Are you interested in AION 2 but you are not sure what to expect? Is it going to be similar to AION Classic or will things be way different this time? In this article, we will compare everything we know so far about these two MMORPGs and hopefully, this will help you figure out which is the right one for you.
1. Main Differences
| FEATURE | AION CLASSIC | AION 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Post-cataclysm world | The prequel set ~600 years earlier |
| Factions | Elyos vs. Asmodians | Elyos vs. Asmodians faction conflict is returning, now with redesigned Asmodians to avoid “good vs. evil” stereotyping. Balaurs are the third faction but you can’t play it. |
| Engine | CryEngine 1 | Unreal Engine 5 – next-gen graphics |
| Performance | Lighter on older PCs | Requires newer hardware or optimized for mobile |
| PvP Focus | Heavily PvP-based | The game will focus mainly on PvE raiding but will have PvP like RvR |
| Gliding | Primarily traversal | Integrated into combat and exploration |
| Platform | PC only | PC + Mobile (cross-platform) |
| Business Model | Subscriptions / monetized Classic servers | Free-to-play with cosmetics |
2. Class & Combat System
| FEATURE | AION CLASSIC | AION 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Class System | 4 base classes, 2 advanced per base (Templar, Gladiator, Cleric, Chanter, Sorcerer, Spiritmaster, Ranger, Assassin) | 4 base classes, 2 advanced per base (Templar, Gladiator, Cleric, Chanter, Sorcerer, Spiritmaster, Ranger, Assassin) |
| Combat Style | Tab-targeting, skill rotations | Rear hit detection and manual controls—no auto-combat. The gameplay structure won’t be drastically different. |
| Customization | Skill trees, gear builds | Potentially more open-ended |
3. Progression & Leveling
| FEATURE | AION CLASSIC | AION 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Leveling Pace | Slower, grind-heavy | Expected to be faster-paced |
| Gear Progression | Classic MMORPG grind for gear, enchantments | Unknown |
| Mounts & Travel | Mounts, flight zones | Mounts are obtained via fragments dropped by monsters, which players collect and summon. |
4. Monetization Strategy
| FEATURE | AION CLASSIC | AION 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Free-to-play & optional monthly subscription | Expected to be free-to-play |
| Pay-to-Win Risk | High in some regions | Unknown |
| Cosmetics | Available via shop | Will likely have a large focus on skins, mounts, etc. |
5. Endgame Content
| FEATURE | AION CLASSIC | AION 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Raids & Dungeons | Traditional dungeons, raid bosses, fort sieges | Expected to have raid-type content. Matchmaking will be global for smoother party formation. If someone leaves mid-dungeon, replacements can join in progress. There’s also an Easy Mode designed for new or under-geared players, offering guidance and tutorials to learn mechanics and boss strategies. |
| PvP Content | Abyss, Dredgion, sieges | World PvP, potential large-scale open-world events RvR |
| Replayability | Gear grind, PvP rank, repeatable dungeons | May focus on seasonal content |
Which One Should You Choose?
Both games offer unique experiences within the Aion universe. We’ve made the following list to make it easier for you to choose which is the right one for you.
- Choose AION Classic if you:
- Seek a nostalgic MMORPG experience with traditional class roles and structured PvP
- Enjoy a slower-paced progression with an emphasis on exploration and questing
- Don’t mind paying for a monthly subscription
- Choose AION 2 if you:
- Desire a fresh take on the AION universe with innovative gameplay mechanics
- Prefer a more flexible class system and dynamic combat
- Are open to a new MMORPG experience that diverges from traditional Aion elements
What Else to Expect From AION 2
Since AION 2 has not been released yet, there are things we can expect and things we hope to see in the future. Here are some of them:
- Challenging Instanced Dungeons & Boss Raids with their difficulty level scaling from Normal to Mythic
- Open World Bosses will be spawned on timers
- There is a chance that guilds will probably be able to form alliances, declare war, and claim territory
- Seamless open world with fewer loading screens that will support dynamic weather
- We may also see the addition of floating islands and fortresses
- Cinematic Questlines
- Cross-progression will be available so switching between PC and mobile will not be a problem since you will not lose your progress
- Players now can tweak over 200 individual features, offering unparalleled freedom in character customization.
- Dungeons are designed to emphasize not only raw DPS but also team roles and tactical play, encouraging players to understand their class’s function. Easy Mode helps ease players into more advanced content.
- The game features server separation for the Elyos and Asmodians, with each faction on its own server. Race vs. Race (RvR) battles will occur through scheduled matchmaking, and players can cross dimensions to invade enemy territory. To avoid portraying the conflict as a straightforward good-versus-evil scenario and to help balance the factions.
- The PC version serves as the primary platform, while the mobile version is designed as a secondary, we still waiting for more info on that.
- No auto-combat; gameplay is designed for manual, skill-based control
- The flying system has been revamped and unrestricted; players can fly anywhere in the world
- Underwater combat is added
- The map is x36 larger than the original.
These are only a few of the things we can expect in AION 2 and of course, we can only hope for more since the game hasn’t been released yet.
Stay Informed With Follow Ups
You can always consider bookmarking this page for future follow-ups on the game. Meanwhile, you can check AION’s 2 new website, the official Aion 2 YouTube channel.
If you prefer to check Discord instead, keep in mind that the official Aion 2 Discord server has not been launched yet. However, the Aion community has transitioned to Discord for communication and updates which you can find here.
Which version of AION will you choose and why? I am more into classic vibes, to be honest, but it excites me that I can play a totally revamped version of the game, so AION 2 will be the one for me. What are your thoughts and opinions? Let me know by submitting a comment below.
