Aion 2 Has Topped Steam Sales Charts
The upcoming MMORPG reached the top spot on Steam following the release of its early access Founder's Pack.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Gaming
Live Poll
Is it worth paying for early access to a game that will soon be free?
Aion 2 has climbed to the number one position on Steam's top sellers list ahead of its official launch. The surge in rankings follows the release of a $24.99 Founder's Pack that provides players with five days of advance access to the game.
Why it matters
The game, developed by NC, is drawing significant interest as a highly anticipated successor to the original 2008 title. Its transition to a free-to-play model, supported by optional $15 monthly subscriptions, aims to capitalize on the series' established player base.
The Founder's Pack is priced at $24.99 and offers five days of early gameplay. The title features eight distinct classes and a game world reported to be 36 times larger than the original 2008 release.
The players
NC
NC is the video game developer and publisher responsible for the creation of the Aion franchise.
Steam
Steam is a global digital distribution platform for video games operated by the Valve Corporation.
The details
Aion 2 incorporates flight-based exploration and combat, with some assets designed using AI-assisted tools. Players can choose from eight playable classes when the title officially transitions to a free-to-play experience.
Timeline
The original Aion MMORPG was released in 2008.
The full free-to-play release of Aion 2 is scheduled for October 5, 2026.
Culture Shift
This release reflects the broader industry trend of utilizing paid early access bundles to generate immediate revenue before a game shifts to a free-to-play model. The title builds upon the legacy of the 2008 release of the original Aion MMORPG by significantly expanding the playable world.
Players who purchase the Founder's Pack gain immediate early access, but others can wait for the free-to-play launch in October. The $15 monthly premium subscription remains an optional recurring cost for those seeking additional in-game benefits.
The takeaway
The success of early access sales indicates continued demand for established MMORPG franchises. Interested players should evaluate whether the $24.99 early access price provides sufficient value compared to the upcoming free-to-play release.
What happens next
The full free-to-play version of Aion 2 is scheduled to launch on October 5, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of digital gaming titles, visit the Gaming section.
Live Poll
Is it worth paying for early access to a game that will soon be free?
