AION 2 Opens Its Servers to Everyone Before Global Launch

AION 2 is opening its Launch Scale Test to everyone on September 17 and 18, giving PC players their first major opportunity to enter the upcoming MMORPG before its October 5 global launch. NC says the test does not require a key, invitation, or registration list, while preload access is available through Steam and PURPLE.

The test is more than an early look at AION 2. NC is using it to evaluate the servers and infrastructure under launch scale conditions before Advanced Access begins on September 30 and the full release follows on October 5. NC previously confirmed that AION 2 will launch on PC through Steam and PURPLE across regions including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

AION 2 Launch Scale Test begins September 17

NC has divided the test into two six hour sessions, giving players up to 12 hours of total play time.

The official schedule is:

• Preload: September 16 at 6 a.m. PT through September 17 at 6 a.m. PT

• Day 1: September 17 from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. PT

• Day 2: September 18 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. PT

Those times are also confirmed in the announcement supplied to NEXTARCA and the latest official AION 2 Steam post.

For players in the Philippines, the first session begins at 9 p.m. on September 17 and ends at 3 a.m. on September 18. The second session starts at 3 a.m. on September 19 and runs until 9 a.m.

The preload window begins at 9 p.m. Philippine time on September 16.

Anyone can join, but progress will be erased

The Launch Scale Test is open to everyone through Steam and PURPLE. There are no access keys, private invitations, or registration lists required, according to NC.

Progress made during the first session will remain available during Day 2, but that is where persistence ends. NC will wipe all test progression after the second session, meaning characters, levels, and other progress will not transfer into Advanced Access or the October launch.

That distinction matters for anyone planning to put significant time into the test. This is a temporary environment designed to help NC evaluate the game under heavier player load, not the beginning of permanent progression.

The test has several major restrictions

Players will not have access to every system available in the final game.

NC has confirmed that the maximum character level will be 37 during the Launch Scale Test. Content requiring a higher level will therefore remain inaccessible.

Purchases are also completely disabled. The shop, Quna, passes, memberships, and payment systems will not operate during the test. The marketplace, Quna exchange, and direct player trading will also be unavailable.

Founder’s Pack items cannot be used during the test, while the Closet system will remain disabled and characters will use default outfits.

These restrictions keep the test focused on gameplay, server demand, and technical infrastructure rather than the full commercial environment players will encounter after release.

Steam players will need a fresh download afterward

There is one important installation detail for Steam users.

After the Launch Scale Test ends, Steam players must uninstall the separate Playtest App and download AION 2 itself for Advanced Access on September 30. Players using PURPLE will not need to complete that additional step, according to NC.

The current Steam page lists AION 2 for an October 5, 2026 release and identifies NC as both developer and publisher. Steam also lists the game as free-to-play, with Founder’s Pack options providing five days of Advanced Access beginning September 30.

AION 2 moves into its final launch preparation

NC describes the Launch Scale Test as an opportunity to prepare AION 2's servers and infrastructure while allowing players to experience a limited version of the game before release. That makes the September sessions one of the final public checkpoints before the live service begins.

The official AION 2 site currently confirms October 5 as the full launch date, with Founder’s Packs offering Advanced Access five days earlier.

Players joining specifically for the test should expect temporary progression, restricted systems, and a level 37 ceiling. For anyone planning to continue at launch, the next confirmed milestone after the test is September 30, when Founder’s Pack Advanced Access begins ahead of the October 5 release.