Leveling guideGlobal version · Checked 24 October 2026

Leveling 1 to 45: route and zones by level

Follow the Episode story, fill the Ascension Gauge at 22 and 32, and add dungeons in the slow 30s. Elyos and Asmodian routes are both here.

Step 1 of 7
Before you start
The whole plan fits in five rules.
Level cap
45
EXP from the story
97–99%
Slowest stretch
Levels 30 to 39
The yellow Episode quests pay almost everything, so the guide is mostly about not getting stuck.
The five rules
- Episode questsFollow the yellow questsThey pay nearly all the EXP to 45.
- KibelisksActivate every KibeliskReturn Scrolls take you to the nearest one.
- PointsSpend points when you get themDaevanion and skill points do nothing in your bag.
- GearEnchant very littleLeveling gear is replaced within a few levels.
- GrindingDon't grind mobsKills and side content pay far less than the story.
Watch it done
AION 2 Global Leveling Guide: What to Do, What to Skip, What to Save · Anders · 25 Sept 2026Chosen by us. Plays on YouTube when you press it.
1
Start in your faction's areaPoeta (Elyos) or Ishalgen (Asmodian), levels 1 to 9.
2
Take your wingsLevel 5 for Elyos, level 6 for Asmodians.
3
Move on at level 10Verteron (Elyos) or Altgard (Asmodian), until 45.
4
Open Daevanion at level 12The first board unlocks. Spend crystals as they come.
5
Try Krao Cave at level 20The first expedition. Exploration mode works solo.

Step 2 of 7

Where to be, by level

One starter area for levels 1 to 9, then one big map to 45.

Elyos: Poeta, then Verteron
Asmodian: Ishalgen, then Altgard
Switch at: Level 10

The story walks you through these zones in order, so the table is a map, not a to-do list.

Zones by band

Levels	Elyos	Asmodian
1–9	Poeta	Ishalgen
10–14	Cantas Valley	Dredgion Crash Site, Calderon Canyon
15–21	Ellun River, Fortress Ruins	Silent Hill, Moslan Forest
22–28	Tolbas Forest	Uruthumheim, Purifying Forest
29–35	Aullaeu Village, Altamia Canyon	Dranactus, Basfelt Ruins
36–40	Altamia Highlands, Drana areas	Fafnite Deposit, Gribade Highlands
41–45	Scarlet Forest, Garden of the Illusion God	Black Claw Village, Lagta Fortress

Typical monster levels from the global client, two or three zones a band. The full list is at the end.

