Info about AION 2:

Official game description:
**The sky is not the limit. It is the battlefield.**
Built on Unreal Engine 5 across a world 36 times larger than the original AION, this is the only MMORPG built for aerial combat. Verticality is in the DNA of AION 2, and rewards players who can think, and fight, in 3 dimensions.
Every region, every battlefield, every encounter was designed with verticality as its axis. As a Daeva, flight is not a travel mechanic, it is how you fight, how you explore, and how you impose your will on the world. Gain altitude to gain advantage, and experience a scale of aerial combat unlike any other MMORPG.
Precision, timing, and positioning shape every battle. Chain skills seamlessly, customize your class to fit your playstyle, and adapt as encounters escalate. Every fight is a decision, not a rotation.
From solo instances to large-scale raids, AION 2 PvE is built around scale and variety. Over 200 dungeons span multiple formats: solo challenges, 5-player party content, and 10-player group dungeons. Seasonal challenges, competitive rankings, and open-world events keep the excitement high, and the Abyss ensures that PvE and faction war are never far apart.
Bring your vision to life with one of the most advanced character creation systems in an MMORPG. With over 200 customization options and countless outfits, mounts, and wings to collect, your character becomes a true expression of who you are. 
The Shugo Festival brings a variety of mini-games to Atreia. Protect the Shugos from waves of enemies, race pets against other players, dodge lasers, and more. Earn unique rewards including wings, skins, pets, and décor!

Release date: Oct 5, 2026

Categories: MMORPG, Flight-Centric Movement, Character Customization, Dungeon Crawler, PvP, Large-Scale Combat, Open-World Exploration, Pay-to-Win Monetization

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 85; verdict: Predatory / Pay-to-Win; summary: Aion 2 is a free-to-play Korean MMORPG with extensive monetization: a subscription-like soft paywall, two battle passes, cash shop cosmetics, per-character purchases, paid convenience and inventory expansion, and a real-money-to-currency exchange that enables buying gear and progression. While several reviewers note the global version is less aggressive than the Asian release and that PvE can be enjoyed without spending, the reviews contain direct evidence of pay-to-win mechanics. The audit scores it as predatory monetization.
- Proton/Linux: score 10; verdict: Works Well on Linux/SteamOS; summary: The Linux/Proton-relevant feedback is positive: users report the game works well on Arch Linux and on SteamOS. The remaining reviews discuss general performance at 4K and frame generation but do not mention Linux, Proton, SteamOS, Wine, or native Linux tooling, so they are excluded from the Linux compatibility assessment. No Linux-specific blockers, workarounds, or instability are reported.
- Steam Deck: score 50; verdict: Tinkering Required; summary: Aion 2 is confirmed to run on Linux and SteamOS, making it playable on Steam Deck out of the box. However, anti-cheat restrictions block virtual inputs and remote play, and controller support is inconsistent, with some users finding it confusing or incomplete. Performance and control sensitivity tweaks are also noted. Overall, the game requires some tinkering for an optimal Steam Deck experience.

- Hardware Profile:
  - Summary: Windows performance varies by VRAM and RAM tier: mid-range VRAM cohorts show a mix of smooth play and optimization or crash complaints, 8-11GB VRAM is mostly positive, while 16GB+ and <8GB VRAM cohorts report widespread instability or low FPS.
  - Sample size: 189 (14% coverage)
  - Audience skew: Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM / 16-31GB RAM (mixed, 52 reports): Some users report 60-100 FPS at high or 4K settings, but others cite poor performance, high temps, and frequent DLSS crashes.
  - Windows 16GB+ VRAM (negative, 33 reports): Despite high VRAM, many report lag, desync, crashes, and poor UE5 optimization.
  - Windows 8-11GB VRAM (positive, 32 reports): Most users report smooth high or 4K performance around 60 FPS, with drops only in crowded areas and a few crash reports.
  - Windows 12-15GB VRAM / 32GB+ RAM (mixed, 30 reports): Several users report smooth play and no lag, but others still describe poor optimization, heavy FPS drops, and UE5 crashes.
  - Windows <8GB VRAM (negative, 29 reports): Users report severe optimization problems, crashes, and low frame rates often between 15 and 55 FPS.
  - Caveats: 189 of 1396 reviews expose hardware metadata.; Review sample is heavily weighted toward Windows PCs with 10GB+ VRAM.
