Hey there, fellow fighting game enthusiast! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been diving deep into Riot Games’ latest creation, 2XKO, and wondering about all the different fuse systems available. Today, I’m going to break down everything you need to know about the Sidekick system – one of the most unique and interesting fuse options in the game.
When I first started playing 2XKO, I was honestly overwhelmed by all the different fuse choices. But after spending countless hours in training mode and competitive matches, I’ve really come to appreciate what the Sidekick system brings to the table. Let me walk you through it step by step!
What Exactly is the Sidekick Fuse?
The Sidekick fuse is one of five available fuse systems in 2XKO, and it’s designed for players who want to focus on mastering a single character while still maintaining some team synergy. Unlike other fuses that enhance your tag team mechanics, Sidekick actually restricts your ability to switch characters but gives you some pretty sweet benefits in return.
I remember when I first tried the Sidekick fuse – I was skeptical about giving up my ability to tag, but after a few matches, I was hooked. There’s something really satisfying about focusing all your attention on one character while still having that assist support available.
How the Sidekick System Works?
Let me break down the core mechanics of the Sidekick system for you:
The Basic Setup
When you choose the Sidekick fuse, you’re essentially committing to playing with just one character throughout the match. Your second character (the assist) can’t be tagged in or controlled directly, but they’re not completely useless either. Here’s what changes:
What You Lose:
- Quick Tag functionality
- Handshake Tag options
- Tag Launcher moves
- The ability to switch characters mid-match
What You Keep:
- All assist calls (including Super Assist and Push Assist)
- Break mechanics
- Your assist character can still help you out, they just can’t become the active character
When I first made the switch to Sidekick, I was worried about losing my tag options, but I found that the benefits more than make up for it. It forces you to really learn your main character inside and out, which has actually made me a better player overall.
The Damage Reduction Mechanic
One of the coolest features of the Sidekick system is the damage reduction mechanic. Here’s how it works: when you’re about to be hit by an attack, you can press Light, Medium, or Heavy attack at the exact moment of impact to reduce the incoming damage. If you time it correctly, your character will flash blue, and you’ll take less damage.
I’ll be honest – this took me a while to master. At first, I was just mashing buttons hoping for the best, but once I got the timing down, it became second nature. It’s such a satisfying feeling when you see that blue flash and know you’ve just saved yourself from taking a ton of damage!
All Sidekick Fuse Benefits Explained
Now let’s dive into the real meat of why you might want to choose the Sidekick fuse. The benefits are pretty substantial, and they can completely change how you approach matches.
Enhanced Health and Defense
The Sidekick fuse gives you some serious defensive advantages:
- +20% Max HP: You start each round with 20% more health than normal
- 25% Damage Reduction: When your health falls below 500 HP, you take 25% less damage from all attacks
This is huge! I’ve had so many matches where I was able to clutch out a win thanks to that extra health buffer. The damage reduction when you’re low on health can be a real game-changer too. I remember one particular match where I was down to my last pixel of health, but the damage reduction kicked in, and I managed to make an epic comeback.
Meter Management Advantages
The Sidekick system really shakes up how you manage your super meter:
- Start with 2 Bars: Instead of the usual 1 bar, you begin each round with 2 bars of meter
- Maximum 5 Bars: Your meter can now go up to 5 bars instead of the standard 3
This gives you so much more flexibility with your super usage. I love being able to start the round with enough meter for a super or to have that extra buffer for defensive options. Having 5 bars maximum means you can really go wild with super combos in the late game.
Fury Break Access
Unlike some other fuses, the Sidekick gives you access to Fury Break from the start of each match. However, unlike the Juggernaut fuse, you need to recharge it normally – it doesn’t automatically refresh every round.
Fury Break is a more powerful version of the standard Break move, and it activates the Fury state for your character. If you manage to stun your opponent while in Fury state, they’ll wall bounce, opening up some seriously nasty combo opportunities that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
Super Canceling System
Here’s where things get really interesting: with the Sidekick fuse, you can cancel your Special 1 and Special 2 supers into your assist character’s Special 1 and Special 2 supers. This creates some amazing combo possibilities that just aren’t available with other fuse systems.
I’ve spent hours in training mode figuring out the optimal super cancel routes for my main character, and let me tell you, the damage output can be absolutely insane. It’s like having access to a whole new level of combo creativity.
Charged Assist System
The Sidekick fuse introduces a charged assist mechanic that’s pretty unique. Instead of just tapping the assist button for a quick call, you can hold it down to make your assist character run across the screen toward your opponent. When you release the button, they’ll perform their assist action.
This is fantastic for controlling space and setting up cross-ups. I love using this to apply pressure from fullscreen or to catch my opponent off guard with unexpected assist timing. It adds a whole new layer of strategy to your assist game.
Sidekick vs Other Fuses: When Should You Use It?
Now that we’ve covered all the mechanics, let’s talk about when the Sidekick fuse is the right choice for you.
Sidekick vs Juggernaut
A lot of people compare Sidekick to Juggernaut since both fuses focus on single-character play, but they’re actually quite different:
| Feature | Sidekick | Juggernaut |
|---|---|---|
| Character Control | One main + assist support | One character only |
| Assist Options | Full assist access | Break only |
| Fury Break | Available but needs recharge | Available every round |
| Meter System | Start with 2 bars, max 5 | Start with 2 bars, max 5 |
| Special Features | Charged assists, damage reduction | Eject move, super cancels |
I find that Sidekick is more versatile because you still get to use your assist character for pressure and combos, while Juggernaut is more of a “lone wolf” approach.
