Hey there, fellow 2XKO enthusiast! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself staring at the screen in frustration when the game asks you to perform a “Launch OTG Reaction” three times in the advanced tutorials. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know to master this essential technique.
When I first started playing 2XKO, I treated the tutorials like a checklist—just something to get through so I could jump into real matches. But when I hit that final stage of Hit Reactions in the Offense Advanced Lessons, I was completely lost. The game expected me to remember how to perform a Launch OTG Reaction, and I had no clue what that even meant!
What Exactly is a Launch OTG Reaction?
Let me break this down for you in simple terms. “OTG” stands for “On The Ground” (though some fighting game veterans might call it “Off The Ground”—either way, you’re hitting opponents when they’re down). A Launch OTG Reaction is when you hit an opponent while they’re knocked down and launch them back into the air, extending your combo beyond what would normally be possible.
I remember when I finally understood this concept—it was like a lightbulb went off in my head! Instead of combos ending when my opponent hit the ground, I could keep the pressure going and deal even more damage. It’s a game-changer, literally!
Why Launch OTG Reactions Matter in 2XKO?
Before we dive into the how-to, let me tell you why mastering this technique is so important. When I started incorporating Launch OTG Reactions into my gameplay, I noticed several immediate improvements:
Extended Combo Potential
The most obvious benefit is being able to extend your combos. Regular combos might end when your opponent hits the ground, but OTG moves let you pick them up and keep the party going. I’ve gone from simple 5-hit combos to devastating 15+ hit sequences that leave my opponents wondering what hit them!
Increased Damage Output
More hits mean more damage—it’s that simple. When I first started using OTG extensions, my damage output increased by nearly 30% in some matches. That can be the difference between winning and losing a close match, especially in ranked play.
Psychological Pressure
Here’s something I learned from experience: when opponents know you can hit them while they’re knocked down, it messes with their heads. They can’t relax during knockdowns because they know you might continue the combo. I’ve seen opponents panic and make mistakes just from the threat of an OTG follow-up.
Meter Building
Extended combos mean more hits, which translates to more super meter and break meter. I’ve found myself getting access to my super moves much faster when I incorporate OTG extensions into my combos.
The Basic Launch OTG Reaction with Vi
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! While multiple characters in 2XKO have OTG capabilities, Vi is the perfect character to learn this technique with. Her Crater Maker move is straightforward and teaches you the fundamental timing you’ll need.
Step 1: Understanding Vi’s Key Moves
Before attempting the Launch OTG Reaction, you need to understand Vi’s essential moves:
- Forward + Heavy Attack: This is Vi’s forward heavy normal, and it’s your setup move. It has good range and causes a knockdown on hit, setting up the perfect opportunity for an OTG follow-up.
- Down + Special 2 (Crater Maker): This is Vi’s signature OTG move. According to the official 2XKO champion page, Crater Maker “Can Hit Off The Ground,” making it perfect for this technique.
Step 2: The Basic Launch OTG Combo
Here’s exactly how I perform Vi’s Launch OTG Reaction:
- Start with Forward + Heavy Attack: Begin by inputting Forward + Heavy (or 6H in fighting game notation). This move will knock your opponent down, setting them up for the OTG. I like to think of this as “introducing my opponent to the ground.”
- Immediately Follow with Down + Special 2: While the enemy is in their knockdown animation but BEFORE they become invincible (which happens during their wake-up animation), input Down + Special 2 (2S2). This is Vi’s Crater Maker.
- Timing is Everything: The key to success is timing your Crater Maker to hit during the brief window when the opponent is on the ground but not yet invincible. If you’re too early, you might whiff. If you’re too late, the opponent will be invincible and your attack will pass through them.
Step 3: Visual Confirmation
When you perform this correctly, you’ll see:
- Vi perform her Crater Maker animation (she punches the ground, creating that awesome crater effect with lightning)
- The opponent launch up from the ground instead of staying down
- In tutorial mode, the “Launch OTG Reaction” counter will increase
- The combo counter will continue, indicating the combo is still active
My Personal Tips for Mastering the Timing
When I was first learning this, I struggled with the timing. Here are some tips that helped me get it right:
Start Slow and Deliberate
I know it’s tempting to go full speed, but trust me on this one—start slow. Go into training mode and practice the combo at half speed if possible. Once you can consistently land it slowly, gradually increase your speed.
