The developers of Aion 2 continue to host regular livestreams to share information about the successor to the popular NCsoft MMORPG from 2008/2009. MeinMMO summarizes the latest findings for you.
What was shown this time? After there was real gameplay shown for the first time from one of the dungeons in the August 2025 livestream, the focus of NCsoft’s recent streaming event was on the release schedule and the payment model.
Here are the key dates:
- The Korean launch is planned for November 19, 2025.
- Before that, there will be periods for character creation and pre-downloads. We can certainly expect similar time windows during the global launch as well.
- The global launch is expected to follow in the first half of 2026. There is still no specific date for this.
The latest trailer for Aion 2 at the start of the pre-registration in Korea:
No Gacha, but definitely with Pay2Win
What is known about the payment model? NCsoft is opting for a Free2Play model with an optional subscription and Battle Pass. In addition, there will be an in-game shop where players can purchase cosmetic items, consumables, or offers such as additional character slots, name changes, or keys for treasure chests in the open world.
The auction house apparently will not be linked to the real-money currency of the MMORPG. Trading between players will likely only occur via the earnable in-game currency. Additionally, there should be the option to exchange earnable currency for real-money currency (and vice versa). Aion 2 will therefore definitely have a Pay2Win component, which the developers have already announced.
The developers emphasize once again that Aion 2 will not have a Gacha system. Additionally, you should be able to extract items to obtain their respective appearance for your collection as a cosmetic skin.
You can watch the NCsoft stream on YouTube or below:
What else does the stream reveal? The developers admit that the current interface still looks very mobile-oriented. The reason for this: With this stripped-down UI, it is easier to work on the game. However, before the launch, the interface for the PC version will receive a complete overhaul to ensure that there is an optimized interface for both mobile and PC.
In both versions of the game, there will be no auto-functions like auto-hunting or auto-fighting. Anyone who plays Aion 2 on a mobile device inattentively will meet their demise, according to the developers’ promise. However, there will be smaller aids for questing in the mobile version.
How does the community react to the stream? Mixed. While some western players are looking forward to Aion 2 and respond positively to the developers’ statements, others remain skeptical.
- LH_Lunar commented on the stream on Reddit as follows: “That sounds too good to be true. Please don’t mess this up.”
- Icy_Razzmatazz_1594 writes on Reddit: “It’s good that the auction house only works with in-game currency. Also, auto-play has been removed and the focus is now on a PC-exclusive user interface. That sounds like good news for me, I will keep an eye on this.”
- Jomsviking_ compares on Reddit: “They will use the same auction house mechanics as in Blade and Soul Neo & Throne & Liberty. Don’t get your hopes up for P2W if this mechanic exists.”
- Nikkuru1994 criticizes on Reddit the gameplay shown so far: “This sequel to Aion offers nothing new or interesting. The game visually does not look like Aion at all, but gives the impression of an ordinary, bland UE5 game.”
Whether the global release will stay next year certainly depends on the upcoming test phases and the success of the Asia launch. Aion 2 must not be a failure for NCsoft. The aging MMORPG lineup of the publisher is struggling with declining numbers. Throne and Liberty was not the hoped-for success. More than 300 developers are now working on the project. You can find more information about it here: Big MMORPG company is in crisis because 10 games are making too little money overall
