NCsoft has announced the 'key updates' Aion is receiving on their Korean launch on 25th.
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Source:
Official Korean Site
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Following launch players will be able to enter the 'Abyss' area and experience a variety of other content.
The level cap will be set to 45 following launch. There will not be a server wipe. All characters created during open beta will be kept as is.
The key content updates are as follows:
Abyss
The abyss area will finally be revealed. This is a strategically important area for all three factions of Atreia - the Elyos, the Asmodians and the Balaur - that was created as the Tower of Eternity split apart. Each of the factions will fight for their lives in this area and Aion's world will shift according to its dynamics.
The Abyss also contains PvE content past level 25 and features seamless flight throughout all its areas.
1. How to enter the Abyss
At level 25 you will automatically receive a quest that allows you access to the abyss upon completion. The abyss gates are located in the air and underground of Elyos and Asmodian strongholds.
2. Castle / Artifact Sieges
Various RvR content can be accessed via the castles in the Abyss.
1) Wars between Elyos/Asmodae/Balaur over sieging castles
2) Artifact battles that make up the core of the sieges
Upon a successful castle siege, players ranked highest on the winning faction will receive rewards based on their contribution.
Sieges open up for participation frequently, the rate of which depends on the warring state of the Abyss. The Balaur will show greater amount of strength to the faction that they perceive to be a greater challenge.
3. Abyss Rankings
Accumulated Abyss points will determine your status within your faction as well as granting you access to various benefits.
4. The Balaur
The Balaur will begin their attack on both Elyos and Asmodae. Successful retaliation will bring heaps of rare Balaur item rewards that cannot be acquired outside the Abyss.
5. Secret of Drakonic Equipment
Somewhere in the abyss is a group of people studying the secrets of the Balaur. Their secrets will be available to only the greatest masters in each craft.
Instanced Dungeons
5 instanced dungeons will be added to Atreia. These are meant to be enjoyed in parties and will be a source of rewards unavailable in non-instanced hunting areas.
1. Sanctuary of Fire
This is an ancient and secret storehouse where Daevas had hidden their most powerful weaponry. In order to protect them from Kromede, a Daeva that had been overcome with greed, Daeva of Fire Agnita activated a trap and sealed the entrance. Deactivating the trap and clearing the entrance will require a special key.
2. Alchemia Mansion
A haunting castle found deep in the Alchemia stronghold. The lab used to be the home of the wealthiest merchant in Belusran, but has since been taken over by the Lepar. Its heavy doors remain shut and on windy days screams can be heard within its walls.
3. Draupnir Caves
Cave located to the east of Belusran. The cave was once an ice cave but took its current form when the Balur forced up the underlaying lava to harvest energy. A balaur legion of Bakarma has set up a contraption in this area that is dissipating the energy of Aether in all of Atreia.
4. Secret Laboratory
A laboratory run by the Lepar in the deepest of their laboratory grounds. It is said that the Lepar are conducting experiments on creatures found in the area, away from the watchful eyes of Elysium.
5. Indratu Stronghold
The base of operations for the army under Balaur emperor Tiamat, lead by Indratu. It is guarded by Indratu and his 4 elite generals so only the strongest of Daeva may enter. The stronghold is accessible from the Kraltumag cave in the Interdica area of the Abyss.
