For PC gamers, the allure of ‘free-to-play’ is hard to resist, especially as the holiday season approaches, bringing with it the pressure of high-profile game releases and significant expenditures. However, the current landscape of free offerings on Steam has been somewhat sparse, with only a few titles, like Amiino, making notable impacts on the charts. In this context, a new MMORPG is poised to shake things up with its highly anticipated free-to-play launch on October 5.
AION 2 Early Access pack soars to Steam’s best-seller ahead of free-to-play launch
AION 2, the much-anticipated MMORPG from NC, has already begun to capture the attention of thousands of players ahead of its official free-to-play debut. This title is being heralded as a 3D battleground reminiscent of the Final Fantasy series, where the possibilities are as expansive as the sky itself. With a world that is 36 times larger than its predecessor, AION, this game is uniquely designed for aerial combat.
The Steam description emphasizes that “Verticality is in the DNA of AION 2,” rewarding players who can navigate and engage in combat across three dimensions. Gamers can look forward to exploring over 200 dungeons, with content tailored for solo players as well as groups of five or ten.
Interestingly, just days before its free release, players are opting to pay for early access. The Advanced Access period for AION 2 began on September 30, allowing enthusiasts to purchase Founder’s Packs for a chance to dive into the game ahead of the crowd. This strategy has proven effective, as the title has surged to the top of Steam’s global Top Sellers chart, which ranks games based on revenue rather than player count.
The most affordable Standard Founder’s Pack is priced at £18.49 / .99, offering players full access to the game along with a selection of in-game bonuses and a 30-day ‘Quai’ membership. For those seeking more, Deluxe and Ultimate Founder’s Packs are available, featuring additional cosmetics and exclusive items.
Despite some early players expressing mixed feelings about certain aspects of the game, particularly its monetization strategies, the overwhelming interest in purchasing early access indicates a robust enthusiasm for this latest entry into the MMORPG genre. As the countdown to the free-to-play launch continues, the anticipation among gamers only seems to grow stronger.