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $0.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews indicate the game is expected to be playable without an upfront purchase: one reviewer notes an optional subscription and says players can still enjoy the game for free. Other comments reject spending money or paying extra for early access as not worth it. No review provides a positive base price above zero, so the community fair base-game price is $0.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 6.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The 12-hour two-day playtest implies roughly 6-hour daily sessions. A Portuguese review reports around 6 hours straight, and a German review reports 5.3 hours played. A shorter 30-minute session is also noted. These reports support a typical session length of about 6 hours. No review provides a clear hour count for finishing the game, completing the main story, or reaching/clearing endgame content, so those metrics are left null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game tends to click after the early on-rails tutorial and leveling friction, once the world opens up and later progression or endgame becomes more interesting. Some players enjoy it immediately, while others report it never clicks due to shallow, repetitive, or automated-feeling systems.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: After the on-rails tutorial, when the world opens up
  - Time to anchor: 2h 0m
  - Friction: On-rails tutorial section; Features locked until initial quests are completed; Leveling process described as a boring chore until endgame; World does not open up until a couple hours in; First few hours not representative for judging combat; Launch-hour server queues and full servers
  - Unlock drivers: Completing initial quests unlocks features; World opens up after the on-rails tutorial; Combat improvements after the first few hours; Endgame becomes faster and more interesting than early levels; Later PvE, PvP, and class progression get better; Character progression and gear development
  - Conditions: Tolerance for launch-hour server issues; Enjoyment of heavy progression systems, grinding, and Korean MMO design; Interest in PvE content such as dungeons, raids, and expeditions; Competitive PvP or leaderboard play can hit a pay-to-win wall; Playing with friends depends on getting onto the same server; Willingness to engage with cash shop and monetization systems; Prior affection for Aion 1; Speedrunning or pacing through leveling
- Player Archetypes:
  - Chill PvE Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: Relaxing exploration, collecting cosmetics and mounts, and enjoying PvE progression without competitive pressure.
    - Playstyle: Plays mostly PvE, often solo or casually with friends, avoids PvP and endgame grind, and focuses on world exploration, flying, quests, and cosmetic collection.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Competitive PvP Veteran (no buy)
    - Motivation: Competing in PvP and leaderboards through skill, gear, and prepared consumables.
    - Playstyle: Focuses on open-world and arena PvP, min-maxes buffs and consumables, tracks leaderboards, and measures progression by competitive advantage.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Old-School MMO Veteran (no buy)
    - Motivation: Recapturing classic MMO discovery, meaningful leveling, and mechanics-driven faction conflict from older Aion-era games.
    - Playstyle: Expects long-term world exploration, social grouping, meaningful PvP, and non-automated progression rather than checklist questing.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Aion; Black Desert Online
  - First-Time MMO Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Trying an MMO from launch and enjoying accessible early-game progression and combat.
    - Playstyle: Starts fresh characters, quests and levels through early zones, plays solo or with small groups, and measures fun by immediate enjoyment rather than endgame mastery.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Stunning Visuals and Graphics (weight 0.29): Players consistently praise the game's beautiful and high-quality graphics, calling them stunning, gorgeous, and top-notch. The visual presentation creates a magnificent and polished experience.
- Smooth Performance and Stability (weight 0.21): The game runs smoothly with no lag, crashes, or server issues, even on high-end PCs. Many report buttery-smooth frames and zero technical problems.
- Engaging Combat System (weight 0.2): Combat is described as smooth, responsive, and extremely fun, with well-tuned mechanics that feel satisfying. Many highlight its fast and flashy nature.
- Fun and Enjoyable Gameplay (weight 0.18): Reviewers find the game fun, enjoyable, and a blast to play, with many expressing ongoing enjoyment. The core gameplay loop is well-received.
- Excellent Character Creation (weight 0.15): Character creation is praised as detailed, extensive, and unmatched, allowing players to create characters to their liking. The customization options are rich and satisfying.
- Top MMORPG Experience (weight 0.09): Many consider it one of the best MMORPGs in recent times, with a strong launch and engaging content. It stands out as a modern and enjoyable MMO.
- Beautiful Game World (weight 0.06): The game's world is frequently called beautiful and visually impressive, contributing to an immersive experience. Players appreciate the stunning environments.
- Overall High Quality Game (weight 0.06): Reviewers describe the game as great, awesome, and well-made, with a polished feel. It is regarded as very good and worth recommending.
- Interesting Story (weight 0.04): The story is noted as good and better than expected, adding to the overall experience. Some find it engaging and well-written.
