OVERVIEW
The Tag button is the most important button in 2XKO — and the most misused. Assists, swaps, and Handshake Tags are three different tools sharing one button, and knowing which one a moment calls for is what separates duos from two solo players sharing a screen.
TJ’s Tip
If you only use Tag when you’re in trouble, your opponent already knows your pattern. The best tags are the boring ones — mid-pressure, mid-combo, planned in advance.
THE THREE TAG ACTIONS
One button, three tools:
- Assist (tap) — partner attacks and leaves. Covers your approach, extends combos, interrupts pressure.
- Swap (hold) — partner becomes your point character. Heals gray health on the resting champion.
- Handshake Tag (during combo) — mid-combo character switch that keeps the juggle going. Your Fuse determines how many you get.
TAG ON DEFENSE
Defensive tagging is the highest-skill part of the system: a well-timed swap escapes the corner, but a predictable one hands your opponent a free combo on the incoming character.
- Never tag at the same point in blockstrings twice in a row
- Incoming characters can be anti-aired — vary your entry timing
- Save one assist for anti-pressure: it’s your combo breaker
BUILDING TAG SYNERGY
Good duos are built around assist coverage: a zoner assist covers a brawler’s approach; a launcher assist extends a grappler’s damage. When picking duos, ask: what does my assist do for my point character’s weakest moment?
Every character guide on this site includes a Team Composition section with proven duo pairings.