Gaming News
AION 2 Tops Steam Charts Amid Server Delays Before Global Launch
Developing
Cover: GenZHype original graphic. All clips and posts below are embedded from their original sources.
By the numbers: this timeline documents 3 events, drawn from 1 source.
Our take
The 171,180 concurrent players during a paid early access window demonstrate significant commercial interest in AION 2, validating NC's investment in the sequel. The initial server delays highlight the technical challenges of scaling MMORPG infrastructure for global audiences, a common hurdle for major launches.
Background
AION 2 is a free-to-play MMORPG developed by NC, which has been available in South Korea and Taiwan for almost a year prior to its global rollout.
The timeline
-
AION 2 early access begins with delayed start times
According to insider-gaming.com, the early access window was supposed to go live at 13:00 UTC but was pushed to 13:30 UTC and then to 14:00 UTC due to server issues that prevented players from entering the game at the advertised time.[1]
Screenshot of insider-gaming.com, captured Sep 30, 2026. Source [1] -
AION 2 reached 171,180 concurrent players
According to insider-gaming.com, as the game stabilized and came online, the player count swelled to 171,180 users exploring the open world, indicating strong demand despite the paid early access requirement.[1]
-
AION 2 tops Steam top sellers list
According to insider-gaming.com, the game skyrocketed up the Steam charts to the number-one spot on the top sellers list, driven by players purchasing early access editions to play before the official global release.[1]
Our read of the evidence
Mostly unverified. All timeline points—the delayed start, the concurrent player count, and the Steam top‑seller placement—are cited only in reports from insider‑gaming.com and lack corroboration from a primary source. Therefore each claim remains unverified beyond those reports, and the pending global launch date also rests on the same single report, leaving it unconfirmed.
Our rating counts evidence, not opinions about anyone: events confirmed by a primary source (the person's own post, their official site, a court or government record) weigh most, then how many independent outlets report the story.
Frequently asked
When is AION 2's global release date?
AION 2 is scheduled to launch globally on October 5, 2026, according to insider-gaming.com.
Why did AION 2 have server issues at launch?
According to insider-gaming.com, the blip at launch was most likely a consequence of NC not anticipating such an immense load right off the bat.
How much does AION 2 early access cost?
According to insider-gaming.com, the advanced early access window requires users to pay at least $24.99, with the most expensive Founder’s Pack costing $99.99.
Is AION 2 free to play?
According to insider-gaming.com, the game is inherently free to play, but players participating in the early access window have paid for that privilege.
More related drama (4)
Sources (1)
Cite this timeline
This timeline compiles 3 dated events from 1 sources. If it helped your reporting, cite it:
GenZHype. “AION 2 Tops Steam Charts Amid Server Delays Before Global Launch.”
GenZHype, 30 September 2026,
https://genzhype.com/gaming/aion-2-tops-steam-charts-amid-server-delays-before-global-launch/.