- Free-to-Play Model Appreciated (weight 0.04): Players appreciate that the game is free and not gacha-based, with no required spending. This accessibility is a positive aspect for many.
- Pleasing Animations and Character Models (weight 0.04): Animations and character models are visually appealing and nicely done. This enhances the overall aesthetic of the game.

Common complaints:
- Extremely long queue times (weight 0.23): Players report queue numbers exceeding 3000 and wait times of 2 to 4 hours, with some waits reaching 7.5 hours. Queues progress very slowly, often only a few people per minute.
- Paid but cannot play (weight 0.17): Players who paid for the game or early access cannot enter due to server issues, queues, or character creation locks. Many feel scammed as they cannot access the product they purchased.
- Character creation blocked (weight 0.16): Character creation is restricted or locked server-wide for hours, preventing players from starting the game. Even after adding new servers, restrictions persist.
- Aggressive monetization and pay-to-win (weight 0.12): Players criticize expensive battle passes and pay-to-win elements, including monthly subscriptions that provide advantages. Monetization is seen as excessive and greedy.
- Founders Pack not recognized (weight 0.09): Many players who purchased the Founders Pack cannot access the game because Steam or the game does not recognize their purchase. Some resolved by restarting Steam, but others remain locked out.
- Cannot play with friends (weight 0.08): Players are unable to join friends or family on different servers, with cross-server play limited to dungeons only. Even selecting the same server is often impossible due to locks.
- Feels like mobile game (weight 0.06): The game's UI and overall feel resemble a mobile game rather than a PC MMO. This has disappointed players expecting a traditional Aion experience.
- Cannot enter game at all (weight 0.06): Some players spend over 30-80 minutes trying to open the game but fail completely. Constant entry problems prevent any gameplay.
- Not like original Aion (weight 0.06): Veterans say the game plays nothing like the original Aion, with different mechanics and feel. It does not live up to the Aion legacy.
- Insufficient servers at launch (weight 0.05): Early access launched with too few servers, causing immediate overcrowding. A one-hour delay and only four servers exacerbated the problem.
- Founder rewards character-bound (weight 0.04): Founder Pack cosmetic rewards are bound to a specific character and server, not the account. This limits their usability and disappoints backers.
- Unengaging story (weight 0.04): The story is described as generic, nonexistent, or meh. It fails to engage players and lacks depth.

Gameplay feedback:
- Monetization via subscriptions and battle passes (weight 0.16): The game monetizes through a subscription model and multiple battle passes. Some players note the presence of two battle passes and a premium subscription.
- MMO with server queues (weight 0.15): The game is an MMO with server infrastructure and login queues. Players experience queues when entering servers.
- Character creation system criticized (weight 0.13): The game includes a detailed character creation system with extensive customization options. Players highlight the variety of appearance choices available.
- Combat system present (weight 0.12): The game features a combat system, often described as macro-based or action-oriented. Players note that combat is present and dynamic.
- Character creation restricted by server (weight 0.12): Character creation is restricted to a single server due to server-side restrictions. Players must choose a server before creating characters.
- Paid early access and founder packs (weight 0.12): The game had a paid early access period and offers founder packs. Founder packs include cosmetic rewards and early access.
- Pay-to-win elements present (weight 0.08): The game contains pay-to-win elements, similar to other games. Some players note pay-to-progress mechanics typical of Korean MMOs.
- Free-to-play model (weight 0.05): The game is free-to-play, allowing access without upfront cost. However, it includes optional purchases and subscriptions.
- Auction house requires subscription (weight 0.05): Access to the auction house is only available with a subscription. This limits free players' ability to trade.
- Open world gameplay (weight 0.04): The game features an open world for exploration. Players can freely roam and engage with the environment.
- Flying mechanics require leveling (weight 0.04): Flying is a core mechanic but requires leveling up to unlock. Once available, it enhances traversal and exploration.
- Typical Korean MMO style (weight 0.04): The game is described as a typical Korean MMO, with familiar mechanics and aesthetics. This includes grinding and pay-to-win elements.
- PvE-oriented gameplay (weight 0.03): The game is mostly PvE-focused. Players engage in questing, combat, and progression against AI enemies.
- PvP features available (weight 0.03): The game includes PvP features. Players can engage in player-versus-player combat.
- Dungeons and instances (weight 0.03): The game contains dungeons and instanced content. Players can group up to tackle these challenges.