Use Button Mashing as a Learning Tool
While button mashing isn’t the most elegant solution, it can help you get the feel for the timing. I would mash the Down + Special 2 input immediately after landing the Forward + Heavy attack. Once I started getting consistent results, I focused on cleaning up the timing.
Watch the Opponent’s Animation
Pay close attention to your opponent’s knockdown animation. You want to hit them during the brief window when they’re on the ground but not yet invincible. I found that watching the animation rather than just trying to memorize the timing helped me understand when to execute the move.
Advanced Launch OTG Reaction Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic Launch OTG Reaction with Vi, you can explore more advanced applications. I’ve spent countless hours in training mode figuring these out, and I’m excited to share them with you!
Different Character Applications
While Vi is the most straightforward example, other characters in 2XKO also have OTG capabilities:
- Air OTG Moves: Some characters have air versions of their OTG moves. For Vi, both the ground and air versions of Crater Maker can hit off the ground, giving you more flexibility in your combo routes.
- Hyper Crater Maker: Vi’s super version of Crater Maker (Hyper Crater Maker) also has OTG properties and can be used in more advanced combo sequences, though it costs super meter. I save this for clutch moments when I need that extra damage.
- Assist OTG: Vi’s Crater Maker Assist can also hit off the ground, making it valuable for tag team combos where your point character knocks down and you call Vi as an assist to continue the combo. This is one of my favorite strategies in 2v2 matches!
Combo Extensions and Routes
Once you land the Launch OTG Reaction, you have several options for extending your combo:
- Basic Air Combo: After launching with OTG, you can typically follow up with standard air combos like jumping light, medium, heavy attacks. This is the most reliable extension and what I recommend beginners start with.
- Special Move Enders: Many characters have special moves that work well as combo enders after an OTG launch, dealing additional damage and often providing good okizeme (wake-up) pressure.
- Super Meter Usage: If you have super meter available, you can often cancel into super moves after an OTG launch for massive damage. I’ve won many matches by saving my meter for these crucial moments.
- Tag Team Extensions: Since 2XKO is a 2v2 tag fighter, you can use the OTG launch as an opportunity to tag in your partner, resetting the combo scaling and allowing for even longer sequences. This is where the real damage potential shines!
Common Mistakes I See (And How to Avoid Them)
Through my journey of mastering Launch OTG Reactions, I’ve made plenty of mistakes. Here are the most common ones I see players making and how to avoid them:
1. Incorrect Timing
Mistake: Performing the OTG move too early or too late. Solution: Pay close attention to the opponent’s knockdown animation. You want to hit them during the brief window when they’re on the ground but not yet invincible. In training mode, slow down the game speed if possible to get a better feel for the timing.
2. Wrong Move Selection
Mistake: Using moves that don’t have OTG properties. Solution: Not all moves can hit opponents who are knocked down. Make sure you’re using moves specifically designed for OTG situations. For Vi, this is primarily Crater Maker and its variations.
3. Poor Positioning
Mistake: Being too far or too close when attempting the OTG. Solution: Different OTG moves have different ranges and effective distances. For Vi’s Crater Maker, you generally want to be at close to medium range. Practice the spacing in training mode.
4. Panic Button Mashing
Mistake: Mashing buttons without understanding the timing. Solution: While button mashing can sometimes work, it’s better to learn the proper timing. Start by practicing slowly and deliberately, then gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
5. Ignoring Character-Specific Properties
Mistake: Assuming all OTG moves work the same way across all characters. Solution: Each character’s OTG moves have unique properties like startup time, range, and damage. Take time to learn the specifics of your chosen character’s OTG options.
Pro-Level Strategies I’ve Learned
Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are some pro-level strategies I’ve incorporated into my gameplay:
Mix-Up Potential
Use the threat of OTG to create mix-up situations. When you knock an opponent down, they have to guess whether you’ll:
- Go for the OTG extension
- Apply pressure with a safe jump
- Back off to reset neutral
- Go for a throw/low/overhead mix-up
This uncertainty makes your offense much more effective. I’ve found that keeping my opponents guessing is one of the most powerful tools in my arsenal.
Meter Management
Be strategic about when you use OTG extensions. Sometimes it’s better to save your meter for defensive options rather than extending a combo for minimal additional damage. Consider the match situation and your opponent’s resources.
