Paywall decoded · Membership
Is AION 2 Membership Actually Worth It?
What free players can still do, what the $14.99 really unlocks, and the most common ways new players waste money — all on one page.
Bottom line first: free accounts get the complete core game. Membership ($14.99 / 30 days) mainly buys the ability to buy from the Server Market. Settle on a main class and a home server before you even think about subscribing — that is the single most important advice on this page.
Free vs Membership: feature by feature
| Feature | Free account | Membership ($14.99/30d) |
|---|
| Leveling to 45 | ✅ Fully open | ✅ |
| Dungeons / PvP | ✅ Fully open | ✅ |
| Post-45 Item Level progression | ✅ | ✅ |
| List items for sale on the market | ✅ Yes | ✅ |
| Buying items from the market | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Membership binding | — | One server (another server = another subscription) |
The line on the store page nobody reads: free accounts can sell but cannot buy. You can farm dungeons and list loot for Kinah just fine — but spending that Kinah on market gear requires membership. Decide whether your playstyle actually needs to "buy".
Who should subscribe
- Players with a settled main class and home server who regularly need to buy gear or materials from the market
- Gathering/farming players who want to sell and buy (the market works both ways once subscribed)
Who shouldn't (yet)
- Anyone still in the opening weeks with no settled class or server — the most common money waste seen so far
- PvE-only dungeon players who never touch the market
- Anyone still deciding whether AION 2 will hold their interest long-term
FAQ
Can free accounts reach the level cap?
Yes. Leveling, dungeons, PvP, listing items and post-45 Item Level progression are all unrestricted. Paying changes exactly one thing: buying from the Server Market.
Is membership per account or per server?
Per server. Switch servers or main several and each needs its own subscription — the most criticized design in the game. Pick your home server first.
Can I transfer servers or get a refund?
No transfers. Under NC's current policy subscription purchases are generally non-refundable. Treat it as a monthly pass, not a keepsake.
Can I trade Kinah directly with other players?
No — Direct P2P trading is disabled and market listings are the main channel. Third-party real-money trading risks a permanent ban; not worth it.