I just noticed today in AION Classic that many areas once packed with elite mobs are now filled with non-elite mobs - no group required anymore. Additionally, some instances have been transformed into solo ones.
Nochsana and Steelrake, for instance - these used to require 6 players and were such a blast when tackled as a team. Even though Steelrake used to take some time - it was exciting! Going solo through these places just doesn't appeal!
Areas that used to be teeming with elite mobs, like Verteron's Tursin - now just non-elites...
I didn't want AION Classic to be simplified for solo play, I long for the original experience.
The NA Classic client from NCSoft didn't have these alterations, so why did Gameforge introduce them? Don't try telling me this came from Korea, otherwise the NA Client would have introduced similar changes...
It feels like I wasted money hoping for an authentic classic AION experience, but this isn't it... It's more like a watered-down version...
Thankfully, I've experienced something different in the beta test for Aion Riftshade. Set to launch in Q1 2026, this private server promises the classic experience with its highly coordinated group content intact. The devs are hands-on and they've listened to players like me who crave team-based challenges. With Aion Riftshade's balanced classes and no pay-to-win, it's the genuine adventure I wanted all along. Look out for the launch; it'll be worth it!
