2XKO Pulse Combos: How They Work & When to Turn Them Off

2XKO Pulse Combos are a built-in assist mechanic that automatically triggers a partner assist during a combo when you press the assist button, and you should turn them off in the game’s settings if you want full manual control over your assist calls. This guide explains the mechanic, how to use it, and when disabling it improves your play.

What Are Pulse Combos?

In 2XKO, the tag-team fighting game from Riot Games, a Pulse Combo is a specific type of combo that uses your partner character to extend a combo automatically. When you press the assist button during a combo, your partner performs a pre-set sequence of attacks. This is different from a manual assist call, where you press the button and your partner does a single attack. Pulse Combos are designed to be easy to execute and are often used by beginners to get extra damage without learning complex input sequences.

How Pulse Combos Work

To trigger a Pulse Combo, you need to have both characters alive and your assist meter (the bar under your health) at least partially filled. When you press the assist button (default is the right trigger on a gamepad) during a combo, the game automatically performs a sequence of moves with your partner. The exact sequence depends on which character is your partner and where you are in your combo. For example, if you are playing with Jin as your point character and you call assist during a specific hit, your partner might come in with a launcher, allowing you to continue the combo in the air.

The key point is that Pulse Combos are deterministic: the same input in the same situation will always produce the same sequence. This makes them reliable but also predictable. They are not a replacement for learning manual combos, but they are a great starting point.

When to Use Pulse Combos

Pulse Combos are most useful in the following situations:

• Learning the game: If you are new to fighting games or 2XKO, Pulse Combos let you deal decent damage without needing to memorize long combo strings.
• Pressure situations: When you are under pressure and need a quick damage boost, a Pulse Combo can be a safer option than trying a complex manual combo that you might drop.
• Corner carry: Some Pulse Combos are designed to carry the opponent to the corner, which can set up a more advantageous position.

However, they are not always optimal. In high-level play, players often prefer manual combos because they can be customized to the situation, do more damage, or leave the opponent in a worse position.

When to Turn Them Off

You should consider turning off Pulse Combos if you fall into any of these categories:

• You are learning manual combos: Pulse Combos can become a crutch. Turning them off forces you to learn proper combo routes, which will ultimately make you a better player.
• You want more control: If you want to call your assist at a specific time to extend a combo in a way that the preset Pulse Combo doesn’t allow, you need to turn them off. Manual assist calls are more flexible.
• You are playing a character with unique assist properties: Some characters have assists that are more useful in specific situations. The preset Pulse Combo might not use the assist in the most effective way.
• You are experiencing input issues: If you find that Pulse Combos are triggering when you don’t want them to, or if they are interfering with your manual inputs, turning them off can remove that frustration.

To turn them off, go to the game’s settings menu, then to the "Controls" or "Gameplay" section, and look for an option called "Pulse Combo" or "Assist Combo." Set it to "Off".

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

A common misconception is that Pulse Combos are the only way to use your assist. This is false. You can still manually call your assist by pressing the assist button without being in a combo. Pulse Combos are just an automated sequence that triggers when you press the button during a combo.

Another mistake is thinking that Pulse Combos are always the best option. They are not. They often do less damage than a well-executed manual combo, and they can be predictable. If your opponent knows when you are going to use a Pulse Combo, they can punish it.

Finally, some players think that turning off Pulse Combos will make the game harder. It will, but only because you will need to learn manual combos. That is a good thing if you want to improve.

Pulse Combos vs. Manual Combos

Here is a quick comparison:

• Execution difficulty: Pulse Combos are easy; manual combos require practice.
• Damage: Manual combos generally do more damage, especially if you optimize them.
• Flexibility: Manual combos allow you to adapt to the situation (e.g., carry to corner, set up a mix-up). Pulse Combos are fixed.
• Predictability: Pulse Combos are predictable; manual combos can be varied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Pulse Combos consume assist meter?

Yes, Pulse Combos consume a portion of your assist meter. The exact amount depends on the character and the length of the combo. You need at least one bar to trigger a Pulse Combo.

Can I cancel a Pulse Combo?

No, once a Pulse Combo starts, it plays out its full sequence. You cannot cancel it. This is why it is important to know when to use them, because if you trigger it at a bad time, you are committed.

Do Pulse Combos work with any character pair?

Yes, Pulse Combos are available for all character pairings. However, the specific sequence of moves will vary depending on which character is your partner. Some pairings have more useful Pulse Combos than others.

Will turning off Pulse Combos affect my ability to use assists?

No, turning off Pulse Combos only disables the automatic combo sequence. You will still be able to manually call your assist by pressing the assist button. The assist will just do its normal single attack.

Are Pulse Combos considered a beginner mechanic?

Yes, they are designed to be beginner-friendly. But that doesn’t mean they are useless for advanced players. Some advanced players use them in specific situations, like when they need a quick damage boost and don’t have time to set up a manual combo.

Can I customize the Pulse Combo sequence?

No, the Pulse Combo sequence is fixed for each character pair. You cannot change the moves that your partner performs. If you want different behavior, you need to use manual assists.

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