NCSoft is rolling out a major class balance update for Aion 2 Items with the January 7, 2026 patch. This update introduces significant buffs and reworks for five classes, while three additional classes—Assassin, Ranger, and Sorcerer—are scheduled to receive updates in the coming weeks.

 

This patch focuses heavily on improving PvE raid value, PvP effectiveness, and skill usability, especially by removing outdated RNG-based specs and allowing more skills to be used while moving. Below is a complete breakdown of all confirmed changes.

 

Cleric Changes: Stronger Damage Debuffs and Utility

 

Clerics receive some of the most impactful buffs in this update, especially for group content.

 

Debilitating Mark

 

Now applies −5% damage tolerance by default

 

Fourth specialization adjusted to −8% damage tolerance

 

Previously higher values were reduced to balance the new baseline effect

 

This change makes Clerics far more valuable in dungeons, raids, and PvP, as damage tolerance reduction directly increases group damage output.

 

Chain Torment

 

Newly applies −5% damage tolerance

 

Can be stacked with Debilitating Mark for a total −10% damage tolerance debuff

 

Fourth spec reworked to apply −10% damage tolerance on its own

 

Imperium Lord's Grace

 

Now grants a critical hit bonus

 

Exact crit value will be confirmed in official patch notes

 

Divine Aura

 

Receives a 30% damage increase

 

Fifth specialization reworked to reduce cooldown to 10 seconds

 

Overall, Clerics emerge as one of the most desirable support classes after this patch.

 

Gladiator Changes: Mobility and PvP Improvements

 

Gladiators receive several quality-of-life buffs aimed primarily at PvP.

 

Overhead Slam

 

Can now be used while moving

 

Greatly improves survivability and pressure in PvP encounters

 

Third spec reworked, removing an ineffective RNG chance and replacing it with a new chain skill

 

Aerial Snare

 

Third spec reworked

 

Removes 5% proc chance

 

Now deals +50% damage against CC-immune targets

 

Blood Absorption

 

HP recovery increased

 

Exact values pending patch notes

 

Murderous Burst (Passive)

 

New effect added: reduces enemy critical tolerance

 

Final values to be confirmed

 

These changes push Gladiators toward a more aggressive and reliable frontline role.

 

Chanter Changes: Better Crowd Control and Skill Flow

 

Chanter updates focus on improving control consistency and combat fluidity.

 

Knockdown Skill (Third Spec)

 

RNG chance removed

 

Now adds +1 second knockdown duration

 

Dark Crush

 

Can now be used while moving

 

Major improvement for both PvE mechanics and PvP survival

 

Power of the Storm

 

Now has −20% cooldown by default

 

First specialization replaced with −30 seconds cooldown, a substantial buff

 

These changes significantly improve the Chanter's reliability in group combat.

 

Elementalist Changes: Massive Raid and PvP Value

 

Elementalists receive some of the most powerful debuffs in this patch, potentially rivaling Clerics in group importance.

 

Joint Strike: Corrode

 

Changed from elemental resistance reduction to −10% damage tolerance

 

Makes Elementalists extremely valuable in raids and PvP

 

First spec reworked to grant +10% damage

 

Elemental Fusion

 

Can now be used while moving

 

Third spec applies −10% damage tolerance

 

Curse Cloud

 

Third spec reworked

 

Now applies −20% damage tolerance instead of elemental reduction

 

If these effects stack with each other—or with Cleric debuffs—Elementalists could enable massive damage amplification, though stacking behavior has not yet been officially confirmed.

 

Templar Changes: Reliable Damage and PvP Buffs

 

Templars receive targeted buffs that improve consistency and pressure.

 

Annihilate

 

Third spec reworked

 

Removes RNG chance

 

Now deals +50% damage against CC-immune targets

 

Judgment

 

Can now be used while moving

 

Third spec adds bonus damage on hit

 

Fourth spec now guarantees a critical hit

 

Punishing Benediction

 

Now grants a critical hit buff by default

 

Exact values pending patch notes

 

These changes make Templars more dependable in both PvE rotations and PvP combat.

 

What's Next: More Class Updates Coming

 

NCSoft has confirmed that Assassin, Ranger, and Sorcerer will receive their own balance updates in the coming weeks. Given the scale of buffs in this patch, expectations are high that these classes will also see meaningful improvements.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The January 7, 2026 patch represents a major step forward for AION 2's class balance, removing outdated RNG mechanics, improving mobility, and heavily emphasizing damage tolerance debuffs in group content. Clerics and Elementalists, in particular, are poised to become essential picks for raids and PvP.

 

As more details emerge in the official patch notes—especially regarding stacking behavior and exact stat values—these changes could significantly reshape the Aion 2 Items for sale meta.