6
Level 22: hit the lockThe next Episode quest waits for a full gauge.
7
Fill the gaugeRegional quests first, then a Sealed Dungeon.
8
Finish the Ascension questIt opens Stigmas and your first wing upgrade.
Step 3 of 7
The Ascension gates
The story stops at 22 and 32 until a bar is full.
First gate
Level 22
Second gate
Level 32
Stigma slots
4 on global
The Ascension Gauge sits under your minimap and takes a few side quests to fill.
How to fill the gauge
- Regional questsTake the green quests nearbyFastest. Many pay accessories too.
- Sealed DungeonsClear one on your pathSlower. Pays Daevanion and skill points.
- StrongholdsClear one if you pass itSlowest. Pays belt scrolls.
- Episode questsKeep following the storyThey add to the bar as well.
The two gates
- Level 22Do The One Who Hears the VoiceOpens Stigmas and the Pantheon. Gives Intermediate Daeva Wings.
- Level 32Do the next Ascension questNew wings, and Stigma levels can be raised.
- Starting the questOpen Journal, then Ascension tabUse Teleport. The quest has no map marker.
  One source
- Elyos example, level 22Do three nearby side questsSneaky Darkan, Closure, Searching for an Escaped Fossa.
  One source
Stigma slots open at
Level 22 first slotLevel 27 secondLevel 32 thirdLevel 37 fourth
Step 4 of 7
Expeditions on the way
Three open before 45, in Exploration mode.
Krao Cave
Level 20
Urugugu Canyon
Level 28
Fire Temple
Level 35
Run them when the story sends you, kill the story boss, and keep your Odyle Energy.
While you level
- Odyle EnergySkip the reward, keep the energyIt pays for rewards, not entry. Save it for level 45.
- Exploration modeSolo it, or bring a friendParties of 1 to 5. Only the story boss is needed.
- Stuck soloGroup up for story dungeonsA party clears Krao Cave or the Fire Temple faster.
Expedition guides
Deus Research Base guide Draupnir guide Ferocious Horn Den guide Fire Temple guide Krao Cave guide Nightmare Altar guide Sanctum of Loathing guide Shattered Arkanis guide Urugugu Canyon guide Vakron Sky Island guide
9
Level 32: second gateSame steps as 22. New wings and Stigma levels.
10
Levels 30 to 39: add dungeonsClear Sealed Dungeons as you pass them.
11
Level 37: Fire TempleThe story sends you in. Group up if solo stalls.
Step 5 of 7
The slow 30s
The story pays the least between 30 and 39.
Slowest stretch
Levels 30 to 39
Best fill
Level 35 dungeons
Fill the gap with Sealed Dungeons you pass anyway, and keep going on the story.
Sealed Dungeons for the 30s
- Elyos, level 35Run Cave of the DefeatedOne of four level 35 Sealed Dungeons in Verteron.
- Asmodian, level 35Run any level 35 dungeonAltgard has ten. Pick ones on your story path.
- Each clearTake the one-time rewardsA dungeon pays once, so do them at their level.
Each first clear on your own map
15,000 Kinah1,250 Enhance Stones2 Daevanion Crystals2 Wisdom StonesA title
12
Finish the story at 45Draupnir (Elyos) or Forgotten Commander (Asmodian).
13
Now open the Duty tabNot before. Duties open at 45.
Step 6 of 7
Level 45 and the Duty tab
The story ends, and Duties and the Abyss open.
Level
45
Abyss entry
Item level 1,000
Finish the Episode, then leave the Duty tab closed until you are level 45.
Heads upDon't open the Duty tab early
NCSOFT says looking before 45 holds Duties back a day.
1Reach level 45 first
2Then open the Duty tab
3Duties open at once
NC maintenance notice, 4–5 OctA fix was announced, not confirmed
NC's notice names the Journal's Duty tab and its Known Issues list names the Map's. Leave both closed.
At 45
- The EpisodeFinish the whole storyLater steps check item level, not level.
- The AbyssReach item level 1,000The last story hand-in happens there.
- Krao CaveAim for item level 700Conquest Normal needs it. Exploration needs 200.

Step 7 of 7

Zones by level

Every zone sorted by monster level, from the game files.

Elyos zones by level

Zone	Level	Monsters	Items
Daminu ForestPoeta	3–4	4	0
Clione LakePoeta	4	5	0
Phoenix Sky IslandPoeta	6	1	0
Migzatu Brigade Supply DepotPoeta	7–8	4	0
Migzatu Brigade BasePoeta	7–9	2	0
Dawn Legion BaseVerteron	10	2	0
Western Cantas ValleyVerteron	10–11	5	21
Lacephin VillageEltnen	10–47	5	133
Eastern Cantas ValleyVerteron	12–13	9	21
Ellun River MarshVerteron	13–14	7	34
Collapsed Verteron Barrier TowerVerteron	14	1	34
Contaminated MarshVerteron	14–15	5	34
Spirit's RestVerteron	14–16	3	34
Dundu's RestVerteron	14–18	1	35
Anguish HillVerteron	18	4	35
Ellun River MeadowVerteron	18	2	37
Ellun River MidstreamVerteron	18	28	37
Miros PostVerteron	18	2	37
Pamos FarmVerteron	18	2	37
Destroyed Abyss GateVerteron	19–21	7	54
Verteron Fortress RuinsVerteron	19–22	25	54
Krall Command PostVerteron	20–22	4	35
Illusion OratoryVerteron	22	2	35
Northern Tolbas ForestVerteron	23–24	12	54
Southern Tolbas ForestVerteron	24–25	14	69
Night Dew CaveVerteron	25	3	52
Eastern Tolbas ForestVerteron	25–26	6	84
Deserter EncampmentVerteron	27	1	52
Pilgrim's RidgeVerteron	27	15	54
Aullaeu VillageVerteron	27–30	22	52
Forest of ExilesVerteron	28–30	11	52
Rock Tomb HillVerteron	32	11	54
Western Altamia HighlandVerteron	32	4	69
Altamia CanyonVerteron	33	14	55
Canyon Thieves DenVerteron	33	1	52
Southern Altamia HighlandVerteron	33	9	55
Destroyed Temple SiteVerteron	34–35	7	68
Eastern Altamia HighlandVerteron	34–35	9	87
Contaminated SanctumVerteron	36–37	10	70
Kraka FootpathVerteron	36–40	20	70
Romlon's HideoutVerteron	39	2	52
Drana Cultivation AreaVerteron	40	12	70
Drana PlantationVerteron	40–42	6	71
Scarlet ForestVerteron	41	15	71
Drana Processing AreaVerteron	41–42	21	118
Nahid Brigade FortressVerteron	43–45	16	197
Pilgrim's RestVerteron	44	1	68
Garden of the Illusion GodVerteron	44–45	21	199
Ruberein HighlandEltnen	46	41	151
Crimson IsleVerteron	46–48	12	134
Abandoned ObservatoryEltnen	47	1	132
Eastern Dartas PlainsEltnen	47	14	135
Eiron HillEltnen	47	31	151
Eltnen Barrier Tower RuinsEltnen	47	27	135
Western Dartas PlainsEltnen	47	25	135
Mystic Spring of AnatheEltnen	48	19	134
Fractured LandEltnen	49	19	135
Golden Branch Stronghold RuinsEltnen	49	3	134
Kuriullu ValleyEltnen	49	13	135
Lankusis HighlandEltnen	49	21	151
Lepharist Research Center AnnexEltnen	49	7	134
Rogue Sky FortressEltnen	49	3	134
Eternal IsleVerteron	49–50	24	134

