The Idiots Guide to the 3rd Beta (all you need to know!)

Ku Ku · 07-01-2009, 10:02 AM

There's been a lot of repeated questions so I thought i'd make an uber thread that might help people just logging into the forum and looking for news and because I?m listening to the Aion soundtrack and feeling hyper!

Dates, Times and all that Jazz.
The third beta will run from 2nd July (12:00 PM PT, 9:00 PM CEST, 8:00 PM BST) till 6th July (12:00 PM PT, 9:00 PM CEST, 8:00 PM BST)

How to get a key
There have been many keys won through giveaways and competitions in the last week but for this weekend now the only way to get a new key is to preorder Aion. You don't have to commit to buying at this stage, (although some places ask for a deposit, its not much!) but by preordering you will get access to all the beta events coming up and an early access weekend (where you can play retail Aion before its released in the west) as well as a few fancy in game items.

For a list of what you get from pre-ordering see here: http://eu.aiononline.com/en/preorder

However not all sites and shops are aware of the Aion preorder beta codes (not all of them are taking part in the promotion) and Ncsoft have released an official list of retailers supporting the keys (The EU one is here: Retail | Aion: The Tower of Eternity ). Be warned though that even these sites aren't reliably informed!

It is important you get a code for your area i.e. EU code for EU, NA code for NA because there are now IP blocks on the accounts and currently you cannot use an account not in your area.
(Although this is being looked into by Ncsoft so may change in the future.)

Aionsouce recommended retailers:
While many places have released keys time is ticking and there are few places left that will be giving keys in time for this weekend here are a few places that Aionsource posters have had no trouble using and are still releasing keys:
EU and NA keys: Gamersloot - Just the preorder key its about 5 euro / 4 pound 50 / $6.00 https://gamersloot.net
Game cards are also selling the preorder packs separately but for slightly more http://www.gamecards.eu/games/goods/76
Ncsoft online store - will give you the code instantly but you have to pay the full price for the retail game on the spot as it is a prepurchase (the difference is stated here: http://help.ncsoft.com/cgi-bin/ncsof...=&p_topview=1) This is useful for people wanting a CE and not minding not getting the box and physical goodies (you still get the virtual ones) as its slightly cheaper and includes more free game time. https://secure.ncsoft.com/cgi-bin/Store.pl
NA keys only - Gamestop have beta key packs in most stores and also release them digitally through email for online orders although they now charge for cancelling orders. These are NA keys.
EU keys only -DLgamer, Born2play, g2play and CDON - all are releasing EU keys digitally.
If you have preordered from a retailer definitely giving out keys (And before their cut-off dates) but haven't got a key check this thread: http://www.aionsource.com/forum/gene...rder-list.html

The CE edition is out of stock?!
Fear not you can still preorder directly from the NCsoft store - however this is a digital version and not a retail version so you won't get the boxed goods like the soundtrack and figurine. (It is cheaper than most places though and you get an extra 7 days play time added to the account too, just to play devils advocate.) If you do want those things then consider ordering from other sites, especially American ones as they *apparently* have more CEs than the EU. For now though order a SE on one of the above mentioned sites so that you definitely get a key for this weekend and then just cancel your order and buy a CE somewhere else :P!

When I preorder the CE what in game items do I get?
Quick answer: All of them!
You'll get the preorder items: Black Cloud Hat, Lodas' Amulet and One Ancient Ring of Power (type depends on where you ordered) during the early access weekend just before the game goes live.
When the game goes live and you've added your CE serial code to your playNC master account (where your preorder code will live) you'll get the CE items: Black Cloud Wings, Black Cloud Earring and special Colour dye! (as well as title and emotes).
You don't get the Wings, earring or dye if you haven't ordered the CE. You wont get any of the items during beta weekends either and preordering more than one copy of the game will not get you two different rings either (read this for more details: http://help.ncsoft.com/cgi-bin/ncsof...i=&p_topview=1 )

What do I do with my key / how do I create an account?
You will need to create an account here https://secure.ncsoft.com/cgi-bin/accountManagement.pl and when your code comes you add it all in on the website under 'Add a serial code' under 'my account.' You'll create the log in details and everything there.

