AION 2 Playtest: Launch Scale Test Dates & How to Join
The AION 2 playtest, officially called the Launch Scale Test, will run on September 17–18, 2026. NC officially confirms the test dates and says the event will simulate conditions similar to the live service to check server and infrastructure stability. PC players can sign up for the AION 2 Playtest through Steam by selecting Request Access on the official store page.
The test takes place before Founder’s Pack Advanced Access on September 30 and the global PC launch on October 5. This guide covers the AION 2 playtest date and time, signup, preload, content restrictions and progress reset.
AION 2 Playtest Date and Time
NC confirms the September 17–18 test dates and says the event will test servers and infrastructure under conditions similar to live service. Some content will be restricted. NC Japan also confirms 12 total playable hours.
| Event | Pacific Time | UTC | Japan Time | China/Singapore Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-download | Sept. 16, 6:00 AM PDT | Sept. 16, 1:00 PM | Sept. 16, 10:00 PM JST | Sept. 16, 9:00 PM |
| Test Session 1 | Sept. 17, 6:00 AM–12:00 PM PDT | Sept. 17, 1:00–7:00 PM | Sept. 17, 10:00 PM–Sept. 18, 4:00 AM JST | Sept. 17, 9:00 PM–Sept. 18, 3:00 AM |
| Test Session 2 | Sept. 18, 12:00–6:00 PM PDT | Sept. 18, 7:00 PM–Sept. 19, 1:00 AM | Sept. 19, 4:00–10:00 AM JST | Sept. 19, 3:00–9:00 AM |
| Advanced Access | Sept. 30 | Time not announced | Time not announced | Time not announced |
| Global launch | Oct. 5 | Time not announced | Time not announced | Time not announced |
The Playtest runs in two six-hour sessions for 12 total hours. The current schedule lists preload for September 16, followed by sessions on September 17 and 18. AION 2 Advanced Access begins September 30, ahead of the October 5 global launch.
How to Sign Up for the AION 2 Playtest
Registration is available through the official AION 2 Steam page. A Founder’s Pack is not required for the AION 2 playtest sign up.
How to Join the AION 2 Playtest on Steam
The AION 2 playtest sign up only takes a few steps through Steam:
Step 1. Open the Steam desktop client, then go to Store > Search > AION 2.
Step 2. Open the official store page, scroll to Join the AION 2 Playtest, and select Request Access.
Step 3. Check your Steam email and revisit the AION 2 store page to see whether access has been granted.
Tip: NC confirms that AION 2 playtest sign up is available through Steam. The official AION 2 Steam page or Request Access option may not appear in some regions or at all times, so check the official Steam page again closer to the test date.
Can You Preload the AION 2 Playtest?
The current Launch Scale Test FAQ lists the AION 2 playtest preload for September 16 at 6:00 AM PDT. NC has not yet confirmed this exact time in a public announcement, so check Steam again before the test.
👉 Approved players can preload through: Steam > Library > AION 2 Playtest > Install
The Playtest may only appear in your Library after access is granted and preload becomes available. The AION 2 Steam page lists 100 GB of available storage and recommends an SSD. The exact Playtest download size has not been announced.
Which Platforms Support the AION 2 Playtest?
The AION 2 Launch Scale Test is available on Windows PC through Steam and PURPLE. Steam players can request access from the AION 2 store page. Check the official AION 2 client or announcements for the latest PURPLE participation instructions.
| Platform or Client | Launch Scale Test | Global Launch |
|---|---|---|
| Steam for Windows | Supported | Confirmed |
| PURPLE | Supported | Confirmed |
| PlayStation | Not supported | Not announced |
| Xbox | Not supported | Not announced |
| Mobile | Not supported for the global version | Not announced |
The global version of AION 2 will launch on Steam and PURPLE, but NC currently directs Launch Scale Test applicants to Steam only.
What Can You Play During the Launch Scale Test?
The AION 2 Launch Scale Test recreates conditions similar to live service, but several systems will remain restricted. The following limits come from the current community-shared Launch Scale Test FAQ:
| Feature | Playtest Status |
|---|---|
| Maximum level | Level 37 |
| Story & PvE | Available within test limits |
| Shop, Quna & Passes | Disabled |
| Marketplace, Quna Exchange & Trading | Disabled |
| Founder’s Pack items & Closet | Unavailable |
The Level 37 cap and disabled economy systems keep the test focused on gameplay, server load and infrastructure stability. Restrictions may change before September 17.