Sidekick vs Standard Fuses
Compared to the more standard fuses like 2X Assist or Double Down, Sidekick offers a completely different playstyle. Those fuses enhance your tag team mechanics, while Sidekick simplifies things by focusing on one character.
I recommend trying Sidekick if:
- You want to master a single character
- You like having defensive options
- You enjoy creative combo possibilities with super cancels
- You want to focus on fundamentals without worrying about tag mechanics
You might want to stick with other fuses if:
- You love the complexity of tag team mechanics
- You want maximum versatility in character switching
- You prefer aggressive, rushdown playstyles
Advanced Sidekick Strategies
Once you’ve got the basics down, there are some advanced strategies that can really make your Sidekick play shine.
Meter Management
With up to 5 bars of meter and the ability to start with 2, you need to be smart about how you use your resources. Here’s my personal approach:
Early Game (Round Start):
- Save meter for defensive options unless you have a clear opening
- Use your starting 2 bars wisely – they can make or break the round
Mid Game:
- Look for opportunities to use super cancels for big damage
- Keep at least 1 bar in reserve for Break/Fury Break
Late Game:
- Go wild with your meter when you have 4-5 bars
- Use super cancel combos to close out rounds
Assist Pressure
The charged assist system is one of the most underrated aspects of Sidekick. I like to use it to:
- Control screen space from fullscreen
- Set up ambiguous cross-up situations
- Extend combos in ways that aren’t possible with other fuses
Try holding the assist button while your opponent is waking up from a knockdown – the timing can be really tricky to block!
Defense and Survival
With your enhanced health and damage reduction, you can afford to be more patient defensively. I’ve found that:
- The extra 20% HP gives you more room for error
- The damage reduction below 500 HP can turn losing situations into wins
- The damage reduction mechanic (pressing attack buttons when hit) can save you from devastating combos
2025 Common Mistakes to Avoid
When I first started using Sidekick, I made plenty of mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
Overextending
It’s easy to get overconfident with your extra health and defensive options. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve gotten reckless because I thought I could tank anything, only to get punished hard.
Remember: the benefits help you survive, but they don’t make you invincible. Play smart!
Neglecting Your Assist
Just because you can’t tag in your second character doesn’t mean they’re useless. I’ve seen too many Sidekick players completely forget about their assist, missing out on huge damage and pressure opportunities.
Your assist is still a powerful tool – use it!
Poor Meter Management
Having up to 5 bars can make you feel like you have infinite resources, but that’s not the case. I’ve burned through my meter too quickly many times, leaving myself vulnerable when I really needed it.
Be strategic with your meter usage, especially in the early rounds.
Is Sidekick Right for You?
After spending so much time with the Sidekick system, I can honestly say it’s one of the most well-designed fuses in 2XKO. But is it right for you? Here’s my take:
Choose Sidekick if:
- You want to focus on mastering one character
- You like having strong defensive options
- You enjoy creative combo systems
- You want to simplify the game while maintaining depth
Consider other fuses if:
- You love the complexity of tag team mechanics
- You want maximum versatility in your playstyle
- You prefer aggressive, rushdown approaches
- You’re just starting out and want to learn the basics first
Personally, I’ve found that the Sidekick fuse has made me a better overall player. By forcing me to focus on one character, I’ve developed a much deeper understanding of their matchups, combos, and neutral game.
FAQ: Sidekick System in 2XKO
Can I still use assists with the Sidekick fuse?
Yes! You can still use all assist types including Super Assist and Push Assist. Your assist character just can’t be tagged in or become the active character.
How does the damage reduction mechanic work?
Press Light, Medium, or Heavy attack at the exact moment you’re hit to reduce incoming damage. Your character will flash blue when successful.
H3: What’s the difference between Sidekick and Juggernaut?
Sidekick allows you to use assists and has charged assist mechanics, while Juggernaut removes all team mechanics except Break and gives you different special moves like Eject.
Do I keep my extra health between rounds?
No, the +20% max HP is applied at the start of each round, but it doesn’t carry over between rounds.
Can I use Fury Break every round with Sidekick?
Unlike Juggernaut, Sidekick’s Fury Break needs to be recharged normally and isn’t automatically available at the start of every round.
Is Sidekick good for beginners?
It can be! Sidekick simplifies the game by focusing on one character, which can help beginners learn fundamentals without being overwhelmed by tag mechanics.
What characters work best with Sidekick?
Characters with strong neutral games and good solo combo potential tend to work well. Experiment to find what suits your playstyle!
Can I switch fuses mid-match?
No, you must choose your fuse before the match starts and cannot change it during the match.
Final Thoughts
The Sidekick system in 2XKO is a brilliant piece of game design. It offers a unique playstyle that’s different from anything else in the game, while still maintaining the depth and complexity that fighting game fans crave.
Whether you’re a veteran player looking to try something new or a beginner wanting to focus on fundamentals, the Sidekick fuse has something to offer. The defensive benefits, meter advantages, and creative combo possibilities make it a viable choice at all levels of play.
I encourage you to give it a try in training mode first – spend some time getting comfortable with the mechanics, experiment with different characters, and see how it feels. You might just find your new main fuse!
What do you think about the Sidekick system? Have you tried it in your matches? I’d love to hear about your experiences and any strategies you’ve discovered. Drop a comment below and let’s discuss!
Looking for more fighting game content? Check out our gaming guides section for tips on other popular titles, or dive into our Firstborn beginner guide if you’re looking for your next gaming adventure!
Bookmark this page for future updates on 2XKO mechanics and meta changes as the game continues to evolve in 2025!