Where Can I Download the Client?
Here: http://aion.patcher.ncsoft.com/liteinstaller/Aion.exe

This will install the Ncsoft launcher which will download Aion for you. It will come up saying that it is the US version but this is fine for EU users - just simply change your region in the Ncsoft launcer by going to file- settings- advanced- region and selecting Europe from the menu when Aion is fully installed (not before).
If you have trouble installing see this thread: How to download and install Aion without problems

How Big is the Client?
Currently the link above installs everything at 7.8G but some other client downloads will install at the full 14.5G so be sure to leave plenty of time before the weekend to download the client! You don't need to have a beta key in order to download or even launch Aion, so you can download just to see the pretty log in screen... everyday?

Client Errors!
If you are having any trouble with installation check this thread: Installation & Troubleshooting FAQ

How do I report in game bugs?
The beta forum goes live sometime today its full of devs and happy peoples so come join in the fun *Squee* and can be found here https://betaboards.aiononline.com/re....php?do=signup you will need a valid Aion log in to access the boards!

Billing / Free Gametime
If you brought a SE or CE from a retailer you will get 30 days free time. Your billing account may currently say you next need to pay on the 8th of October but this is just a bum date and will be changed closer to the release date.
If your brought a SE or CE from NcSoft Store directly you will get 37 days free time. The billing date is also wrong on these accounts and will be changed at some point.
If you prefer to buy your game time on a game card rather than direct through your credit card then you can pre-purchase one of the standard NcSoft prepaid game cards instead.

For more detailed information please try here: http://help.ncsoft.com/cgi-bin/ncsof...i=&p_topview=1

The 48 hour headstart
The headstart is tied into your beta key, NOT the key that comes in your box (or digitally at release date if you didn't order a box). So you will not receive another key until Aion has been officially released (22nd in NA and 25th in EU).
The headstart date is the 20th for both the NA servers and the EU servers. The EU headstart will, apparently, stay open 5 days until official release on the 25th.
During this time you will get your preorder (NOT CE) items. How is not yet known and we also do not know yet if they will be bound to the account or just one character.

Annihilate · 07-01-2009, 10:06 AM

What time does it start in GMT time (England)?

Higgins · 07-01-2009, 10:07 AM

Nice guide.

Mew · 07-01-2009, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Annihilate

What time does it start in GMT time (England)?

Obviously 8 pm.

Why not add gamecard storehttp://www.gamecards.eu/games/goods/76 and beta key only http://www.g2play.net/store/Aion/

stykxs · 07-01-2009, 10:08 AM

KuKu is the MassiveBetaThread creator.

Aion Bunny · 07-01-2009, 10:08 AM

Nice guide

Feel free to include a link in the "errors" bit to the Installation & Troubleshooting FAQ, which should cover the common issues people seem to be having.

Arkhlin · 07-01-2009, 10:08 AM

Great info! I was looking around for something like this. Nice job, really!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ku Ku

.....

How Big is the Client?
Currently everything you need to install comes to a little over 7G so be sure to leave plenty of time before the weekend to download the client! You don't need to have a beta key in order to download or even launch Aion, so you can download just to see the pretty log in screen... everyday?

....

ROFL, I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one doing this...

madrobbs · 07-01-2009, 10:10 AM

um, this is the third beta, you stated it was the second, FIXIT

Forean · 07-01-2009, 10:10 AM

Great job, thanks.

Livvy · 07-01-2009, 10:11 AM

Make sure to check the thread for all problems concerning getting pre order keys after having pre ordered before choosing a store .

http://www.aionsource.com/forum/gene...rder-list.html

tuomas22 · 07-01-2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Currently everything you need to install comes to a little over 7G so be sure to leave plenty of time before the weekend to download the client!

I only downloaded about 5.3GB so am I missing something? I'm worried because I have uber slow connection and that spare 2GB would take like a day

Aion Bunny · 07-01-2009, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ku Ku

How Big is the Client?
Currently everything you need to install comes to a little over 7G so be sure to leave plenty of time before the weekend to download the client! You don't need to have a beta key in order to download or even launch Aion, so you can download just to see the pretty log in screen... everyday?

I just noticed....this isn't quite right. My game client is 14.5 Gigs and the recommended space on your hard drive is NFTS formatted 15 Gigs. Common issues with download sizes are discussed in question 9 and question 13 of the Installation & Troubleshooting FAQ. Could you update please Ku Ku dear?

tuomas22 · 07-01-2009, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Annihilate

What time does it start in GMT time (England)?

I think BST = GMT +1 so you make the math (because I fail at it)

Chalky · 07-01-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuomas22

I think BST = GMT +1 so you make the math (because I fail at it)

It is 8PM UK time (BST)

AION CBT3 Server Status

Kindred knows all.