Character Synergy
Since 2XKO is a tag team game, think about how your characters’ OTG abilities work together. I love pairing Vi with characters who can easily set up knockdowns, allowing me to use her Crater Maker for devastating extensions.
Understanding Knockdown States in 2XKO
To truly master Launch OTG Reactions, you need to understand the different knockdown states in 2XKO. This was a game-changer for me when I finally grasped it:
Soft Knockdown
A soft knockdown lets your opponent do any wake-up option such as rolling, staying in place, and get-up attack. Basically, anything that has enough hitstun that isn’t a throw or level 3 leads to a soft knockdown.
Hard Knockdown
A hard knockdown, usually from throws or level 3s, causes a knockdown where the only option your opponent has is to get-up attack or not. This is strong for you as the attacker because there’s no variance in get-up timings or screen position.
Understanding these differences helps you know when OTG moves will be most effective and when your opponent has options to escape.
My Training Routine for Mastering Launch OTG Reactions
Here’s the training routine I developed that helped me go from struggling with the tutorial to confidently using Launch OTG Reactions in real matches:
Day 1: Basic Execution
- Spend 30 minutes in training mode practicing just the Forward + Heavy → Down + Special 2 combo
- Focus on getting the timing right, not on speed
- Aim for 80% success rate before moving on
Day 2: Variable Timing
- Practice the combo at different speeds
- Try to land it after different starter moves
- Work on consistency under pressure
Day 3: Combo Extensions
- Once you land the OTG, practice different follow-ups
- Try basic air combos, special move enders, and super cancels
- Experiment with what works best for your playstyle
Day 4: Real Match Application
- Take your skills to online matches
- Focus on looking for opportunities to use Launch OTG Reactions
- Don’t worry about winning—just focus on execution
Day 5: Review and Refine
- Watch replays of your matches
- Identify missed opportunities and timing issues
- Go back to training mode to work on specific problems
FAQ: Launch OTG Reactions in 2XKO
What does OTG stand for in 2XKO?
OTG stands for “On The Ground” (or sometimes “Off The Ground”). It refers to hitting opponents while they’re in a knockdown state.
Why isn’t my Launch OTG Reaction counting in the tutorial?
Many players, including myself initially, find that the tutorial doesn’t properly teach this technique. Make sure you’re using Vi’s Forward + Heavy → Down + Special 2 combo and that you’re timing it correctly. Some players report the tutorial might be bugged, so persistence is key!
Can all characters perform Launch OTG Reactions?
No, not all characters have moves with OTG properties. Vi is the most straightforward example, but other characters like Darius, Yasuo, Ahri, and Blitz also have OTG capabilities, especially with their super moves.
What’s the difference between soft and hard knockdowns?
Soft knockdowns allow opponents to use various wake-up options like rolling or staying in place. Hard knockdowns limit opponents to just getting up or using a get-up attack, making them more vulnerable to OTG follow-ups.
How do I know if a move has OTG properties?
The movelist will explicitly mention if a move can hit OTG. For Vi, Crater Maker is specifically noted as being able to “Hit Off The Ground.”
Is button mashing a good way to learn Launch OTG Reactions?
While button mashing can help you get a feel for the timing initially, it’s better to learn the proper timing through deliberate practice. Start slow and gradually increase your speed.
Can I use Launch OTG Reactions in competitive play?
Absolutely! Mastering OTG mechanics is essential for competitive play in 2XKO. It’s one of the skills that separates average players from advanced ones.
What’s the best character for learning Launch OTG Reactions?
Vi is by far the best character for learning Launch OTG Reactions due to her straightforward Crater Maker move and clear visual feedback when performed correctly.
Final Thoughts
Mastering Launch OTG Reactions in 2XKO has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my fighting game journey. What started as frustration in the tutorials has become one of my favorite techniques to use in matches.
Remember, learning this technique takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away—I certainly didn’t! Start with the basics, practice consistently, and gradually incorporate more advanced techniques into your gameplay.
The most important thing is to have fun with it. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of landing a perfectly timed Launch OTG Reaction and watching your opponent’s health bar disappear. Keep practicing, stay patient, and before you know it, you’ll be pulling off these techniques like a pro!
If you found this guide helpful, make sure to bookmark it for future reference, and check out our other 2XKO guides for more tips and strategies. Happy fighting, and I’ll see you in the arena!
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