GameSnapshots


Aion 2 - Reclaiming the Skies with True Action Combat

Aion 2 emerges as the ambitious successor to the iconic 2008 MMORPG, developed and published by NCSoft. Aiming to be the definitive version of Aion, it leverages Unreal Engine 5 to deliver a visually stunning and expansive world. The project sheds the convenience of auto-play, re-focusing the experience on player skill with a manual, non-target action combat system.

Set 200 years after the original, players return as Daevas to a vastly changed Atreia. The core conflict between the Elyos and Asmodian factions remains central, fueling the large-scale Realm vs. Realm (RvR) combat that defined its predecessor.

Key Gameplay Pillars

  • Boundless Flight & Combat: The signature flight system is unshackled. Players can freely fly across all zones, not just specific areas. This verticality is integrated into exploration and combat, creating a dynamic, three-dimensional battlefield.
  • Manual Action Combat: Aion 2 completely removes auto-battle. The combat is a non-targeting system where player aim, positioning, and skill combos are paramount. This design choice aims to provide a deep, engaging, and rewarding combat experience reminiscent of classic MMORPGs.
  • A Vast, Expanded World: The game world is reportedly 36 times larger than the original, featuring approximately 200 dungeons, world bosses, and large-scale raids. It is designed to be a PvE-centric experience with a strong emphasis on strategic party-play, where the classic trinity of tank, healer, and DPS is vital.
  • Classic Classes Return: All eight original classes, including the Gladiator, Templar, Sorcerer, and Cleric, are back with refined roles and skillsets to promote synergy and strategic depth in group content.

Aion 2 is being developed as a cross-platform title for PC and mobile, with a PC-first approach to ensure a high-fidelity experience. The targeted release is for the latter half of 2025, beginning with South Korea and Taiwan. While the high-end graphics and commitment to manual gameplay generate significant excitement, the game also faces scrutiny from a community wary of NCSoft’s reputation for aggressive monetization in its other major franchises.