Halocrap · 07-01-2009, 10:15 AM

As a fellow idiot, I approve this guide.

07-01-2009, 10:02 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ku Ku Lieutenant Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Bath, UK Thanks: 0 Thanked 18 Times in 18 Posts Character: Anguisette Class: Spiritmaster Legion: Mystic Cookieh Spiral Race: Elyos Server: Telemachus	The Idiots Guide to the 3rd Beta (all you need to know!) There's been a lot of repeated questions so I thought i'd make an uber thread that might help people just logging into the forum and looking for news and because I?m listening to the Aion soundtrack and feeling hyper! Dates, Times and all that Jazz. The third beta will run from 2nd July (12:00 PM PT, 9:00 PM CEST, 8:00 PM BST) till 6th July (12:00 PM PT, 9:00 PM CEST, 8:00 PM BST) How to get a key There have been many keys won through giveaways and competitions in the last week but for this weekend now the only way to get a new key is to preorder Aion. You don't have to commit to buying at this stage, (although some places ask for a deposit, its not much!) but by preordering you will get access to all the beta events coming up and an early access weekend (where you can play retail Aion before its released in the west) as well as a few fancy in game items. For a list of what you get from pre-ordering see here: http://eu.aiononline.com/en/preorder However not all sites and shops are aware of the Aion preorder beta codes (not all of them are taking part in the promotion) and Ncsoft have released an official list of retailers supporting the keys (The EU one is here: Retail \| Aion: The Tower of Eternity ). Be warned though that even these sites aren't reliably informed! It is important you get a code for your area i.e. EU code for EU, NA code for NA because there are now IP blocks on the accounts and currently you cannot use an account not in your area. (Although this is being looked into by Ncsoft so may change in the future.) Aionsouce recommended retailers: While many places have released keys time is ticking and there are few places left that will be giving keys in time for this weekend here are a few places that Aionsource posters have had no trouble using and are still releasing keys: EU and NA keys: Gamersloot - Just the preorder key its about 5 euro / 4 pound 50 / $6.00 https://gamersloot.net Game cards are also selling the preorder packs separately but for slightly more http://www.gamecards.eu/games/goods/76 Ncsoft online store - will give you the code instantly but you have to pay the full price for the retail game on the spot as it is a prepurchase (the difference is stated here: http://help.ncsoft.com/cgi-bin/ncsof...=&p_topview=1) This is useful for people wanting a CE and not minding not getting the box and physical goodies (you still get the virtual ones) as its slightly cheaper and includes more free game time. https://secure.ncsoft.com/cgi-bin/Store.pl NA keys only - Gamestop have beta key packs in most stores and also release them digitally through email for online orders although they now charge for cancelling orders. These are NA keys. EU keys only -DLgamer, Born2play, g2play and CDON - all are releasing EU keys digitally. If you have preordered from a retailer definitely giving out keys (And before their cut-off dates) but haven't got a key check this thread: http://www.aionsource.com/forum/gene...rder-list.html The CE edition is out of stock?! Fear not you can still preorder directly from the NCsoft store - however this is a digital version and not a retail version so you won't get the boxed goods like the soundtrack and figurine. (It is cheaper than most places though and you get an extra 7 days play time added to the account too, just to play devils advocate.) If you do want those things then consider ordering from other sites, especially American ones as they apparently have more CEs than the EU. For now though order a SE on one of the above mentioned sites so that you definitely get a key for this weekend and then just cancel your order and buy a CE somewhere else :P! When I preorder the CE what in game items do I get? Quick answer: All of them! You'll get the preorder items: Black Cloud Hat, Lodas' Amulet and One Ancient Ring of Power (type depends on where you ordered) during the early access weekend just before the game goes live. When the game goes live and you've added your CE serial code to your playNC master account (where your preorder code will live) you'll get the CE items: Black Cloud Wings, Black Cloud Earring and special Colour dye! (as well as title and emotes). You don't get the Wings, earring or dye if you haven't ordered the CE. You wont get any of the items during beta weekends either and preordering more than one copy of the game will not get you two different rings either (read this for more details: http://help.ncsoft.com/cgi-bin/ncsof...i=&p_topview=1 ) What do I do with my key / how do I create an account? You will need to create an account here https://secure.ncsoft.com/cgi-bin/accountManagement.pl and when your code comes you add it all in on the website under 'Add a serial code' under 'my account.' You'll create the log in details and everything there. Where Can I Download the Client? Here: http://aion.patcher.ncsoft.com/liteinstaller/Aion.exe This will install the Ncsoft launcher which will download Aion for you. It will come up saying that it is the US version but this is fine for EU users - just simply change your region in the Ncsoft launcer by going to file- settings- advanced- region and selecting Europe from the menu when Aion is fully installed (not before). If you have trouble installing see this thread: How to download and install Aion without problems How Big is the Client? Currently the link above installs everything at 7.8G but some other client downloads will install at the full 14.5G so be sure to leave plenty of time before the weekend to download the client! You don't need to have a beta key in order to download or even launch Aion, so you can download just to see the pretty log in screen... everyday? Client Errors! If you are having any trouble with installation check this thread: Installation & Troubleshooting FAQ How do I report in game bugs? The beta forum goes live sometime today its full of devs and happy peoples so come join in the fun Squee and can be found here https://betaboards.aiononline.com/re....php?do=signup you will need a valid Aion log in to access the boards! Billing / Free Gametime If you brought a SE or CE from a retailer you will get 30 days free time. Your billing account may currently say you next need to pay on the 8th of October but this is just a bum date and will be changed closer to the release date. If your brought a SE or CE from NcSoft Store directly you will get 37 days free time. The billing date is also wrong on these accounts and will be changed at some point. If you prefer to buy your game time on a game card rather than direct through your credit card then you can pre-purchase one of the standard NcSoft prepaid game cards instead. For more detailed information please try here: http://help.ncsoft.com/cgi-bin/ncsof...i=&p_topview=1 The 48 hour headstart The headstart is tied into your beta key, NOT the key that comes in your box (or digitally at release date if you didn't order a box). So you will not receive another key until Aion has been officially released (22nd in NA and 25th in EU). The headstart date is the 20th for both the NA servers and the EU servers. The EU headstart will, apparently, stay open 5 days until official release on the 25th. During this time you will get your preorder (NOT CE) items. How is not yet known and we also do not know yet if they will be bound to the account or just one character. __________________ "It's just a game" is for the people who can't hear the music. - from the genuis of justamemory Last edited by Ku Ku; 07-07-2009 at 01:29 PM..

