Tag System Complete Guide
The Tag System is the core mechanic that defines 2XKO's 2v2 gameplay. Mastering when and how to switch between characters is essential for high-level play.
Tag System Overview
In 2XKO, you control a team of two characters. The Tag System allows you to switch between them dynamically during combat. Understanding the three tag types - Hard Tag, Soft Tag (Assist), and Tag Burst - is fundamental to team coordination.
Tag Types Explained
Hard Tag
Hold Tag ButtonFull character swap that takes your current character off-screen. Your partner enters fresh with their assist on cooldown.
Properties
- Full character switch
- Active character leaves screen
- Partner assist goes on cooldown
- Point character recovers health over time
- Invulnerable during tag animation
When to Use
- Switch when point character is low on health
- Bring in a fresh character with better matchup
- Allow point character to recover red health
- Change gameplay style mid-round
Soft Tag
Tap Tag ButtonQuick assist call that brings your partner in momentarily. They perform their assist attack and return to standby.
Properties
- Partner enters briefly
- Performs assist attack
- Returns to standby automatically
- Individual assist cooldown
- Can be hit during assist
When to Use
- Extend combos beyond normal limits
- Create pressure during blockstrings
- Cover unsafe moves
- Set up mix-up situations
Tag Burst
Tag during hitstun/blockstunDefensive tag that brings your partner in to interrupt enemy pressure. Costs super meter but provides invincibility.
Properties
- Costs 1 bar of meter
- Invincible during startup
- Partner enters with an attack
- Resets neutral
- Can be baited and punished
When to Use
- Escape pressure situations
- Break opponent combos
- Reset to neutral when overwhelmed
- Punish predictable pressure strings
Tag Combo Examples
Basic Tag Combo
Standard tag combo that switches characters mid-combo for extended damage.
Assist Extension
Use assist to extend combo while maintaining point character.
Double Tag Combo
Advanced combo using multiple tags for maximum damage. Requires excellent execution.
Optimal Tag Timing
| Situation | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| After Launcher (2H) | During opponent float | Most common tag point. Partner continues with ground combo. |
| After Special Move | During recovery | Tag to make unsafe specials safe or extend combos. |
| During Blockstring | After Heavy attack | Reset pressure with fresh character or create mix-ups. |
| On Defense | During gap in pressure | Tag burst to escape or hard tag to switch to better matchup. |
Advanced Tag Strategies
Health Management
Characters off-screen slowly recover "red health" (recoverable damage). Strategic tagging can save a character from elimination.
- • Tag out when at 30-40% health to maximize recovery
- • Red health recovers faster than you might expect
- • Don't wait until critical health - you may not survive the tag animation
Matchup Control
Use tags to optimize character matchups. Some characters perform better against specific archetypes.
- • Tag in rushdown against zoners who are cornered
- • Tag in grapplers against aggressive opponents
- • Use zoners to force opponents to approach
Common Tag Mistakes
- ✕Raw tagging in neutral
Never tag without cover. Opponents can react and punish predictable tags.
- ✕Wasting Tag Burst
Tag Burst costs meter. Don't use it for small damage - save it for combo escapes.
- ✕Ignoring assist cooldowns
Calling assist while on cooldown leaves you vulnerable. Track cooldowns carefully.
- ✕Tagging at critical health
If you're too low, one hit during the tag animation eliminates you. Tag earlier.