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AION 2 on PC. Click to open it full size.
AION 2 is a fantasy MMORPG for PC from NC, available on Steam. You play a Daeva, a winged warrior, and pick a side in a war between two factions, the Elyos and the Asmodians. You level up through quests and dungeons, then take that fight to the other side.
Flight is the big idea. Your wings are part of the fight, not just a faster way to travel. Getting above an enemy is how you win, and every region was built with height in mind.
It is the sequel to NC’s original Aion, built on Unreal Engine 5. The global version launched on October 5, 2026, after five days of advance access for Founder’s Pack owners. It is free to play on Windows 10 and 11, with an optional membership, and is also available through NC’s PURPLE launcher.
Already flying? Tell us which faction and class you picked. Got questions before you start? Reach out to us directly.
What You Need to Know
- It is free to play on Steam and PURPLE. It is not on the Epic Games Store.
- Each server holds only one faction. Pick the same region and faction as your friends, or you will not be able to group up.
- It is PC only. There is no console version, and NC does not officially support controllers, Steam Deck or Linux.
- Progress from the Korean and Taiwanese versions does not carry over.
- It is online only, so you need a steady internet connection to play.
Quick Facts
| Price | Free to play, optional membership |
| Released | October 5, 2026 |
| Developer | NC |
| Publisher | NC |
| Genre | MMORPG with flight combat |
| Players | Online only, solo or in groups |
| PC Stores | Steam, PURPLE |
| Platforms | Windows PC only |
| Factions | Elyos and Asmodians |
| Languages | 8 for text, voice in English, Japanese and Korean |
| Controls | Keyboard and mouse |
| Storage | 100 GB, SSD recommended |
How to Download AION 2 on Windows
AION 2 is free on Steam, so all you need is the Steam app and a Steam account. Prefer NC’s own launcher? Get PURPLE from NC instead. Both connect to the same servers.
- Step 1. Install Steam. Download it from the Steam website and sign in.
- Step 2. Open the store page. Go to AION 2 on Steam.
- Step 3. Add it to your library. Click Play Game. The game is free, so there is nothing to buy.
- Step 4. Install it on an SSD. Pick a drive with at least 100 GB free. NC recommends an SSD.
- Step 5. Choose region, faction and server. Launch the game, then pick them in that order. Match your friends before you create a character.
💡 Your PC is too weak? Cloud gaming is an option. Check on Boosteroid.
Is AION 2 Free? What It Sells
The game is free to download and play. NC sells an optional monthly membership, a battle pass and cosmetics on top.
Before launch, NC sold three Founder’s Packs on Steam and PURPLE: Standard ($24.99), Deluxe ($49.99) and Ultimate ($99.99). Each came with five days of advance access, a supply chest, a title and 30 days of membership, and the higher tiers added skins, wings and a pet. Sales closed on launch day, October 5, 2026. Only buy Kinah or Quna (the in-game currencies) inside the game: NC has warned that buying them from third-party sellers can get your account banned.
What Is AION 2?
AION 2 is set in Atreia, a world split in two after the Tower of Aion fell. The Elyos live on one half and the Asmodians on the other, and both are threatened by a new age of dragon lords. You play a Daeva, a winged warrior who has awakened to fight for your side.
The world is big. NC says it is 36 times larger than the original Aion, and it was designed around flying, so cliffs, sky islands and towers matter as much as the ground. You can glide between areas and fight in the air, not just on foot.
Flight is how you travel and how you fight.
You choose from eight classes: Gladiator, Templar, Assassin, Ranger, Sorcerer, Spiritmaster, Cleric and Chanter. They cover the usual MMO roles: tanks that hold attention, damage dealers up close or at range, a summoner, a healer and a support class. Combat is action-based, chaining skills while you move.
Group dungeons run up to ten players.