07-01-2009, 10:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
Annihilate Daeva Join Date: Jun 2009 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Race: Elyos	What time does it start in GMT time (England)? __________________ Life is an illusion.

07-01-2009, 10:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
Higgins Daeva Join Date: May 2008 Location: Florida Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Class: Cleric Race: Asmodians	Nice guide. __________________

07-01-2009, 10:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
Aion Bunny Moderator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: United Kingdom Blog Entries: 6 Thanks: 12 Thanked 240 Times in 150 Posts Character: Bunny Class: Chanter Legion: Serenity of Aion Race: Asmodians Server: Gorgos	Nice guide Feel free to include a link in the "errors" bit to the Installation & Troubleshooting FAQ, which should cover the common issues people seem to be having. __________________

07-01-2009, 10:11 AM	#10 (permalink)
Livvy Commander Join Date: Mar 2008 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 4 Thanked 256 Times in 236 Posts Character: Indiana Class: Cleric Legion: Mythica Race: Asmodians Server: Kahrun	Make sure to check the thread for all problems concerning getting pre order keys after having pre ordered before choosing a store . http://www.aionsource.com/forum/gene...rder-list.html __________________ twitter aion-team feeds http://www.aionsource.com/forum/ncsoft-team-feeds/ order/delivery problems ? http://www.aionsource.com/forum/gene...rder-list.html

07-01-2009, 10:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
stykxs Star Officer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: VA, USA Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Character: Lanoni Class: Templar Legion: Angels of Darkness Race: Asmodians Server: Vaizel	KuKu is the MassiveBetaThread creator.

07-01-2009, 10:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
madrobbs Soldier Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Hollywood, Florida Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Character: Stoopidnoob Class: Chanter Legion: orz Race: Elyos Server: Israphel	um, this is the third beta, you stated it was the second, FIXIT

07-01-2009, 10:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
Forean Daeva Join Date: Apr 2008 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Class: Cleric Race: Asmodians	Great job, thanks.

07-01-2009, 10:15 AM	#15 (permalink)
Halocrap Star Officer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: California Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Character: Halocrap Class: Cleric Legion: Semper Fidelis Race: Asmodians	As a fellow idiot, I approve this guide.

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