2XKO is built around teams, but you can absolutely play one‑on‑one. In 1v1, each player still picks a duo and controls both champions — you’ll tag, call assists, and manage two health bars yourself. Here’s how to start a solo match locally or online, and how to pick a duo that holds up when it’s just you on the sticks.

2XKO 1v1 options at a glance

Option Where you start Online or local How it works
Local Versus Main Menu → Versus Local Each side picks two champions; both are controlled by a single player. Set rules, then start match.
Private lobby challenge Main Menu → Play → Private Online (friend) Create a lobby ID, invite a friend, ensure both are solo (not in a duo), then challenge to begin a 1v1.
Public lobby direct challenge Main Menu → Play → Casual (public lobby) Online (anyone) Walk up to a player, press Interact, choose Challenge; both get routed to a cabinet for a 1v1.

Start a local 1v1 in Versus mode

This is the fastest path to a duel if you’re on the same system or want an offline session.

  • Select Versus from the main menu.
  • Pick your duo. You’ll control both champions in the match.
  • Adjust rules if the screen allows (rounds, timer, stage preference).
  • Start the fight.

Even in 1v1, the game plays like a tag fighter — swap characters to protect health, call assists to cover gaps, and manage meter across your team.

Host an online 1v1 with a friend (private lobby)

Private lobbies are best when you want a controlled space without public matchmaking.

  • From the main menu, go to Play → Private.
  • Enter a lobby ID and create the lobby, then share that ID with your friend.
  • Both players join the same private lobby using the ID.
  • Important: Make sure neither of you is paired as a duo; duo parties will place you on the same team.
  • Approach your friend’s avatar, press the Interact button, and choose Challenge to route to a cabinet and start the match.

Private lobbies also include training cabinets if you want to warm up before playing.

Challenge someone for a quick 1v1 in a public lobby

If you prefer spontaneous duels, jump into a public lobby and pick your opponent.

  • Go to Play → Casual to enter the public lobby.
  • Walk up to any player avatar, press Interact, and select Challenge.
  • On acceptance, both of you will be assigned to a cabinet to play a 1v1 (each controlling a duo).

Public lobbies also support random matchmaking via the Find a Match button. When a match is found, the target cabinet flashes yellow and plays a distinct sound — you have roughly 30 seconds to reach it and press Join Cabinet, or you’ll be dropped from the queue.

Pick a duo that works in 1v1

In a solo duel, your team has to do everything: approach, pressure, defense, and conversions. Build around clear, complementary jobs.

  • Pair complementary kits. One character can focus on direct engagements while the other supplies strong assists for cover or combo routes.
  • Define roles early. A straightforward brawler as your point can carry neutral, while your second offers reliable buffs, setup, or safe tags.
  • Swap proactively. Don’t let your point get bled out — tag to preserve a life lead or to reset pressure with healthier tools.
  • Lean on fundamentals. Consistent confirms, spacing, and defense win more 1v1s than risky, long routes you can’t land under pressure.

Run a tight match flow

The core rhythm doesn’t change in 1v1: you still have assists, tags, and meter to juggle — you just make every decision yourself.

  • Assist calls extend pressure or protect approaches; avoid calling them raw in neutral unless they’re safe.
  • Tags save health and refresh options; look for safe windows (knockdowns, projectile cover, or after plus frames) to avoid getting punished.
  • Meter should serve guaranteed damage or a decisive momentum shift; avoid spending on low‑odds reversals without a read.

Avoid these common 1v1 snags

Issue What’s happening Fix
You keep getting queued as teammates One or both players are partied as a duo Leave the duo party before issuing a direct Challenge
You miss your online match start Lobby matchmaking uses a cabinet with a short join timer Head to the highlighted cabinet immediately and press Join Cabinet within the timer window
Your friend can’t enter your lobby Lobby ID or region mismatch Double‑check the lobby ID and ensure both players are in the same region and on the current game version

When to use each 1v1 route

  • Local Versus: best for offline sets, labs, or on‑site events; zero network variables.
  • Private lobby: best for scheduled sets with friends, tournaments, or practice blocks with rematches on tap.
  • Public challenge: best for quick tests, matchup reps, or scouting different playstyles without queue randomness.

Whether you’re running sets on a couch or calling out a rival in the lobby, 1v1 in 2XKO is straightforward: pick Versus for local, use private lobbies for controlled online matches, or issue a direct challenge in public spaces. Treat your duo like a complete toolkit, tag to protect your lead, and let solid spacing and confirms carry the set.