 at a glance
What is coming in 2XKO patch 1.3.1? The September 8 update adds Lux, improves defense, adjusts champion balance, expands Private lobbies to support up to 40 players, adds new cosmetics and stages, unlocks all champions and retires several live-service systems, including Ranked lobbies.
| Patch 1.3.1 feature | Confirmed change |
|---|---|
| Release date | September 8, 2026 |
| New champion | Lux |
| Balance | Final major balance patch, with defensive and champion changes |
| Pushblock | More pushback distance, with slightly more recovery |
| Assists | Easier to phase out after Break or pushblock, but they take more true damage |
| Private lobbies | Large Private lobbies support up to 40 players, plus voice chat |
| Champion access | All champions become unlocked for all players |
| Ranked | Ranked lobbies will be disabled |
| Progression | Battle Passes, KO Points, Champion Tokens, seasons and events will be removed |
| Credits | The 12,000 Credits cap will be removed and more items become purchasable with Credits |
| Skins | Faerie Court Lux, Demonic skins, Good vs. Evil cosmetics and themed avatar content |
| Ultimate Bundle | $39.99 / £33.99 / €39.99 bundle containing most released cosmetics |
| New stages | The Ruined Courtyard and Grand Hall of Veneration |
| The Climb | Additional changes are coming, but Riot has not revealed them yet |
Riot outlined the gameplay and content changes in its official patch 1.3.1 pre-preview on August 27. The studio says patches 1.3.1 and 1.3.3 will add a large amount of remaining content while addressing long-standing requests, bugs and stability.
Patch 1.3.1 is 2XKO's final major balance update
Defense is one of Riot's main priorities for patch 1.3.1. The balance team says players have continued to optimize offense while defensive systems have struggled to keep pace with the speed and pressure of high-level play.
Pushblock and Break are therefore receiving direct improvements.
Pushblock will create more distance between characters, giving the defending player more room to reset the situation. Riot is balancing that benefit by adding a few more frames of recovery.
Players will also be able to protect an Assist more easily after using Break or pushblock. Tagging immediately after either defensive mechanic, without performing another action first, will phase the Assist out of danger.
That added safety comes with a trade-off. Assists will take more true damage, leaving them with less recoverable health. Riot wants stronger defensive tools without encouraging matches to become significantly slower or making timeout strategies too common outside teams deliberately built around zoning.
Freestyle is changing again
Freestyle will receive another set of adjustments following its previous changes. The Break penalty is being reduced, and certain Assist interactions will no longer trigger a penalty.
- The Freestyle Break penalty will be reduced.
- No penalty will be applied if an Assist is hit after Pushblock.
- No penalty will be applied if an Assist is hit after Burst.
- No penalty will be applied when the player's Assist is already dead.
Champion hurtboxes will be standardized
Riot is also standardizing champion hurtboxes. Characters with comparable body sizes will use the same height categories, reducing situations where otherwise similar interactions behave differently because of small character-specific height differences.
Getup attacks will require a short hold
Getup attacks will require the player to hold the input for a few frames. Riot says the change should make it easier to choose other wakeup options without accidentally getting a getup attack instead.
Senna is one of Riot's main champion balance targets
Riot says most champion win rates and pick rates remain healthy across skill levels, with Senna standing out as the roster member that needs the most help.
The final major balance pass will not be based on win rates alone. Riot says two other factors have become especially important: move diversity and frustrating outcomes.
In practice, that means the developers are looking for attacks that are consistently overshadowed by better options, as well as situations that feel overly punishing or repetitive even when the champion responsible is not technically overpowered.
Senna and Akali will get move-diversity changes
Senna's Base form special moves are currently underperforming, according to Riot. The team wants to make more of those attacks worthwhile instead of allowing a smaller number of options to dominate her game plan.
Akali is also being reviewed because she can sometimes benefit from operating outside Twilight Shroud instead of engaging with the mechanic as Riot intended.
Yasuo, Darius, Teemo and Warwick are getting buffs
Riot has confirmed buffs for Yasuo, Darius, Teemo and Warwick. The stated goal is to make their offensive outcomes more stable rather than dramatically pushing them to the top of the roster.
The exact buffs have not been published yet. Those details, including any damage, frame-data or move-specific changes, are expected with the complete patch 1.3.1 notes.
Illaoi, Teemo and Thresh have frustrating interactions under review
Riot specifically called out what happens after teching a throw against Illaoi or Teemo while their S2 Super setups are active. Successfully defending against the throw can currently put the opponent straight back into another difficult situation.
Thresh's neutral game is another target. Riot believes his normal attacks currently control too much of the screen.
