Criticism is mounting regarding the combat experience in AION 2, which launched on the 19th.

NCSoft held an emergency live broadcast on the 19th to address various issues that have emerged since launch. While they can address immediate concerns like account creation or payment issues, the criticism regarding combat polish continues to spark significant backlash.

The core issues frequently mentioned by users in the community are the unnatural motions during basic attacks and skill usage, and the lack of impact when hitting monsters. Furthermore, the lack of visual feedback, such as damage effects and hit reactions, is being pointed out as a reason why the combat feels weightless overall.

These concerns are being raised particularly by melee DPS players, especially those playing the 'Gladiator' class who use greatswords. Despite wielding a weapon as large as their own bodies, the attack motions fail to convey any sense of weight, leading to continued criticism regarding its lack of polish. Comments such as “It feels like a wooden plank rather than a sword,” “It feels like just swinging a hollow shell,” and “The movements lack the heft of a greatsword” highlight the dissatisfaction with the incomplete motions and stiff animations. Analysis suggests that the overall motion design and animation structure need improvement, as there is a lack of feedback when interacting with targets.

Some are viewing this from a technical perspective, suggesting that the mobile-based development structure may be a limiting factor. Generally, PC/mobile cross-platform games are developed and optimized with mobile environment performance in mind. Consequently, the simplified control schemes and motion expressions typical of mobile MMORPGs are reflected, failing to meet the expectations of PC MMORPG players. Even with the use of a modern engine, the low quality of motion and the significant loss of impact when viewed without sound effects are analyzed as being linked to these structural limitations.

Regarding this public sentiment, AION 2 Development PD Kim Nam-joon stated, “We will strive to quickly modify the motions and VFX to provide a better experience.” However, no specific update schedule or concrete plan has been announced yet.