- Cross-server play for dungeons only (weight 0.03): Cross-server play is limited to dungeons. Other activities are restricted to the player's server.
- Cash shop with premium currency (weight 0.03): The cash shop uses a premium currency purchased in bundles. It offers utility items and bonus currency.
- In-game economy and auction house (weight 0.03): The game has an in-game economy featuring an auction house. Players can buy and sell items.
- Repetitive interaction with F key (weight 0.03): Quests often involve pressing the 'F' key repeatedly. This leads to a repetitive gameplay experience.
- European servers available (weight 0.03): The game has European servers. Players in that region can connect to local servers.

Performance notes:
- Mixed performance experiences (weight 0.22): While some users report smooth performance, others experience significant issues. Reports vary widely, from running well on old hardware to poor optimization on high-end systems.
- Poor optimization and low FPS (weight 0.14): Many complain about poor optimization, frame lag, and low FPS even on capable systems. Some report needing to lower settings drastically to achieve playable frame rates.
- Frequent crashes and launch failures (weight 0.11): Many users report crashes at startup, during gameplay, and UE5-related errors. Issues include DirectX 12 errors, access violations, automatic closing, and specific error codes, making the game unplayable for some.
- Server congestion and long queues (weight 0.11): Players face extremely long login queues, full servers, and inability to create characters or join friends. Server capacity issues are prominent, especially during peak times.
- Performance drops in crowded areas (weight 0.09): Massive FPS drops and latency occur when many players are present, such as in cities or crowded servers. This makes large-scale battles or social hubs nearly unplayable for some.
- Stuttering and micro-stutters (weight 0.09): Players experience constant stuttering, micro-stutters, and brief pauses even on high-end hardware. This includes stutters during cutscenes and asset loading, impacting smoothness.
- Disconnections and server instability (weight 0.08): Frequent disconnections, connection timeouts, and server-side freezes disrupt gameplay. Some players are kicked out repeatedly, affecting the overall experience.
- Crashes on high-end PCs (weight 0.04): Even users with high-end hardware report crashes and performance issues, indicating poor optimization across the board.
- Login and connection errors (weight 0.04): Various login failures and connection errors prevent access to the game. These errors include specific codes and general inability to connect.
- Bugs causing game freezes (weight 0.03): Game-breaking bugs can cause the game to get stuck, requiring reboots, or even hang the entire PC. These issues severely disrupt gameplay sessions.
- Ping and latency concerns (weight 0.03): A few users mention disappointing ping and player lagging/desync, affecting online interactions. These issues can hinder competitive or cooperative play.
- Frame generation support issues (weight 0.03): Lack of frame generation support (e.g., DLSS/FSR) leads to crashes or poor performance. Some rely on FSR for acceptable FPS.
- Queue times at launch (weight 0.03): While some experienced short queues, others faced extremely long waits. Server capacity at launch was a mixed bag.
- Smooth performance on low-end (weight 0.03): Some users with older or low-end hardware report surprisingly smooth performance, contrasting with others' experiences.
- Missing textures and visual issues (weight 0.02): Some users report missing textures, which can detract from the visual experience. This adds to the list of technical problems.
- Unoptimized UE5 engine (weight 0.02): The game is criticized for being unoptimized on the Unreal Engine 5, contributing to performance woes. This is a root cause cited by some users.
- Server queue re-entry after crash (weight 0.02): Server crashes can cause disconnects and force players to re-enter long queues, compounding frustration.

Recommendations:
- Mixed Recommendations Overall (weight 0.21): The community is deeply split between strong endorsements and strong warnings. Positive reviews highlight enjoyable gameplay and the free-to-play option, while negative reviews focus on monetization, server issues, and refund requests.
- Free-to-Play First Impression (weight 0.16): Several players suggest trying the game for free before spending any money. They argue that you have nothing to lose except your time, and it lets you form your own opinion without financial risk.
- Positive Recommendations for MMO Fans (weight 0.16): Many players recommend the game to those who enjoy traditional or old-school MMORPGs, highlighting teamwork, class optimization, and a dynamic experience unlike other current MMOs.
- Ignore Negative Launch Reviews (weight 0.14): Many reviewers urge players to look past early negative reviews, especially those stemming from launch-day server queues and brief technical problems. They believe the game deserves a fair chance once the initial rush subsides.
- Refund Requests (weight 0.13): A number of players are requesting refunds due to account issues, unmet expectations, or the decision to wait for the free-to-play launch. Some explicitly recommend refunding early access purchases.