These examples illustrate the philosophy behind the patch. A character does not necessarily need an unhealthy win rate to receive changes if individual interactions are hurting match quality.
Why Riot is avoiding another major balance shake-up after 1.3.1
Patch 1.3.1 will be the last update in which Riot plans to make large balance swings. The developers believe champion diversity is in a much healthier place than it was during earlier metas and want to preserve that variety through the remaining competitive calendar.
Patch 1.3.3 will still contain bug fixes and smaller gameplay tweaks, but the balance team says its focus will move toward stability and polishing Samira before her release.
That distinction is important for players waiting for the full patch notes. September should contain the final broad competitive rebalance, while October is expected to be substantially more conservative.
Lux joins 2XKO with patch 1.3.1
Lux will become playable when patch 1.3.1 launches on September 8. Riot plans to reveal her full gameplay on September 3.
Despite obvious expectations that the light-wielding mage would become a dedicated zoner, Riot describes Lux as an all-rounder who can compete at several ranges without being the best character at any one of them.
Her basic toolkit is built around familiar fighting game fundamentals. Riot has confirmed strong normals, a fireball, a solid DP and an air dash.
Riot deliberately designed Lux as an approachable entry point for 2XKO. A newcomer to fighting games should be able to understand her fundamental game plan, while someone experienced with traditional fighting games should find recognizable tools when moving into a tag fighter.
The developers are also promising more advanced options beneath that accessible starting point. Those mechanics have not been detailed yet and are expected to feature in the September 3 gameplay reveal.
Lux moved forward in Riot's champion schedule
Lux also provides an interesting look at how 2XKO's champion production improved over time. Riot says the development team became fast enough to reach a six-champions-per-year schedule.
Her development went particularly smoothly. Lux was moved forward further than any other champion from her original planned release window, with Riot shaving several months from the earlier schedule.
Samira follows Lux in patch 1.3.3
Lux is not the last champion coming to 2XKO. Samira will arrive with patch 1.3.3 in late October and is planned to be the game's final new champion under Riot's current development roadmap.
Her design is heading in a very different direction from Lux.
One of Samira's primary gameplay goals is to "unleash creativity." Riot wants her offense to support open-ended routes, allowing players to approach combos and pressure in different ways rather than following one obvious optimal path.
Riot describes her as almost the opposite of a zoner. She fights using a sword and dual pistols, and more information about her 2XKO moveset is expected in October.
Faerie Court Lux and Demonic skins are coming in patch 1.3.1
The September update includes a sizable cosmetic release alongside the gameplay changes.
Faerie Court Lux will serve as Lux's launch skin. Teemo, Illaoi and Warwick will also receive Demonic skins, accompanied by a Demonic Halloween lobby.
Riot is also introducing a Good vs. Evil cosmetic theme split between Sentinels and Ruined champions.
- Sentinels: Yasuo leads Ahri, Akali and Illaoi.
- Ruined: Darius leads Braum, Ekko and Jinx.
Ruined and Halloween-themed avatar items and stickers are planned as part of the same wave of content.
There is considerably more cosmetic content planned for October. Riot says patch 1.3.3 will contain 35 new skins as the art team completes content already in development.
The 2XKO Ultimate Bundle launches September 8
The 2XKO Ultimate Bundle will launch with patch 1.3.1 for $39.99 / £33.99 / €39.99.
Riot says the bundle will contain nearly all of the game's cosmetic content available at launch. That includes every skin, skin chroma and taunt released for champions up to and including Lux, plus all finishers released by that point.
The package will expand again when patch 1.3.3 launches in October. Riot says the remaining skins and cosmetics will then be added to the Ultimate Bundle, and existing owners will receive the additional content automatically.
All champions will be unlocked in patch 1.3.1
Every 2XKO champion will become unlocked for all players when patch 1.3.1 releases.
This is one of several changes Riot is making as it transitions the game away from its previous live-service structure. Players will no longer need to acquire champions individually after the September update.
Fuses are the exception. They will continue to be unlocked through tutorials rather than automatically becoming available.
Credits will become more useful and the 12,000 cap is disappearing
Riot is expanding what players can unlock with Credits, the game's earned currency.
- Avatar items will be available for Credits.
- Select base champion chromas will be available for Credits.
- Stages will be unlockable with Credits.
- Player profile items will be available for Credits.
- The existing 12,000 Credits limit will be removed.
The change should give accumulated Credits more long-term value after the game's other progression and monetization systems are removed.
Ranked, Battle Passes and KO Points are being removed
Patch 1.3.1 will retire several major 2XKO systems as Riot simplifies the game for long-term operation.
- Ranked lobbies will be disabled.
- Battle Passes will be removed.
- KO Points will be removed.
