This is HUGE news, folks—newly released gameplay footage from AION2!

This highly anticipated sequel to the groundbreaking MMORPG AION is slated for release in Korea later this year by NCSoft, with a global rollout expected in 2026. Anyone who’s ever played Aion will be transported back in time by the sights, sounds, and soaring vistas of AION2 — I know I was. It’s easily one of the most exciting gaming announcements of 2025!

(For the best viewing experience, set the YouTube resolution to 1080p)

What We Know So Far…

Story and Setting:

AION2 unfolds 200 years after the original AION, in a world where the Tower of Aion has collapsed and the once-mighty Daevas have lost their power.

Gameplay:

—Massive Open World: The game world will be 36 times larger than the original AION, offering a vast, explorable landscape.

—Seamless World Structure: Expect uninterrupted travel between regions with no traditional loading zones, creating a more immersive experience.

—Flying: Flight will be fully integrated, allowing for seamless aerial exploration—no more restricted zones like in Aion 1.

—Combat System: AION2 introduces a more action-oriented, skill-driven system. Combat will feature directional hit detection (e.g., rear attacks) and real-time manual controls, moving away from the automated combat typical of mobile MMORPGs.

—Classes: The game will launch with eight core classes: Gladiator, Templar, Assassin, Ranger, Sorcerer, Cleric, Chanter, and Spiritmaster.

—PvE Content: A variety of PvE experiences will be available, including solo dungeons, 4-player and 8-player group dungeons, and dynamic field events.

—Dungeons: Dungeons will offer multiple difficulty settings, including an “Easy Mode” for newcomers, and a system that can replace players who leave mid-run—an important quality-of-life improvement.

—PvP Elements: Although PvE will be the primary focus, PvP will still be present and may include matchmaking, invasions, and evolving zone-control systems.

—Dynamic Events and Zone Control: Some regions may feature dynamic world events or faction-based control mechanics that influence gameplay across both PvE and PvP environments.

—Character Customization: Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game will offer deeper and more detailed character customization options than its predecessor.

--Cross-Platform Integration: While primarily designed for the PC, AION2 will support mobile play, and cross-platform progress sharing is likely, though not confirmed.

--Business Model: Though not yet finalized, AION2 is expected to follow a free-to-play model with monetized cosmetics, battle passes, and potential gear-enhancement systems—similar to Throne and Liberty.

--Design Philosophy: While AION2 may share some systems with Throne and Liberty, it appears to be designed with a greater emphasis on solo and small-group PvE, making it more accessible to casual players and those who prefer cooperative play over large-scale PvP.

Platforms:

Developed primarily for PC, with mobile support for external or cross-play.

Release Timeline:

Korean release: Second half of 2025
Global release: Planned for 2026