AION 2 Playtest vs. Advanced Access vs. Global Launch
The Launch Scale Test, Founder’s Pack Advanced Access and global launch are three separate access stages.
| Stage | Date | Who Can Play? | Access Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Scale Test | Sept. 17–18 | Approved Steam applicants | Request access; no purchase required |
| Advanced Access | Sept. 30–Oct. 4 | Founder’s Pack owners | Standard, Deluxe or Ultimate pack |
| Global launch | Oct. 5 | Eligible PC players | Free to play through Steam or PURPLE |
All three Founder’s Packs include the same five-day Advanced Access from September 30; higher tiers mainly add cosmetic rewards. Compare the prices and rewards in the AION 2 Founder’s Pack guide.
Does AION 2 Playtest Progress Carry Over?
According to the current community-shared Launch Scale Test FAQ, progress carries from the first session to the second but resets after the Playtest ends. Characters and progression will not transfer to Advanced Access on September 30 or the October 5 global launch.
Use the test to compare classes, learn the early systems, and check PC or network performance. NC’s public Gamescom announcement does not detail the reset policy, so any later official Steam or NC notice takes priority.
Tip: Before the test begins, read our AION 2 beginner guide to compare classes and learn flight combat, dungeons, PvP and early progression.
[Bonus] Reduce Lag During the AION 2 Playtest
The AION 2 Launch Scale Test recreates conditions close to the live service to evaluate server and infrastructure stability. Busy sessions may expose queues, high latency or unstable connections, especially for players connecting to a distant test region.
LagZapper optimizes the route between your Windows PC and the selected game server. It may help lower ping, reduce routing-related lag and minimize packet loss when the problem occurs along your network path.
Key Features of LagZapper for AION 2
- Lower Ping for Responsive Combat: Smart route optimization finds a more efficient connection path to help lower ping during skill chains, aerial combat and PvP.
- Reduce Lag and Ping Spikes: A more stable route can reduce lag during crowded events, dungeons, raids and large-scale faction battles.
- Reduce Packet Loss: LagZapper detects unreliable routes and redirects traffic through a more stable path to reduce packet loss and unexpected disconnects.
How to Boost AION 2 with LagZapper
Once AION 2 is available in LagZapper, boosting your connection takes three steps:
Step 1. Download and Install LagZapper
Download LagZapper for Windows, and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
Step 2. Open LagZapper and Search for AION 2
Enter AION 2 in the LagZapper search bar and select the supported game entry.
Step 3. Select a Node and Boost AION 2
Choose the server region or recommended node that matches your AION 2 test server, click Boost, then launch AION 2 Playtest from Steam.
The Bottom Line
The AION 2 Launch Scale Test runs in two six-hour sessions on September 17–18, with preload currently listed for September 16. Players can request access through Steam without buying a Founder’s Pack, though admission may be limited. Progress is expected to reset after the test. Check the official Steam page before launch for final details, and download LagZapper to optimize your AION 2 connection.
AION 2 Playtest FAQ
Q1. When is the AION 2 Playtest?
The AION 2 Launch Scale Test runs September 17–18, 2026, in two six-hour sessions.
Q2. How do I sign up for the AION 2 Playtest?
Open the AION 2 Steam page, select Join the AION 2 Playtest > Request Access, then wait for approval.
Q3. Is the AION 2 Playtest free?
Yes. Requesting Playtest access is free and does not require a Founder’s Pack, though access may be limited.
Q4. When is the AION 2 Playtest preload?
The current community FAQ lists September 16 at 6:00 AM PDT. Check Steam again before downloading.
Q5. Does AION 2 Playtest progress carry over?
No. Progress is expected to carry between both test sessions, then reset before Advanced Access and global launch.
Q6. Can I join the AION 2 Playtest through PURPLE?
Yes. The current Launch Scale Test FAQ lists both Steam and PURPLE as supported PC clients. Steam players can use Request Access.