For PvE, NC lists over 200 dungeons, from solo runs to 5-player parties and 10-player groups. For PvP, the Elyos and Asmodians live on separate servers. Each server is paired with one from the other faction, and you meet those players in shared war zones such as the Abyss. NC changes the pairings from time to time to keep the sides balanced.
Character creation is a big part of the pitch too. There are more than 200 sliders and options, plus outfits, mounts and wings to collect.
The character creator, here on the hair tab.
Official Trailer
Watch the official launch trailer for AION 2 to see flight combat in the skies of Atreia, the game’s Unreal Engine 5 world and its large group battles.
Key Features
Your wings are a weapon. Gaining height over an enemy gives you the edge in a fight.
Elyos or Asmodian. Your side decides your server and who you fight in the Abyss.
Tank, melee, ranged, magic, summoner, healer and support. Every class is open to both factions.
Solo runs, 5-player parties and 10-player groups, plus seasonal challenges and rankings.
More than 200 options, with outfits, mounts and wings to collect along the way.
Mini-games for a break from combat: defend the Shugos, race pets and dodge lasers for rewards.
Is This Game for You?
Our Take
🎮 Our Take
AION 2 has a hook most MMORPGs do not: flight that matters in a fight. Plenty of games give you a mount that flies; few build their zones and their PvP around height, and that is what makes this one worth trying. The one-faction-per-server setup is a smart way to keep the old Elyos versus Asmodian rivalry alive. The catch is the money side. The game is free, but the membership covers the player market and currency exchange, so anyone who wants to trade will feel pushed toward paying, and the PEGI rating lists paid random items on top.
If you like MMOs and want something with a different feel, download it, since it costs nothing to find out whether the flying hooks you. Settle your region and faction with your friends before you make a character. If you hate shops and memberships in a free game, or you only play with a controller, look elsewhere or try it without spending anything first.
System Requirements
These are the requirements NC published on Steam. Even the recommended spec is matched to the Low preset at 1080p, so expect to keep settings modest unless your PC is well above it.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10/11, 64-bit | Windows 10/11, 64-bit |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 2600 / Intel Core i5-10500 | AMD Ryzen 7 3700X / Intel Core i7-11700 |
| Memory | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti (4 GB) | NVIDIA RTX 2070 (8 GB) |
| DirectX | Version 12 | Version 12 |
| Network | Broadband internet | Broadband internet |
| Storage | 100 GB, SSD recommended | 100 GB, SSD recommended |
| Graphics preset at 1080p | Very Low | Low |
If your PC falls short, cloud gaming is one route. If you are thinking about an upgrade, our Best Gaming Desktops guide is a good place to start.
Tips for Beginners
Plan your faction with friends
Each server holds one faction. Agree on region, faction and server before anyone creates a character.
Start on a low graphics preset
NC matches its own specs to Very Low and Low at 1080p. Start low and raise settings while the game stays smooth.
Install it on an SSD
The world is huge and loads constantly. A hard drive means longer loading and more stutter.
Use keyboard and mouse
A controller works, but NC does not support it. Skill chains and flight are built around a keyboard.
Never buy gold from outside sellers
NC has warned that buying Kinah or Quna from third parties can get your account banned.
AION 2 Screenshots
Boss fights, crystal caves, group battles and a few of the classes in action. Click any image to open it full size.
AION 2 FAQ
Is AION 2 on the Epic Games Store?
Can I play AION 2 with a controller?
Does AION 2 work on Steam Deck or Linux?
Does AION 2 support mods?
Does my Korean or Taiwanese AION 2 progress carry over?
Can I play the same character on Steam and PURPLE?
What are the AION 2 system requirements?
Support and Community
- AION 2 at NC, the official site, with news, notices and the launch FAQ.
- r/Aion2 on Reddit, the game’s subreddit, for news, builds and help.
- The official AION 2 Discord, for chat with other players and bug reports.
- Steam news for AION 2, where maintenance notices and patch notes appear.
- NC Support, for account, payment and login problems.
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Need a PC upgrade to run these? See our Best Gaming Desktops guide.