Advanced Access confirmed for September 30
NC's official Steam announcement confirms Advanced Access begins September 30, 2026. After the Launch Scale Test, Steam players must uninstall the Playtest App and download AION 2 separately to join it. The October 5 global launch is confirmed, and full eligibility rules have not been detailed yet.
Does Aion 2 have early access?
Yes. AION 2 has an Advanced Access window beginning September 30, 2026, confirmed in NC's official Steam Launch Scale Test announcement. The full game launches globally on October 5, 2026 as a free-to-play MMO. NC has not yet detailed the full eligibility rules; multiple outlets report the early window is tied to the Founder's Pack.
Head Start vs Early Access
"Head start" and "early access" describe the same thing for Aion 2: a short window before the global launch where eligible players — most likely Founder's Pack buyers — can create characters and play ahead of the free launch on October 5.
How to get early access
Multiple outlets report that Advanced Access is tied to the Founder's Pack. If you plan to buy one, check our Founder's Pack guide for pack tiers and contents. One step is already confirmed by NC: after the Launch Scale Test ends, Steam players must uninstall the Playtest App and download AION 2 separately — the test client does not convert into the live game.
Before launch: the Launch Scale Test
Before launch, NC is running a Launch Scale Test. Pre-download opened on September 16, and the test runs September 17–18. See our launch scale test page for details and our pre-download guide to get the client installed.
Timeline
All four launch milestones below are confirmed; Advanced Access eligibility details are still being clarified.
| September 16, 2026 | Pre-download opens | Confirmed |
| September 17–18, 2026 | Launch Scale Test | Confirmed |
| September 30, 2026 | Advanced Access begins | Confirmed — official Steam announcement |
| October 5, 2026 | Global free launch | Confirmed |
Official AION 2 Global Video
This official Gamescom 2026 trailer is included as launch-season media. Advanced Access is confirmed for September 30; eligibility details are still pending.
Advanced Access Details Still Pending
The September 30 date is confirmed, but NC has not detailed the full access rules yet. The fields below stay open until an official announcement clarifies eligibility.