Today, NCSoft went live to finally reveal detailed information about AION 2, the long-awaited follow-up MMORPG to the original AION. During the stream, the developers showed off a brand-new gameplay trailer, introduced several core features, and explained what makes AION 2 the true evolution of the franchise.
You can take a look at the trailer here:
The Complete Version of AION
According to the lead developer, AION 2 is what the team always wanted the original to be, but couldn’t make back then due to technical limits. Now, more than ten years later, they’re bringing those original ideas to life with modern technology.
Set 200 years after the original game, AION 2 takes place in a world where the Tower of Aion has fallen and the Daevas have lost their power. The iconic Elyos and Asmodians factions are back, but with some changes. To keep things balanced and avoid the usual “good vs. evil” setup, the Asmodians now have a sleeker, more attractive design.
Interestingly, Elyos and Asmodians will play on separate servers. Players will face off in race-vs-race (RvR) battles through matchmaking and special dimensional invasion events.
A Giant World Where You Can Fly Freely
One of AION’s most beloved features, flying, is coming back, but bigger than ever. The developers said the world of AION 2 is 36 times larger than the original, and players will be able to fly anywhere without the old limitations. No matter if you’re fighting on land, at sea, or in the air, expect a lot more freedom and mobility.
Classes, Customization, and Classic Features
AION 2 will launch with eight classes, including favorites like Gladiator, Templar, and Assassin. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Gladiator: A sub-tank with strong area attacks and life-steal.
- Templar: A traditional tank with a shield and strong defense.
- Assassin: Stealthy, fast, and deadly. Perfect for players who like to strike from behind.
- Ranger: Long-range attacker with precision shots.
- Spiritmaster: Summons spirits for solo play.
- Sorcerer: Big explosive damage dealer.
- Cleric: The main healer of the group.
- Chanter: A hybrid support with healing and buffs.
The devs were very clear: there will be no gacha or loot boxes for skills! Everything is earned through gameplay.
Customization fans will be happy to know the system is even deeper than before. You can tweak over 200 features when creating your character, and yes, silly but fun body types like chibi and big heads are back too!
PvE Content and Classic Dungeons Return
AION 2 isn’t just about PvP. The game will feature plenty of PvE content including solo dungeons, 4-player and 8-player dungeons, and dynamic field events. One fan-favorite dungeon, Temple of Fire, is making a return. Another cool feature: “Stretching Weapons” are back. These weapons extend in size dramatically and are now available to both melee and ranged classes.
To make things easier for newcomers, dungeons will have an Easy Mode with quest guidance and boss tutorials. If someone leaves during a dungeon, the system will find a replacement without kicking the whole group out.
Better Combat and Cross-Platform Play
Combat is getting a serious upgrade. The game will include rear hit detection, meaning you do more damage when hitting enemies from behind, encouraging more strategic movement. The developers also said they’re moving away from auto-combat and aiming for a manual, action-focused system more in line with modern MMORPGs.
AION 2 is being developed primarily for PC, not mobile. The mobile version is meant as a companion experience and will have its own interface to make playing on the go easier.
Mounts were also briefly discussed: you’ll be able to unlock them by collecting fragments dropped from monsters in the open world.
Focus Group Test (FGT) Recruitment Open Now
The developers also announced that they’re recruiting players for a Focus Group Test. Applications are open from May 29 to June 12, with the test session happening on June 28 and 29. Unfortunately, you’ll need a South Korean phone number to apply, since this test is region-locked for now.
For more information, you can visit the official website! And if you want to learn more about other games, visit our gaming hub!