2XKO Tops PlayStation Downloads at Launch
▼ Summary
– 2XKO’s full release last month had a softer launch than Riot Games hoped, but it performed well in PlayStation’s January 2026 free-to-play download charts.
– In the charts, 2XKO was the third-most downloaded free game in the US/Canada and tenth in Europe, beating major titles like Marvel Rivals and Call of Duty: Warzone.
– Despite this initial chart success, Riot Games has been quiet on player numbers and recently laid off nearly half of the game’s development team due to insufficient momentum.
– The layoffs indicate the game’s launch was not the roaring success Riot wanted, putting significant pressure on the remaining team to deliver results.
– The article contrasts this with Mortal Kombat 1’s reappearance on a top PS5 sales list, while noting the future for 2XKO remains uncertain.
The recent PlayStation download charts for January 2026 reveal a notable achievement for Riot Games’ new fighting title, 2XKO, which secured a top-three spot among free-to-play games in North America shortly after its release. Despite launching in the final third of the month, the game outperformed established heavyweights like Marvel Rivals, Rocket League, and Call of Duty: Warzone on the platform. This initial surge in player interest provides a glimmer of positive data for the 2v2 brawler set in the League of Legends universe, though the broader picture for the game appears more complex.
Sony’s regional charts place 2XKO as the third most-downloaded free title in the United States and Canada, while it ranked tenth in the European market. The North American top ten list for the month was led by Fortnite and Roblox, with Riot’s fighter taking the bronze position. This early traction demonstrates significant consumer curiosity and a successful initial outreach to the PlayStation audience. However, the separation of free-to-play titles in Sony’s reporting means the game’s performance isn’t reflected in the overall, all-encompassing downloads chart, which often includes major premium releases.
This chart success stands in contrast to other signals from Riot Games. The developer has been conspicuously quiet regarding specific player counts or engagement metrics, which industry observers often interpret as a sign that results may have fallen short of internal expectations. More starkly, Riot announced significant layoffs affecting nearly half of the 2XKO development team, citing that the project’s “overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed” to sustain the original team size. Such a substantial reduction so soon after launch suggests the initial download spike may not have translated into the sustained, robust player base the company was banking on.
The situation draws an inevitable, if cautious, comparison to other high-profile platform fighters. MultiVersus, for instance, also topped PlayStation charts during its own launch month in 2024 but was subsequently shut down a year later after failing to maintain its audience. The challenge for 2XKO’s now-smaller team will be to build upon its promising launch window download numbers and foster a committed, long-term community to avoid a similar fate. They will undoubtedly be under increased pressure to deliver compelling post-launch content and updates to retain players.
Elsewhere in the fighting game scene on PlayStation, NetherRealm Studios saw a resurgence for its flagship series. Mortal Kombat 1 reappeared in the top 20 PS5 games list, likely boosted by promotions for its Definitive Edition. Meanwhile, the older Mortal Kombat X held strong at eighth place on the PS4 charts in North America, proving the enduring appeal of the franchise. A clearer financial picture for 2XKO may emerge from future Circana (formerly NPD) reports, though Riot has a history of not sharing its digital sales data with that analytics firm. For now, the game’s future hinges on its ability to convert its strong initial download numbers into lasting player engagement and revenue.
(Source: Event Hubs)
