NC has released new details regarding the upcoming Early Access phase for Aion 2. While an exact start date remains unconfirmed, the developer has clarified how the game's server infrastructure and player matching systems will function during the transition from Early Access to full release this September.

Early Access Server Structure

Initial access to the game is restricted to players who purchase a Founder’s Pack. To manage the influx of players, NC will roll out Early Access servers in waves. Once the game reaches its full launch in September, additional servers will open, and the existing Early Access servers will be opened to the broader player base. The developer confirmed that server transfers will be supported, allowing players to relocate to different servers if they cannot initially join their friends.

Dungeon Matching and PvP Systems

NC detailed several technical components of the game’s matchmaking:

  • Dungeon Party Matching: Matching will be handled on a region-wide basis, incorporating players from both Early Access and standard launch servers.
  • PvP Dynamics: The Elyos and Asmodian factions will remain separated, meeting only within the Abyss for player-versus-player combat.
  • PvP Balancing: Upon full launch, the system will attempt to pair servers that share similar power levels to ensure balanced engagements.

Marketplace Operations

The game will utilize a two-tiered economy. A local server market will be active as soon as Early Access begins. Following the full release, a cross-server market will be implemented, enabling trades across all servers within a specific region. This structure is intended to expand trading capabilities as the population grows post-launch.

Player Impact Summary

For those planning to jump into Aion 2, the primary takeaway is the phased rollout. If you are a Founder’s Pack owner, expect potential queues or limited server selection during the initial waves. However, the eventual implementation of cross-server markets and region-wide dungeon matching suggests that the developer is prioritizing long-term population health, making the choice of starting server less permanent than in traditional MMO launches.