NC’s global launch of AION 2 is completely free and available to play on Steam and Purple today.
One of the most-played MMORPGs of all time is back! NC (formerly NCSOFT) announced the official launch of AION 2 today, launching globally on Steam and PURPLE (NC’s proprietary platform) for free. Yes, that is right; it is completely free. Players who have been in early access since Wednesday, September 30, can easily transition to the full launch version. In case you missed it, AION 2 hit the number-one spot in Steam’s Global top-selling chart across more than 10 regions. NC outlined what new and returning players can expect, welcoming them all to the world of Atreia—also dropping a behind-the-scenes documentary video on YouTube showcasing NC’s road to launch.
With AION 2, NC reached out to AION players about how they could improve the game for the sequel. NC released developer-led personal videos to introduce its team, announced adjusted pricing to better meet the expectations of Western players, and outlined a roadmap for upcoming reveals. Working as a global team, NC showcased AION 2 at the Summer Games Fest Play Days in June and at gamescom in August. It provided public access to players in a Launch Scale Test in mid-September, followed by Early Access on September 30, giving players a first look into the War For Atreia campaign.
AION 2 has been known for its freedom of movement and flight, showcasing a best-in-class flying experience packed with spectacular aerial combat and environmental traversal. This game is well known for its fast-paced combat that blends precision, timing, and positioning with traditional tab-targeting.
AION 2 matches what players already know with a varied and deep set of PvE content, from solo and five-player dungeons to 10-player raids—where the core gameplay experience is about mastering the game mechanics, movement, and teamwork. This newly improved MMORPG also offers a variety of PvP activities involving high-stakes fights, from 1v1 and 4v4 arenas to massive-scale, cross-server RvR (Realm-vs-Realm) battles, and the return of the faction-based Abyss from the original AION.
The whole game was made in Unreal Engine 5, featuring heavy modifications for character customization and multiplayer. NC noted that this fantasy world is 36 times larger than the original game, allowing players to truly be immersed and have plenty of space to explore and venture through. Players can choose from eight classes and more than 200 customization options for their character. For those wondering about the story, it is set 200 years after the original conflict. After the destruction of the Tower of Eternity, the traditional Elyos and Asmodian factions must navigate a shattered universe while confronting the newly empowered Balaur faction.
For those looking for a new MMORPG in 2026, AION 2 might be a good place to start. Those who used to play AION may also be enticed to return as well. The BTS video on their official YouTube channel provided a great look at what the game has to offer, along with the hard work and dedication the developers put into the follow-up game. Chief Business Officer for AION 2, Seung-wook Baek, led the video with staff appearances breaking down how they approached this almost insurmountable project. Baek noted how they wanted to create an experience for those looking for a challenge and those who want a calmer experience. Rather than having one set gameplay style.
To truly serve a global audience, NC made AION 2 specifically for PC, with local servers based in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia (Japan). It was said to be dubbed in various languages as well: English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian. Remember, AION was originally launched in South Korea in 2008, primarily targeting the South Korean player base—but then launched in other regions and continents the following year. So, this is a major feat that this sequel MMORPG has achieved for the entire global player base now. AION 2 already had a peak of 171,530 concurrent players on Steam during the early-access launch!
