Duo Showdown basics: you're strongest while both of you are alive
Duo Showdown is the same battle royale as Solo, but two players form a team. The rules look similar, but the play is quite different. The biggest difference: a fallen teammate can come back.
The rules
- Teams of two, usually five teams per match. The last team standing wins.
- Collect Power Cubes from boxes and defeated enemies, like in Solo.
- If one player is defeated, they respawn after a short wait as long as their partner is alive. They come back with no Power Cubes.
- If both go down, the team is out.
- Poison gas closes in just like in Solo.
Exact details such as respawn time can vary by event or update, so check the in-game description.
The key: stay together
The most common way to lose is getting separated and picked off one at a time. If an enemy pair focuses one of you, there's little you can do alone.
- Keep each other on screen while moving.
- When a fight starts, hit the same target. A 2v1 ends fast, before the enemy's partner can help.
When your partner goes down
This is the most important moment in Duo.
- Survive first. If you die, your partner can't respawn and your team is out. Don't chase revenge; back off to safety.
- If it's safe, pick up cubes after your partner returns. A respawned partner has no cubes and is weak. Many guides suggest waiting so you both benefit, unless you're under threat.
- Move toward where your partner will respawn so you can fight as two again quickly.
When you catch an enemy pair
If you take down one enemy, go straight for the survivor. Finish them and the whole team is out; give them time and their partner comes back.
Picking a pair
Synergy matters in Duo.
- Split roles: one holds the front, one deals damage from behind.
- Healing or shields help keep your partner alive.
- A brawler that can check bushes reduces ambushes. See bushes and walls basics.
PickStudy doesn't rank Duo Showdown, because a partner affects results too much to judge one brawler. For brawlers that are strong alone, see the Solo Showdown guide.
Summary
Stay together, focus the same target, and survive first when your partner falls. Catch one enemy, then finish the other right away.