AION 2 Steam vs PURPLE: Which Launcher Should You Use for Global Launch?

AION 2's global launch gives PC players two doors into Atreia. You can play through Steam, where most of us already have a library large enough to qualify as an archaeological site, or through PURPLE, NC's own PC platform. Both are official launch options, both support the global version of AION 2, and both can be used for the Launch Scale Test. The obvious question is whether choosing one over the other actually matters.

For most players, the answer is fairly simple: choose the platform you actually intend to keep using. The game itself does not become fundamentally different because you launch it through Steam rather than PURPLE. However, Founder's Pack purchases, Advance Access and a few practical details are tied closely enough to your launcher choice that it is worth deciding before spending money rather than afterward.

Steam and PURPLE Both Run the Global PC Version

NC confirmed earlier this year that the global AION 2 release is being developed for PC through both Steam and PURPLE. The global service launches with regional servers in North America, South America, Europe and Japan, rather than maintaining a completely separate set of worlds specifically because somebody clicked a different launcher icon.

That means you do not need Steam and PURPLE installed at the same time simply to play AION 2. They are alternative ways of accessing the game, not two halves of some elaborate NC launcher ritual.

If you already use Steam for almost everything, there is an obvious convenience advantage in keeping AION 2 inside the same library. Screenshots, downloads, playtime tracking and purchases all stay in the ecosystem you already know. PURPLE makes more sense if you already use NC's platform or simply prefer dealing directly with the publisher rather than adding Steam as another layer.

Founder's Packs Are Where Your Choice Starts to Matter

The important detail comes if you plan to buy a Founder's Pack. AION 2 offers Standard, Deluxe and Ultimate packs on both platforms, starting at $24.99, and all three include five days of Advance Access beginning September 30 plus 30 days of Special Quai Membership.

Those purchases are tied to the platform where you make them. A Founder's Pack bought through Steam is intended for the Steam version, while one purchased through PURPLE is tied to PURPLE. The associated Advance Access does not function as a generic ticket that you can casually move between launchers later.

So if you already know you want to play through Steam, buy the Steam pack. If you intend to use PURPLE, buy it there. Buying first and deciding which launcher you prefer afterward is doing these steps in precisely the wrong order.

We have already broken down what the subscription actually unlocks in our guide to AION 2's Membership, Market and trading systems, so the Founder's Pack is more than simply five days of early access and a collection of shiny wings.

PURPLE Has One Founder's Pack Advantage

PURPLE currently has one useful advantage for players who are uncertain which Founder's Pack tier they want. NC offers paid upgrade products between Founder's Pack tiers through PURPLE. A Standard owner can pay the price difference to move to Deluxe or Ultimate, while a Deluxe owner can upgrade to Ultimate.

The upgrade prices correspond to the difference between the original pack prices, so choosing Standard first does not punish you financially if you later decide those expensive wings have begun calling your name.

An equivalent upgrade system has not been announced for Steam. That makes PURPLE slightly more flexible if you want Advance Access but are still debating whether the larger cosmetic packages are worthwhile.

The Launch Scale Test Works Slightly Differently

The difference is also visible during the AION 2 Launch Scale Test.

Both Steam and PURPLE players can participate, and the test is completely open with no keys or invitation requirement. However, Steam users are downloading a separate AION 2 Playtest application. Once the test finishes, NC says Steam players must uninstall that Playtest client and download the regular AION 2 application separately before Advance Access begins.

PURPLE players have no equivalent post-test step. NC specifically states that PURPLE users have nothing further to do once the Launch Scale Test ends.

This is hardly enough to justify changing your entire platform decision. Uninstalling one client and downloading another is not exactly the Siege of the Abyss. Still, PURPLE does offer the slightly cleaner transition between test and retail.

Does Launch Scale Test Progress Carry Between Steam and PURPLE?

For the current test, this question is largely academic because all Launch Scale Test progression will be wiped. Characters carry from Test Day 1 into Test Day 2, but nothing survives into Advance Access or the October 5 release.

Founder's Pack bonuses are also disabled during testing, along with the Market, Quna Exchange, player trading, Membership benefits and payment systems. In other words, there is no reason to choose your permanent launcher based on preserving whatever you accomplish during these twelve temporary hours.

Use the test to decide whether you like the game, try a few of the eight AION 2 launch classes and see how your computer handles Atreia. We also have the official AION 2 PC requirements if your graphics card begins making noises normally associated with agricultural machinery.

Should You Choose Steam or PURPLE for AION 2?

For most players, Steam is probably the easiest choice. If your games already live there, there is little reason to add another launcher purely for AION 2. The global game launches there officially, Founder's Packs are available there and Advance Access begins on September 30 exactly as it does through PURPLE.

PURPLE nevertheless has a couple of legitimate advantages. The transition from Launch Scale Test to retail is cleaner, and its Founder's Pack upgrade options give you more flexibility if you initially purchase Standard or Deluxe and later want a higher tier.

• Choose Steam if: you already use Steam, want AION 2 alongside the rest of your library and already know which Founder's Pack you want.
• Choose PURPLE if: you already use NC's ecosystem, want the cleanest test-to-launch transition or value the option to upgrade your Founder's Pack later.

The most important advice is simpler than either of those points: once money enters the equation, pick your platform before buying.

AION 2 launches globally as a free-to-play game on October 5, with Founder's Pack Advance Access beginning September 30. If you are waiting for the free launch, there is considerably less pressure. Download the launcher you prefer and go.

If you are paying to arrive five days early, however, make sure you have chosen the door before buying the key.