The short answer
Choose the launcher that fits the ecosystem you already use. Steam is the simplest default for established Steam players; PURPLE is the natural choice for players already invested in NC's account and launcher ecosystem.
You already live in Steam
Use the familiar library, friends list, downloads, and purchasing environment you already manage.
You prefer NC's own ecosystem
Use the publisher's launcher if your NC account and other NC titles are already organized there.
What are PURPLE and Steam?
PURPLE
PURPLE is NC's own game platform. It provides the publisher's direct client, account environment, downloads, and purchasing path. It makes the most sense when you already use an NC account or prefer dealing directly with the publisher's launcher.
Steam
Steam adds AION 2 to the PC library many players already use. It offers familiar downloads, friends features, store payments, and a single place to manage other PC games.
Official launch FAQ: same content, shared servers
NC's September 30 Launch FAQ confirms identical in-game content and shared servers for Steam and PURPLE. Coordinate the same region, faction and server with friends.
You can play on Steam without linking a PURPLE account. Link accounts to access the same character and progress through both launchers. Korean and Taiwanese progress does not carry over to Global.
Steam vs PURPLE comparison
| Question | Steam | PURPLE |
|---|---|---|
| Official global PC platform | Yes | Yes |
| Best fit | Existing Steam users | Existing NC/PURPLE users |
| Library and friends | Steam ecosystem | NC ecosystem |
| Payment route | Steam-supported payment methods and Wallet | NC/PURPLE regional payment methods |
| Founder's Packs | Official site links to Steam offers | Check regional availability |
| Existing character access | Confirmed through Steam when signing in with the NC account associated with that character | |
| Performance difference | No reliable advantage confirmed | |
| After the scale test | Uninstall the Playtest App and download AION 2 separately | No additional cleanup step required |
Does one launcher have better rewards?
Do not choose a launcher based on an unsourced reward list. Eligibility can depend on region, registration campaign, store, pack purchase, and claim window. Check the official offer and the account receiving it before paying.
Our pre-registration rewards guide separates registration, eligibility, and claim steps so you can avoid missing or duplicating an entitlement.
Missing your PURPLE character on Steam?
If you originally used Steam to sign in to PURPLE, launch with that same Steam account. If you used an NC account or another third-party login, platform migration is a separate process; follow current official support instructions for the account that owns your character. Do not use migration steps as a Twitch reward workaround.
- Visit NC's official website.
- Sign in with the NC account associated with your character.
- Open My Page, then Account Linking.
- Follow the instructions to link Steam, then launch AION 2 through Steam.
Official character access instructions. Check the selected region, faction and server as well.
Before changing launchers
Confirm the linked game account
Make sure you know which NC identity will own progress and purchases.
Check your region and store
Availability, currencies, taxes, and refund policies can differ.
Keep purchase records
Save the platform receipt and avoid duplicate orders.
NC's official support FAQ confirms that you can launch AION 2 through Steam and access an existing PURPLE character. Use the same Steam account if it was your original PURPLE login; otherwise first link Steam to the NC account that owns your character via My Page > Account Linking on NC's website. This does not by itself confirm that store purchases, pack entitlements, or refunds move freely between storefronts, so verify those items separately before paying.
AION 2 Purple vs Steam FAQ
Is AION 2 available on Steam?
Yes. Steam and PURPLE are both official global PC platforms.
Is PURPLE required to play AION 2?
No. Players can use the official Steam release instead.
Can Steam and PURPLE players play together?
Yes. NC confirms that Steam and PURPLE share servers and content. Coordinate the same region, server name, and faction before creating characters.
Can I change launchers later?
Use the same Steam account if you originally used Steam to sign in to PURPLE. For an NC account or another third-party login, first link Steam to the NC account that owns your character. Follow the account-linking steps above. Do not assume purchases, pack entitlements, or refund rights transfer between stores.
Which version is better for beginners?
Steam is the easier default if you already use it. PURPLE is just as valid when you prefer NC's direct launcher or already manage NC games there.