Steam's best-selling RPG is going permanently free-to-play in a matter of days

In just a few days' time, PC users are going to be able to get their hands on an awesome RPG at no cost whatsoever.

That’s because AION 2 is going permanently free-to-play in a matter of days. On October 5, developer NC will scrap the MMORPG’s early access price tag.

The title just topped Steam’s best-selling chart, though, with players instead seemingly keen to actually pay for it. There’s a good reason for this.

As spotted by PCGamesN, AION 2 has just topped Steam’s global top-selling games list.

AION 2 will not be free-to-play until its 1.0 launch on October 5, with the title currently available in paid early access. That’ll set you back £18.49 / $24.99.

By picking up and paying for AION 2 ahead of its full launch, you get access to the Standard Founder’s Pack, which free-to-play players will not benefit from.

In addition to early access, the Standard Founder’s Pack also grants you Daeva's Campaign Supply Chest, which includes useful items for early in-game progression, the Unique-grade Vanguard of Atreia title, and a 30-day Quai membership.

The latter allows you to enjoy special perks, including remote storage, market interaction, and increased reward selection count for dungeons.

There’s also the option to pick up the Deluxe Founder’s Pack. That costs £36.99 / $49.99.

This version includes the previous benefits plus the Ascended Daeva cosmetic skin set and the Eternal Sun Weapon skin.

Finally, you can choose to buy the Ultimate Founder’s Pack for £73.99 / $99.99.

Alongside the Standard and Deluxe perks, it also includes Daeva’s Styling Chest, a Black Dragon pet, and the Blazing Sun Wings skin.

Or, of course, you could simply enjoy the game for free on October 5. Keep in mind that the game does feature optional microtransactions, some of which may be of the pay-to-win variety.

You don’t necessarily need to have played the original AION

While AION 2 follows in the footsteps of the original AION, it should feel welcoming to both returning and new players as it takes place 200 years later.

Built in Unreal Engine 5, it’s 36 times bigger than its predecessor and claims to be the only MMORPG built for aerial combat.

The game takes place following the collapse of the Tower of Eternity with its energy fragments now scattered across Atreia.

This has left this magical world vulnerable to the invading Balaur, who are trying to trap Daeva souls.

You’ll step into the shoes of a Daeva, attempting to survive within this celestial realm.

There are plenty of regions to explore as you fend off foes, level up, engage in dungeons and raids, and more. You can customise your character, partake in minigames, and basically enjoy all of the classic MMORPG fare.

There are over 200 dungeons alone, with options including solo challenges, five-player party count, and 10-player groups.

Already, AION 2 seems to be going down pretty well with early access players in terms of its content.

“Great graphics, fun gameplay,” one player noted.

Another added, “Really enjoying it so far, great graphics and awesome gameplay. Let the grinding commence.”

However, others have highlighted just how aggressive the in-game monetisation is.

There will be some gamers happy to invest, but if you’re hoping to enjoy the full breadth of AION 2 for free, you may struggle.