- Comparisons to Other MMOs (weight 0.12): Players frequently compare this game to established MMOs like World of Warcraft, Black Desert Online, Lost Ark, and Final Fantasy XIV. Some recommend it for fans of specific titles, while others suggest playing those alternatives instead.
- Founder's Pack Warnings (weight 0.1): Multiple reviewers advise against buying the Founder's Pack, citing its high price and the availability of a free trial. Some also warn that premium rewards are server-bound and not clearly explained.
- Pay-to-Win Concerns (weight 0.1): The game's monetization, including subscriptions and cash shop advantages, is a major point of criticism. Some warn that without a subscription you are severely limited, and that pay-to-win elements can affect PvP.
- Wait for Free Release (weight 0.08): Several reviewers recommend waiting for the free-to-play release instead of paying for early access. They suggest checking the game out on October 5th or when it becomes permanently free.
- Monetization and Value Criticism (weight 0.08): Critics argue the game is not worth the money due to aggressive monetization, lack of rewards, and a shallow experience. Some describe it as a 6/10 game that can be played for a limited time only.
- Server and Queue Issues (weight 0.07): Server problems, long queues, and connectivity issues are common complaints, especially during launch. Russian players specifically are advised to use a VPN or Lagofast to play without lag.
- Casual vs Hardcore Playstyles (weight 0.07): Opinions differ on whether the game suits casual or hardcore players. Some recommend a relaxed approach without competing or spending heavily, while others warn that top rankings require significant investment.
- Endgame and Progression Advice (weight 0.06): Several reviewers note that early levels are not representative and that combat and content improve later in the game. They suggest playing at least to level 10 or beyond before judging the experience.
- AION 2 Recommendations (weight 0.06): Some reviewers explicitly recommend AION 2 as a better alternative for MMO players, despite its own launch issues. Others suggest avoiding it to preserve fond memories of the original Aion.
- Graphics Performance Fix Needed (weight 0.02): A reviewer gives a thumbs up but only if graphics performance issues are resolved. This suggests that performance problems are a barrier to full enjoyment for some players.
- Steam vs Purple Platform (weight 0.02): One reviewer expresses hope that others bought the game on Steam rather than the Purple launcher, hinting at a preference or issue with the latter. This is a minor but specific platform-related concern.

Other player notes:
- Paid Early Access Offered (weight 0.2): Many reviewers mention that the game had a paid early access period, often available for a fee. This monetization strategy is a common point of feedback, with some players paying extra for early access and name reservation.
- Subscription and Battle Pass (weight 0.14): The game features both a subscription and a battle pass system, sometimes called Premium. Multiple battle passes and monthly subscriptions are part of the monetization, which some reviewers criticize as pay-to-win.
- Free-to-Play Model (weight 0.13): Reviewers note that the game is free-to-play, with no need to spend money, and dense content. Some mention an aggressive monetization despite the free-to-play label.
- Founder Packs Sold (weight 0.12): Founder packs are available for purchase, with various tiers including an Ultimate version. These packs often include early access, subscription time, and other perks.
- Server Issues and Comparisons (weight 0.08): Reviewers compare the game to WoW due to frustration with server issues, calling it a 'forever waiting room'. The game has multiple servers, with some overcrowded and others less populated.
- Cash Shop and Pay-to-Win (weight 0.08): Monetization includes a cash shop with convenience items, slots, currencies, and progression-related items. Reviewers frequently mention pay-to-win elements and pay-to-progress faster options.
- Planned Free Release (weight 0.08): The game is planned to have a free release, specifically on October 5th as free-to-play. Many reviewers mention this upcoming free-to-play version.
- Subscription for Market Access (weight 0.06): The game is advertised as free-to-play but requires a subscription for auction house access. This subscription model is a point of contention among players.
- Pre-orders Available (weight 0.05): The game was available for pre-order, and some reviewers pre-ordered it. This is a common practice for new game releases.
- Comparison to Aion 1 (weight 0.04): The combat system differs from AION 1, and some reviewers compare it to Aion Classic. However, some reviewers did not play the original AION.
- Developed by NCSoft (weight 0.04): The game is developed or published by NCSoft, as mentioned by several reviewers. This is a factual point about the game's origin.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.7): Players are overwhelmingly frustrated by launch failures including multi-hour queues, full servers, and character creation restrictions that prevented paying early access customers from playing. Additional frustrations stem from server-bound progression and paid benefits that force players to choose between playing with friends and keeping purchases, combined with technical issues like crashes, stuttering, and broken controls. Many also cite aggressive monetization and shallow gameplay systems as compounding the disappointment.