- Champion Tokens will be removed.
- Seasons will be removed.
- Events will be removed.
Casual matchmaking will still use player skill
The removal of Ranked does not mean matchmaking will become completely random.
Riot is consolidating matchmaking into Casual lobbies so each server has a larger single matchmaking pool instead of splitting players between Ranked and Casual. Casual matchmaking will continue to consider skill, meaning players should still generally encounter opponents around their level.
Private lobbies will remain available and are receiving significant improvements of their own.
Private lobbies will support up to 40 players
Riot is adding a large Private lobby option capable of holding up to 40 players.
The feature is aimed in part at online tournament organizers. Larger rooms should make it possible to keep more competitors together instead of dividing an event across several rooms and sharing multiple lobby codes.
The added space also allows more cabinet setups to operate in the same room, letting tournament organizers run more matches simultaneously.
Private lobby voice chat is coming too
Patch 1.3.1 will also add voice chat to Private lobbies.
For casual groups, that gives players another way to socialize inside a lobby. For organized competition, it gives tournament staff a direct way to communicate instructions without depending entirely on an outside voice service.
Riot plans another improvement in patch 1.3.3, when Training will be added to the large Private lobby format.
The Ruined Courtyard brings the Shadow Isles to 2XKO
Two new stages are coming with patch 1.3.1, beginning with The Ruined Courtyard in the Shadow Isles.
The setting is closely tied to Thresh and the history of the Ruination. The Shadow Isles were formerly known as the Blessed Isles before the cataclysm transformed the region and broke down the barrier between the spirit and material realms.
Riot says the stage also contains smaller references for players familiar with deeper Runeterra lore.
Grand Hall of Veneration brings 2XKO to Demacia
The second new stage is Grand Hall of Veneration, a Demacian location that arrives alongside Lux.
Luxanna Crownguard's relationship with Demacia gives the stage extra relevance. She comes from a prominent Demacian family despite living in a society historically suspicious of magic.
The environment also gives 2XKO a distinctly high-fantasy setting compared with the industrial look associated with regions such as Piltover and Zaun.
The Grand Hall includes a shrine dedicated to Galio and Kayle, while familiar Demacian characters appear in the background. Cithria is among them, along with Poppy.
Poppy will not become a playable champion under the currently announced roadmap, but Riot used the stage cameo to recognize the lengthy community campaign asking for her inclusion.
The Climb is getting changes Riot has not revealed yet
Not every part of patch 1.3.1 has been shown.
Riot has confirmed that updates to The Climb are included in the September release, but the developers deliberately avoided revealing what those changes involve.
For now, the important distinction is that changes to the PvE mode are confirmed, while any specific new mechanics, rewards or encounters remain unannounced.
Why patch 1.3.1 is such a major update for 2XKO
The scale of patch 1.3.1 is directly connected to Riot's decision to conclude active development on 2XKO at the end of 2026.
Riot said it evaluated retention, new-player growth, engagement and the game's financial sustainability throughout 2026. Updates including new champions, The Climb and major competitive events produced positive reactions, but not enough sustained growth to establish a viable long-term path for continued active development.
The studio has therefore chosen to finish content already in production, make the remaining balance and stability improvements, and leave 2XKO in a state that can continue operating after regular development ends.
Riot's long-term 2XKO development plan confirms that servers will remain online beyond 2026 and that offline play will be unaffected.
2XKO is not shutting down at the end of 2026
The end of active development is not the same as a server shutdown.
Riot says 2XKO will remain playable online after 2026, and the game is expected to remain available as a free download on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Riot has said it will provide advance notice if those plans change in the future.
What happens to KO Points and 2XKO purchases?
Riot disabled new KO Point purchases on August 20 as part of the transition to patch 1.3.1. Existing KO Points can still be spent in the rotating store before the currency system is removed.
The company has also begun a refund process covering eligible KO Point and 2XKO Starter Edition purchases made before the August 20 cutoff. The exact process depends on platform and region.
PC refunds are being handled through the original payment method, while PlayStation and Xbox purchases are processed through their respective platform providers. Japan and Korea have separate procedures based on local requirements.
Previously owned content remains on the account. Players with payment, refund or account-specific questions can check Riot Games Support for the latest guidance.
The 2XKO Competitive Series continues through 2026
Riot's remaining Competitive Series schedule is continuing despite the end-of-year development decision.
Major and Challenger events will retain their planned support and prize money through the final Competitive Series event in November. That gives Riot another reason to avoid destabilizing the game with sweeping balance changes after patch 1.3.1.
Community organizers will still be able to hold online and offline 2XKO tournaments after 2026 under Riot's community competition rules.
