The global release of NC’s free-to-play MMORPG AION 2 will take place this September – the game launches simultaneously worldwide exclusively on PC (via Steam and the company’s PURPLE launcher). The long-awaited sequel has moved to the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5, abandoning Crytek’s cumbersome CryEngine, and promises to bring back the magic of large-scale aerial battles.
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Unreal Engine 5 and a World 36 Times Larger
The engine change has clearly benefited the franchise. While the original AION: The Tower of Eternity from 2008 was built using heavily modified code, the sequel was built from scratch. The result is impressive. The game world is 36 times larger than the first game.
Locations are now completely seamless. Predictably, the developers placed a heavy emphasis on vertical gameplay and freedom of flight, logically linking the sprawling open regions into a single ecosystem.
Plot: What Happened Over 200 Years
Chronologically, the events unfold two centuries after the ending of the original. The locations familiar to veterans remain, but time has significantly altered them, simultaneously adapting them to the new scale.
The main problem of the updated universe is a critical shortage of Ether. This essence, incidentally, is vital for the transformation of ordinary people into powerful Devas. It is precisely such an exceptional hero that we will play as.
Combat System: No Auto-Attacks and Strong Synergies
Combat has been seriously shaken up. No more boring auto-targeting—attacks and aiming are handled entirely manually in real time. The dynamics of skirmishes have increased exponentially. Party roles have become more focused, requiring competent teamwork. Eight classes will be released:
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Gladiator – a classic hybrid of a tank and melee fighter.
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Templar – an impenetrable frontline tank.
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Assassin and Ranger – responsible for fast DPS.
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Wizard – a burst damage machine.
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Spirit Lord – a controller, managing summons on the battlefield.
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Cleric – a specialized healer.
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Chanter – a versatile support, dispensing buffs and healing.
Content: 200 dungeons and the Abyss comeback
There’s a solid supply of activities. PvE enthusiasts will be treated to nearly 200 unique dungeons, each with its own intricate mechanics. They can be tackled solo or in groups of four or eight. Co-op raids are sure to make you sweat over the perfect class setup. Additionally, field events of varying caliber are constantly generated on the global map.
PvP fans haven’t been left out either. On the menu:
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Compact arenas (1v1 duels and 4v4 skirmishes).
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Classic 8v8 battlefields.
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Massive cross-server realm vs. realm skirmishes for dozens of players.
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The return of the faction-specific Abyss—the legendary zone from the first game, where the endless struggle for control of disputed territories rages.
Appearance Editor and Soul Catching
Customization promises to be as meticulous as possible: over 200 face and body customization options are available. Too lazy to tweak the sliders yourself? The developers have come up with a great social feature—the Style Shop. Players will be able to upload their favorite presets to the official website, from where anyone can pick up their favorite look in a couple of clicks.
Pets deserve a special mention. The system is elegantly tied to grinding: you hunt monsters, extract their souls, and transform them into loyal companions. They also function as mounts, sporting their own unique animations.
Monetization: Honest Free to Play or a Trap?
The base client will be given away. The Steam page already features the coveted Free to Play tag with the addition of In-App Purchases, and the price is fixed at $0.00. No paid early access packages are planned for the global launch in September 2026.
Asian Scandal and Emergency Measures
The story of Aion 2’s financial model is a true thriller. At the launch of servers in Korea and Taiwan on November 19, 2025, NCSoft studio implemented an aggressive “triple” monetization. Gamers were immediately offered two subscriptions, a battle pass, and a donation store. The basic Comfort Membership plan was priced at $14, offering basic gameplay amenities. The premium Content Membership, however, for $20, was a complete disaster: double loot in dungeons, rapid energy regeneration, and bonus time for PvP activities.
But the real disaster was the selection of items available for the premium currency, Quna. The developers managed to cram in Combat Enhancement Scrolls and Soul Books (yes, items with a direct boost to combat stats). The community immediately erupted. NCSoft shares plummeted more than 15 percent in a couple of days. Just 15 hours after the release, producer Kim Nam-joon launched an emergency stream. He publicly repented, acknowledged the decision as short-sighted, permanently removed the controversial consumables from sale, and sent everyone compensation via email. Remarkably, this public image fire didn’t put the project to rest. In its first six weeks, the game generated a solid $70 million in revenue.
What are donations now?
After a significant shake-up, the developers vow not to sell their influence on gameplay. Basic access unlocks all content—the story, the open world, and PvE. Two subscriptions now only indirectly speed up leveling and open the marketplace. The seasonal battle pass is loaded with cosmetics and minor perks. In the store, Quna is exchanged exclusively for visual perks: skins, mounts, and special wings. Incidentally, some rare skins can actually be obtained without spending money through in-game events and achievements.
What to expect from the Western release?
Official prices for Europe and America are still being kept under wraps. The developers have only hinted at a complete phasing out of random loot boxes in favor of a predictable subscription and cosmetics system. The exact donation structure will be revealed closer to September. The main intrigue for our fellow players now lies elsewhere. Will the auction house remain open to all players, or will they drastically close subscription paywalls, as they did on the Korean servers? There is no answer yet.
