2XKO uses standard directional inputs for movement: up (↑), down (↓), back (←), and forward (→). For offensive inputs, the game uses light (L), medium (M), and heavy (H) attacks. Some of these moves can be modified with directional inputs to perform specialized attacks such as cross-ups or anti-air. Each champion has a range of special moves that can performed with the S1 or S2 buttons. Inputting down (↓) down (↓) + S1 OR S2 spends 1 bar of meter and activates one of two level 1 ultimates, while down (↓) down (↓) + S1 AND S2 spends 2 bars of meters and activates their level 2 ultimate, a stronger and more cinematic ultimate.
 
For defensive options, inputting down (↓) or down-back (↙) buttons blocks incoming attacks. Inputting back (←) + L and M performs a pushblock, a block that pushes nearby champions across the screen. Inputting forward (→) + L and M performs retreating guard, which cancels a back dash while blocking. Inputting L + H performs parry at the cost of 1 bar of meter, successfully parrying an attack stuns the attacking champion and refunds the meter cost. Inputting down (↓) while parrying modifies it into a low parry.
 

  
2XKO is an assist-based fighter where players choose two champions: the Point and the Assist. The Point is the player's primary champion and performs a majority of the actions, while the Assist is a secondary champion that can be summoned to aid their Point in combat. Champions are interchangeable between Point and Assist. All Tag Systems revolve around the T button.
 
Assists aid their Points with tag systems, actions unique to Assists when summoned. There are three types of tag systems: Assist Actions, Handshake Tag, and Dynamic Save. Assist Actions are special abilities unique to each champion, every champion has 2 Assist Actions they can perform from off-screen. Assist Actions are performed with either forward (→) + T or back (←) + T. Holding T while performing an Assist Action turns it into a Charge Assist. Handshake Tag allows the Point and Assist champions to swap roles as long as they are both on-screen. It can be comboed with Assist Actions. Inputting S1 or S2 + T performs Dynamic Save, the combo breaker mechanic of the game, summoning the Assist in an attempt to save the Point and can dirupt any combos being performed on them. Dynamic Save can still be performed even if the other champion is K.O'd.
 

 
Fuse Systems are passive buffs that affect both champions. They can be selected in champion select. Known Fuses include: Fury, gain bonus and a dash cancel when below 40% health; Freestyle, enables 2 Handshake Tags in 1 sequence; Down Down, combos both champion's level 1 ultimates; and 2x Assist, which allows you to perform 2 back-to-back assist actions.
 

 
When a character is being juggled (comboed in the air) in this game, there's a counter of how many consecutive hits occurred in the air, below the combo meter. This looks near identical to Rising Thunder's juggle counter, except without a number stating the maximum juggle. In Rising Thunder, when this counter was filled up, the player being juggled became invincible briefly and fell to the ground. Something similar was seen in the gameplay where this meter was seen, where Katarina fell towards the ground after being shot in the air by Jinx, but this could be a completely different mechanic in play.