Asmodian zones by level

Zone	Level	Monsters	Items
Munihelle ForestIshalgen	3–4	6	0
Munihelle Forest OutskirtsIshalgen	3–4	4	0
Tunapre LakeIshalgen	3–4	5	0
Anturn CliffIshalgen	6	1	0
Azrakar Brigade Guard CampIshalgen	7	4	0
In Front of Azrakar Brigade Prison CompoundIshalgen	7	1	0
Safe HavenAltgard	10	4	0
Dredgion Crash SiteAltgard	10–12	13	21
Calderon CanyonAltgard	11–16	5	19
Nameless CemeteryAltgard	13–15	15	36
Sanctum Outskirts WatchAltgard	16–18	2	35
Silent HillAltgard	16–18	6	36
Sanctum OutpostAltgard	18–19	17	104
Tranein HighlandAltgard	20	4	33
Tranein PondAltgard	20	4	34
Moslan ForestAltgard	21–22	21	38
UruthumheimAltgard	24–25	22	53
Purifying ForestAltgard	26–30	29	87
Fire AltarAltgard	27	1	51
Flauke Legion OutpostAltgard	27	1	85
DranactusAltgard	32	21	153
North Laborer's TentAltgard	32	1	53
South Laborer's TentAltgard	32	1	53
Battlescar MoundAltgard	32–33	10	87
Basfelt RuinsAltgard	33–34	25	119
Legion Base RuinsAltgard	34	4	68
Fafnite DepositAltgard	35–36	19	70
Western Gribade HighlandAltgard	35–37	8	135
Barahta Extermination Unit OutpostAltgard	40	4	68
Eastern Gribade HighlandAltgard	40	28	72
Idun's LakeAltgard	40	5	181
Mahindel RiverAltgard	40	4	69
Southern Gribade HighlandAltgard	40	8	135
Kumrica's CellarAltgard	41–42	2	68
Black Claw VillageAltgard	41–45	17	103
Lagta FortressAltgard	43–45	7	68
Impetusium SquareAltgard	44	14	69
Icecap RidgeMorheim	46	19	135
Patamor PlainsMorheim	46	19	136
Patamor Plains OutskirtsMorheim	46	8	136
Sleet OutpostMorheim	46	2	135
Spirit IsleAltgard	46–48	24	133
Executioner's TowerMorheim	47	2	132
Halabana CanyonMorheim	47	7	134
Kromede's IslandMorheim	47	7	134
Nephra SnowfieldMorheim	47	43	136
Iralcig HighlandMorheim	47–48	35	135
Fire PlazaMorheim	49	2	132
Muspel Volcano ZoneMorheim	49	30	135
Immortal IsleAltgard	49–51	25	295

