Marvel vs. Riot: Which Fighting Game Will Dominate the Esports Scene?
Get ready to tag in. Marvel Tōkon and 2XKO are about to shake up the FGC.
Two of the most anticipated fighting games of the year are stepping into the ring—Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls and 2XKO. Both are gearing up for closed beta tests in early September, and the esports community is watching closely.
With free-to-play models, tag-based mechanics, and deep roots in competitive gaming culture, these titles could be shaping the next big wave in the FGC (Fighting Game Community). If you’re eyeing your next competitive main, here’s what you need to know before diving into their betas.
🧪 Beta Test Breakdown: Dates, Access, and Goals
Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls
- Beta Dates: September 5–7 (2-day access)
- Playable Characters: Eight confirmed – Spider-Man, Storm, Doctor Doom, Captain America, Iron Man, Ms. Marvel, Star-Lord, and Ghost Rider.
- Beta Focus: Game balance testing, regional performance feedback
- Developer: Arc System Works
- Release Window: 2026
2XKO
- Beta Start: September 9 – runs until full release
- Playable Characters: TBA – based on League of Legends champions
- Beta Focus: Gameplay polish, player feedback loop
- Developer: Riot Games
- Release Window: End of 2025 (unconfirmed)
⚔️ Gameplay at a Glance
Both titles are team-based fighters but take different approaches:
- 2XKO leans on 2v2 tag-team combat, with individual health bars per character. Its mechanics are inspired by League of Legends, integrating champion abilities into fighting game form.
- Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls goes bigger with a 4v4 tag system and a shared team health bar, creating faster-paced action and strategic switching. It’s visually reminiscent of Marvel vs. Capcom, with the crisp style and technical depth Arc System Works is known for.
🛠️ Development Histories: New Blood vs. Proven Experts
2XKO has been quietly cooking for years. Originally born from Rising Thunder—a canceled project by Radiant Entertainment—Riot Games absorbed the studio in 2016 and repurposed its tech. That heritage is now emerging under the 2XKO name, set within the LoL universe.
In contrast, Marvel Tōkon was only announced in June 2025, but it’s already content-complete. Arc System Works is no stranger to the genre, having led major titles like Guilty Gear, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and BlazBlue. Fans of Arc’s previous games will immediately feel at home with Tōkon’s kinetic pace and complex mechanics.
🥊 Esports Implications: Which One Has More Competitive Potential?
Both games are eyeing long-term spots in the competitive scene—and both have the pedigree to back it up.
2XKO has the Riot Games infrastructure behind it. With Riot’s dominance in LoL and VALORANT, it’s almost guaranteed that 2XKO will be groomed for esports integration—think structured circuits, team branding, and LAN-scale competition. Expect polished netcode, high production values, and major event support.
Marvel Tōkon, meanwhile, brings ArcSys’ tournament credibility and Marvel’s global brand power. The shared health bar mechanic and tight combo system could lead to high-octane matches that are perfect for live events. While its full esports roadmap hasn’t been revealed, the FGC roots are strong here.
⚖️ Which One Should You Try First?
If you’re choosing between the betas:
- Go for 2XKO if you’re a League of Legends fan, like 2v2-style fighters, or want to get a head start on a title likely to become a long-term esports staple.
- Try Marvel Tōkon if you love Marvel characters, enjoy ArcSys fighters, or want to explore a new team format that breaks away from traditional fighting game structures.
Of course, if you’ve got the time, sign up for both. These aren’t just test phases—they’re sneak peeks at what could become the next big names in competitive fighting games.
📌 Conclusion: A New Era for Tag-Based Fighters?
Whether it’s the rich lore of Runeterra or the star-studded Marvel universe, both 2XKO and Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls are aiming high. Their upcoming betas will offer the first real glimpse of how they’ll perform under pressure—and how they might fit into the evolving esports meta alongside titles like Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6.
One thing’s clear: these aren’t just one-off experiments. With serious dev teams, strong IPs, and growing competitive interest, both games are fighting for long-term relevance. Let the battle begin.
🔍 FAQs
How do I sign up for Marvel Tōkon’s closed beta?
Visit the official registration page [linked here].
When is the Marvel Tōkon beta live?
The beta runs from September 5–7, with limited access.
Which characters are in the Marvel Tōkon beta?
You’ll be able to play as Doctor Doom, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Storm, Captain America, Ms. Marvel, Ghost Rider, and Star-Lord.
What is 2XKO?
2XKO is Riot Games’ first fighting game, set in the LoL universe with champion-based mechanics.
When is 2XKO releasing?
A final release date hasn’t been confirmed, but it’s expected by the end of 2025.
