AION 2 Pre-Load Guide: Times, Sizes & Steps (Steam, Purple)

Published 2026-09-293 min read

AION 2 pre-download is live on Steam and Purple — here's when it started, the size to plan for (50–70GB), and how decryption works on your unlock day.

Pre-load puts the full client on your drive early — the files stay encrypted until your access window opens.

AION 2's pre-download is available right now on both Steam and Purple (official announcement, September 28, 2026). Everyone can download the client today; the files arrive encrypted and unlock on your access day — September 30 with the Founder's Pack's Advanced Access, or October 5 at the free global launch.

Key Pre-Load Facts
Pre-download status Live now on Steam and Purple (since September 28, 2026)
Who can download Everyone — the base game is free to play
When you can play September 30 (Advanced Access) or October 5, 2026 — unlock times
Download size 50GB+ on SSD minimum spec; 70GB+ on NVMe recommended (full specs)

How to Pre-Load on Steam

  1. Optionally buy a Founder's Pack on the AION 2 Steam page if you want the September 30 head start (what's included)
  2. Install AION 2 from its store page and pick your SSD as the install drive
  3. Let the download finish — the files land encrypted on your drive
  4. On your unlock day, launch the game and allow decryption

Played the Launch Scale Test on Steam? Uninstall the Playtest app first — it's a separate app, and NC says to download AION 2 on its own.

How to Pre-Load on Purple

  1. Get the launcher from purple.plaync.com/download
  2. Sign in with your NC account (account setup guide)
  3. Install AION 2 to your SSD — Purple players coming from the Scale Test need no extra steps

What Happens on Unlock Day

Per NC's announcement: the downloaded files are encrypted, and the game decrypts them to play — this is not a reinstallation. Decryption time varies with your PC's specs, so launch well before you want to play. Skip the queue entirely: with the pre-load done, September 30 (or October 5) is just decrypt, log in, fly.

Related: the Advanced Access head start · what time your region unlocks

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