2XKO's remaining 2026 roadmap
Riot has laid out the major dates between the Lux reveal and the possible final bug-fix update in December.
| Date | 2XKO update or event | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| September 3 | Lux gameplay reveal | Full gameplay look at 2XKO's next champion |
| September 8 | Patch 1.3.1 | Lux, final major balance update and major system changes |
| October 3-4 | First Attack | 2XKO Challenger event |
| October 9-11 | Evo France | 2XKO Major event |
| Late October | Patch 1.3.3 | Samira, 35 new skins and the final major content patch |
| November 21-22 | Battle Coliseum | 2XKO Major event |
| November 27-29 | MINDSET 2026 | 2XKO Challenger event |
| Early December, if required | Patch 1.3.5 | Optional update focused primarily on bug fixes |
Riot also highlighted the community around 2XKO
The patch preview was published as part of Riot's Weekend Warmup series and included a final spotlight on the fighting game community surrounding 2XKO.
Riot highlighted TNS 2XKO #44, which gave competitors an opportunity to face developers including GCYoshi13, yohosie, Koos and Combo Fiend. The event was scheduled for August 27, so its registration window has now passed.
The developers also highlighted FGC Holidays, the Spanish community's annual fighting game gathering, and its custom 2XKO trophy.
Frequently asked questions about 2XKO patch 1.3.1
When does 2XKO patch 1.3.1 release?
2XKO patch 1.3.1 is scheduled to release on September 8, 2026. Lux becomes playable with the update.
Are the full 2XKO patch 1.3.1 notes available yet?
No. Riot has published a detailed preview of patch 1.3.1, but the complete patch notes with exact balance values, individual move changes and bug fixes have not been released yet.
What is included in 2XKO patch 1.3.1?
Patch 1.3.1 includes Lux, major defensive and champion balance changes, new skins, two stages, up to 40-player Private lobbies, voice chat, the Ultimate Bundle, unlocked champions and significant changes to matchmaking and progression.
Is Lux coming to 2XKO in patch 1.3.1?
Yes. Lux releases with patch 1.3.1 on September 8. Her full gameplay reveal is scheduled for September 3.
What type of fighter is Lux in 2XKO?
Lux is an all-rounder with a straightforward game plan. Riot has confirmed strong normals, a fireball, a DP and an air dash, with additional advanced tools still to be revealed.
Is Senna getting buffed in patch 1.3.1?
Riot has confirmed that Senna needs help across skill levels and specifically identified her Base form special moves as underperforming. Exact buffs have not been revealed yet.
Which 2XKO champions are getting buffs?
Riot has specifically confirmed buffs for Yasuo, Darius, Teemo and Warwick to make their offensive outcomes more stable. Senna and Akali are also receiving changes focused on move diversity.
Is Ranked being removed from 2XKO?
Yes. Ranked lobbies will be disabled with patch 1.3.1. Casual matchmaking will continue to consider player skill, while Private lobbies remain available.
Will all 2XKO champions be unlocked?
Yes. All champions will be unlocked for every player in patch 1.3.1. Fuses will continue to be unlocked through tutorials.
How many players can join a 2XKO Private lobby?
The new large Private lobby option will support up to 40 players. Riot is also adding voice chat to Private lobbies.
How much does the 2XKO Ultimate Bundle cost?
The 2XKO Ultimate Bundle costs $39.99 in the United States, £33.99 in the United Kingdom and €39.99 in supported euro markets. It includes most cosmetic content available through Lux and will expand again with patch 1.3.3.
When does Samira release in 2XKO?
Samira is scheduled to release with patch 1.3.3 in late October 2026. Riot has not announced a specific day yet.
Is 2XKO shutting down after 2026?
No. Active development is ending after 2026, but Riot says 2XKO's servers will remain online and offline play will be unaffected. The game is also expected to remain available as a free download.
What to watch before 2XKO patch 1.3.1 releases
Patch 1.3.1 is shaping up to be much more than Lux's release update. It is Riot's final major competitive rebalance, a substantial expansion of Private lobbies and a restructuring of the systems that will remain around after active development ends.
The major unknowns are now the exact champion balance numbers, Lux's advanced mechanics, the full list of bug fixes and the teased changes to The Climb. Lux's September 3 gameplay reveal should answer some of those questions before the update arrives five days later.
The complete 2XKO patch 1.3.1 notes are expected closer to the September 8 release. Once they are available, the full numerical buffs, nerfs, system values and fixes will provide a clearer picture of how much the final major balance update changes competitive play.
Until then, this preview covers the confirmed roadmap. Further developments can be followed through RiftDaily's 2XKO coverage and broader gaming news as Riot approaches the final months of active development.