- Disappointment (weight 0.35): Disappointment centers on the game feeling like a stripped-down mobile port rather than a true successor to Aion, with repetitive combat, shallow gameplay, and low difficulty. Players are also deeply disappointed by server-bound Founder's Pack cosmetics and benefits that are lost when switching characters or servers, poor performance on high-end hardware, and a launch that prevented many from playing at all.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.21): Players enjoy the game primarily for its fun and snappy combat, beautiful graphics and world, and engaging exploration including flying and crafting. Many describe it as a solid MMORPG experience with plenty of PvE content and dungeons, providing a pleasant break from paid MMOs.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.16): Satisfaction comes from smooth performance on a variety of hardware with no queues, crashes, or lag, combined with good combat, exploration, and visual polish. Players also appreciate stable servers, fast login times, and responsive developer fixes, with some noting the game fills a void in the MMORPG market.
- Anger (weight 0.16): Anger is driven by monetization practices including server-bound premium benefits, per-character battle passes, and expensive cosmetics, alongside severe launch failures such as insufficient server capacity, long queues, disconnections, and being denied access after purchasing founder packs. Many feel disrespected and scammed by NCSoft's handling of the global launch and lack of communication.
- Annoyance (weight 0.08): Annoyance focuses on untruthful or exaggerated negative reviews from players who barely experienced the game, as well as gameplay friction like getting stuck on other players' hitboxes and waiting for shared quest items. Monetization practices such as paid cosmetic color changes and non-cross-server premium membership also irritate players.
- Excitement (weight 0.06): Excitement stems from great visuals, fun combat, and a strong first impression that makes players eager to log in and progress. Many look forward to exploring dungeons, collecting mounts, and discovering more content in a long-awaited MMO.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.04): Enthusiasm is driven by gorgeous graphics, fluid and flashy combat, and a fun character creation system. Players describe the game as dynamic and different from other MMOs, with a lively server population enjoying the experience.
- Appreciation (weight 0.03): Appreciation focuses on the game respecting players' time with shortened grind, gorgeous visuals and sound design, and a fun mount system. Players also value the Western release's reworked systems and shop, and the arrival of a new MMO with enjoyable progression.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Amusement arises from watching players complain about predictable MMO issues like server queues and pay-to-win, and from exaggerated character customization and automated quests. Some also find humor in NCSoft repeating launch mistakes and in negative reviews perceived as ridiculous.
- Disgust (weight 0.03): Disgust is directed at pay-to-win monetization, soulless generic design, and an empty world paired with a predatory cash shop. Concerns about inappropriate character appearances and poor localization with mismatched voice and subtitles also contribute.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Hope stems from seeing pieces of a good game buried under launch issues, and wishing for the developer to avoid excessive pay-to-win and to keep open world content relevant. Players also hope the game succeeds in the West and that market access may be revised.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is inspired by stunning visuals, beautiful characters and spell effects, and a lovely combat system. The open world and scenery also draw praise from players.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): Nostalgia is triggered by reminders of past MMOs like Lineage 2, Aion 1, Shaiya, and Grand Fantasia, and by remembering playing Aion 1 at launch in 2009. Former Aion players feel a strong connection to the original game.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom results from a lack of world discovery, repetitive left-click gameplay, and an auto-travel macro with one-button class combat. Players also find the leveling process a chore and note limited activities after weekly tasks.
- Optimism (weight 0.02): Optimism persists because the game looks good beyond launch issues, queues were fixed quickly, and players see potential for AION 2 to win over MMORPG fans. Many are looking forward to future improvements.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arises from missing options like mouse inversion, unclear combat targeting, and difficulty understanding mechanics like underwater diving. Some also encounter errors claiming the Founder's Pack was not purchased.
- Relief (weight 0.02): Relief comes from resolving initial access problems, such as no queue after reconnecting, fixing the Founder's Pack issue by restarting Steam, and being able to play on older hardware. Players are glad the game works after the initial waiting period.
- Impressed (weight 0.01): Impressed players highlight very good graphics, atmosphere, and sound, with smooth performance even with many players on screen. They also praise well-tuned combat and gorgeous art in a Korean MMO.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy is found in gliding and flying through the air, collecting mounts and skins, and having lots of fun playing the game. The freedom of exploration brings delight to players.}