Abyss zones by level

Zone	Level	Monsters	Items
Red Thorn Crown IsleChaotic Upper Reshanta	43–46	9	70
Black Fragments Area - Abandoned IslandChaotic Lower Reshanta	45	5	88
Black Fragments Area - Kibelium FragmentChaotic Lower Reshanta	45–46	7	88
Black Fragments Area - Lonely IslandChaotic Lower Reshanta	45–46	5	87
Devastated Remnants - Exile IslandChaotic Lower Reshanta	45–46	5	97
Devastated Remnants - Shade IslandChaotic Lower Reshanta	45–46	4	95
Devastated Remnants - Weathered OutcropChaotic Lower Reshanta	45–46	6	97
Black Fragments Area - Kration Conflict ZoneChaotic Lower Reshanta	45–50	6	88
Archipelago of Siel's Wings - Grave of SteelChaotic Lower Reshanta	46–48	3	69
Sulfur Tree Island - Branding IslandChaotic Lower Reshanta	46–48	8	88
Sulfur Tree Island - River of Rotten SapChaotic Lower Reshanta	46–48	8	88
Fractured Southern Crash SiteChaotic Upper Reshanta	46–48	4	0
La Miren Fortress Northern RemnantsChaotic Upper Reshanta	46–48	6	0
Archipelago of Siel's Wings - Siel's Left WingChaotic Lower Reshanta	46–50	9	89
Devastated Remnants - Dusk BattlefieldChaotic Lower Reshanta	46–50	6	88
Archipelago of Siel's Wings - Siel's Right WingChaotic Lower Reshanta	46–51	12	90
Sulfur Tree Island - Sulfur SwampChaotic Lower Reshanta	46–52	5	87
Contaminated MarshChaotic Middle Reshanta	46–53	15	89
Archipelago of Siel's Wings - Siel's HeartChaotic Lower Reshanta	47	3	69
Reshanta's RootChaotic Lower Reshanta	48–52	12	87
Black Fragments AreaChaotic Lower Reshanta	50	1	0
Chaotic Lower ReshantaChaotic Lower Reshanta	50	2	0
Devastated RemnantsChaotic Lower Reshanta	50	1	0
Distorted Old Growth ForestChaotic Middle Reshanta	50–54	10	98
Steel Titan's GraveChaotic Middle Reshanta	53	5	95
Corroded HeartChaotic Middle Reshanta	53–54	5	70
Chaotic Upper ReshantaChaotic Upper Reshanta	55	2	0

Levels are those of the regular monsters in each zone, from the game files. Named elites and bosses are left out.

Measure your zone

If it goes wrong
Common mistakes
- Opening Duties earlyNC says it delays them a day after 45
- Spending Odyle on lootKeep it for the dungeons you farm at 45
- Ignoring the gaugeThe story stops at 22 and 32 until it is full
- Grinding mobsKills pay far less than the Episode quests
- Enchanting leveling gearYou replace it within a few levels
- Skipping accessory questsThe story pays no rings, earrings or necklaces

Questions

Where should I level in Aion 2?

Elyos start in Poeta for levels 1 to 9, then level in Verteron up to 45. Asmodians start in Ishalgen, then level in Altgard. The Episode quests lead you through each zone in order.

What is the Ascension Gauge in Aion 2?

A bar that must reach 100% before the story goes on at level 22, and again at level 32. Regional quests fill it fastest, and Sealed Dungeons and Strongholds add to it.

At what level do stigmas unlock in Aion 2?

At level 22, after you finish the Ascension quest The One Who Hears the Voice. Global has four Stigma slots, opening at levels 22, 27, 32 and 37.

What is the best dungeon for levels 30 to 39?

Elyos can run Cave of the Defeated, a level 35 Sealed Dungeon in Verteron. Asmodians have ten level 35 Sealed Dungeons in Altgard, so pick the ones near your story quests.

How long does it take to reach level 45 in Aion 2?

Estimates run from about 3 to 4 hours for a practiced speed run to 10 to 15 hours for a first character on the story alone. The last few levels take the longest.

When do Duty Missions unlock in Aion 2?

At level 45. NCSOFT's launch maintenance notice says opening the Duty tab earlier holds Duties back until the day after you reach 45. A fix was announced, but we have not seen it confirmed.

Sources. Written by Kinah Ledger in our own words, checked against MetaBot: Leveling guide, MetaBot: Stigma guide, Aion 2 Maps: What unlocks when, Aion 2 Maps: Global launch guide, NCSOFT: Scheduled Maintenance Oct 4 / Oct 5 (Steam), AllThings.how: Speedrun to level 45, VGC: Aion 2 Ascension Gauge, GAMES.GG: Ascension guide, AION2 Hub: Leveling guides, SkyCoach: Leveling guide, Mein-MMO: Leveling up quickly, Anders (YouTube). Global version, checked 24 October 2026. Report a mistake

Leveling 1 to 45: route and zones by level

Before you start

Where to be, by level

The Ascension gates

Expeditions on the way

The slow 30s

Level 45 and the Duty tab

Zones by level

Common mistakes

Questions