24 June 2026, 09:11 AM
If you played the original Aion, you already know that the fierce rivalry between its two main factions was the absolute heartbeat of the game. With NCSoft working on Aion 2, a lot of veterans and newcomers alike are wondering how this classic conflict is shaping up.
Set on the fractured planet of Atreia roughly 200 years after the events of the original game, Aion 2 brings back the classic binary choice that defines your entire journey. The faction you pick locks in your identity, your starting territory, your story path, and your character's overall aesthetic style.
Here is a breakdown of what we know so far about the two playable factions and how they will impact your gameplay.
The Playable Factions
The Elyos
The Elyos occupy Elysea, which is the bright, radiant lower half of Atreia. Because their home is bathed in ample light, they have been blessed by the Seraphim Lords and view themselves as the rightful, divine guardians of light and order.
If you like the elegant, angelic look, this is your faction. Their aesthetic heavily features bright themes, and their narrative focus centers on light-based destinies.
The Asmodians
On the flip side, we have the Asmodians, who inhabit Asmodae. This is the dark, frozen, and rugged upper half of the world. Because their environment is so brutal and unforgiving, they have been hardened by centuries of isolation and a constant battle just to stay alive.
Aligned with the Shedim Lords, the Asmodians have a much darker, fiercer look. They have physically evolved features, like claws, shaped entirely by their struggle for survival. If you prefer a gritty, underdog vibe with a sharper edge, the Asmodians will likely be your go-to.
Core Gameplay and System Impact
Your faction choice is not just skin-deep; it fundamentally shapes how you interact with the game world and other players.
Set on the fractured planet of Atreia roughly 200 years after the events of the original game, Aion 2 brings back the classic binary choice that defines your entire journey. The faction you pick locks in your identity, your starting territory, your story path, and your character's overall aesthetic style.
Here is a breakdown of what we know so far about the two playable factions and how they will impact your gameplay.
The Playable Factions
The Elyos
The Elyos occupy Elysea, which is the bright, radiant lower half of Atreia. Because their home is bathed in ample light, they have been blessed by the Seraphim Lords and view themselves as the rightful, divine guardians of light and order.
If you like the elegant, angelic look, this is your faction. Their aesthetic heavily features bright themes, and their narrative focus centers on light-based destinies.
The Asmodians
On the flip side, we have the Asmodians, who inhabit Asmodae. This is the dark, frozen, and rugged upper half of the world. Because their environment is so brutal and unforgiving, they have been hardened by centuries of isolation and a constant battle just to stay alive.
Aligned with the Shedim Lords, the Asmodians have a much darker, fiercer look. They have physically evolved features, like claws, shaped entirely by their struggle for survival. If you prefer a gritty, underdog vibe with a sharper edge, the Asmodians will likely be your go-to.
Core Gameplay and System Impact
Your faction choice is not just skin-deep; it fundamentally shapes how you interact with the game world and other players.
- Server Segregation: Choosing a faction physically separates players. You will be placed on separate servers outside of specific cross-realm environments, meaning you cannot easily hang out with friends who chose the opposing side unless you are in designated cross-server zones.
- No Racial Buffs: If you are worried about picking a faction based on meta-stats, you can relax. Factions do not dictate mechanical stats or skill bonuses. NCSoft is keeping it purely cosmetic and narrative, ensuring that PvP remains balanced and relies entirely on your personal skill and gear.
- Dedicated Faction Maps: Exploration looks massive for both sides. Every faction receives its own unique territory expansions. We are looking at six primary strongholds and 20 hidden progression dungeons per side to keep you busy.
- Customization Freedom: When you create your character, you will have over 200 adjustable features to tweak. This includes a wide array of skin options, allowing you to choose shades of blue, gray, or red to make your hero stand out.
- The Non-Playable Threat: You will not just be fighting the other faction. The Balaur are returning as a highly aggressive, non-playable draconic race. They serve as the primary antagonists in Aion 2 and will be a major threat to both the Elyos and the Asmodians alike.