Master X Master Explained: Beginner’s Guide to Understanding and Playing the Game

Master X Master (often abbreviated as MXM) was a free-to-play MOBA developed by NCSoft, released in June 2017. 

Unlike traditional MOBAs, MXM introduced hybrid gameplay that combined third-person action mechanics with RPG-inspired features. Its most innovative design was the ability to control two different characters, called Masters, and swap between them mid-battle.

Although the game shut down in January 2018, Master X Master remains remembered as one of the most experimental entries in the genre. 

For players exploring MOBA history or curious about its unique mechanics, this guide explains the basics of MXM and how the gameplay worked.

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Key Takeaways

• Master X Master was a MOBA developed by NCSoft, released in 2017 and closed in 2018.
• Players controlled two “Masters” and could swap between them in real time.
• The game combined PvP modes with PvE missions and RPG-style character progression.
• Each Master had four abilities, including one powerful ultimate skill.
• MXM stood out for its action controls, fast pacing, and team-focused philosophy.

What Was Master X Master?

MXM was NCSoft’s first internally-developed MOBA, built on the Gamebryo engine. 

It launched with 30 playable Masters, including characters drawn from NCSoft’s other franchises like Blade & Soul and Guild Wars, alongside original heroes.

The game’s unique tag-team mechanic let players switch between two Masters during a match. The inactive Master would regenerate health while waiting, giving players more tactical flexibility compared to single-hero MOBAs.

How to Play Master X Master

The controls used WASD movement combined with mouse aiming, creating a responsive arcade-style feel. Unlike many MOBAs, characters could jump, dodge, and rely heavily on skill shots, making positioning and reflexes crucial.

Each Master had four abilities with cooldowns. Players needed to learn when to use powerful attacks and when to switch Masters to avoid death or recover health. Matches typically lasted around ten minutes, balancing accessibility with strategic depth.

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Game Modes in MXM

MXM offered both PvP and PvE content. Standard PvP included 5v5 battles across three-lane maps, similar to genre staples like League of Legends. Smaller team maps existed for quicker play sessions.

A standout feature was the PvE co-op mode. Up to four players could tackle dungeon-like stages filled with enemies and bosses. This gave the game a progression system more akin to action RPGs than MOBAs, adding variety to its gameplay.

Other modes included team deathmatch, point control, arena battles, and Titan mode. In Titan mode, capturing objectives allowed teams to summon giant creatures to push enemy bases, adding another strategic layer.

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Why MXM Was Unique

The two-Master system set MXM apart from competitors. It gave players more options during combat and made team coordination more dynamic. 

The PvE content also appealed to casual players who preferred story-driven missions rather than purely competitive play.

Critics praised MXM’s aesthetics, level design, and innovative control scheme. However, its crowded release environment and difficulty in sustaining a competitive player base ultimately led to its closure in early 2018.

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Final Thoughts

Master X Master was a bold experiment in blending genres. While short-lived, it left an impression for its fast-paced combat, creative hero-swapping system, and inclusion of PvE alongside PvP.

For beginners exploring MOBA history or revisiting NCSoft’s catalog, MXM remains a fascinating example of innovation. Even though it is no longer playable, it continues to be discussed as one of the more inventive entries in MOBA design.

FAQs

What was Master X Master?

Master X Master was a MOBA by NCSoft that featured a tag-team system where players controlled two characters and swapped between them during battle.

How did gameplay work in MXM?

Players used WASD movement with mouse aiming, controlled two Masters, and relied on skill shots, dodges, and ultimates in fast-paced matches.

Did Master X Master have PvE?

Yes, MXM offered co-op PvE missions where players could progress characters by fighting through stages with bosses.

When was Master X Master released?

MXM was released on June 21, 2017, but was shut down by NCSoft on January 31, 2018.

Why did Master X Master shut down?

NCSoft closed the game due to business reasons, citing difficulty competing in the crowded MOBA market despite positive reviews.