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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This patch focuses heavily on improving PvE raid value, PvP effectiveness, and skill usability, especially by removing outdated RNG-based specs and allowing more skills to be used while moving.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 cheap Aion 2 Items meta.