AION 2 players in the Netherlands may notice something strange when they visit Steam. The game is not available there for Dutch players. Belgium faces the same problem. However, there is good news. AION 2 works in the Netherlands through NCSoft’s PURPLE launcher.
GamingHQ tested the game from the Netherlands. We installed AION 2 through PURPLE and started playing without a VPN. We also did not need to verify our age with an ID.
Instead, PURPLE simply asked us to confirm that we were an adult. One button later, we could continue.
So, if Steam tells you no, don’t give up yet.
AION 2 Netherlands Steam Access Is Restricted
Steam currently restricts AION 2 in the Netherlands and Belgium. Therefore, Dutch players cannot simply use Steam to get into the game.
That restriction makes the situation confusing. After all, many players will search Steam first. When the game does not appear as available, they may assume that NCSoft blocks the entire country.
However, that is not the case in the Netherlands.
GamingHQ successfully played AION 2 through PURPLE using a normal Dutch internet connection. We did not use a VPN or another tool to hide our location.
As a result, the Dutch Steam restriction does not equal a full Dutch gameplay block.
PURPLE Lets Dutch Players Access AION 2
NCSoft operates PURPLE as its own PC gaming platform. More importantly, it currently offers Dutch players another way to access AION 2.
We tested this ourselves from the Netherlands.
First, we opened PURPLE and accessed AION 2. The launcher then asked us to confirm that we were an adult. After pressing the confirmation button, we could continue.
PURPLE did not ask us to upload a passport or ID card. In addition, we did not encounter another age check.
Afterwards, we could launch AION 2 and enter the game.
The entire process worked without a VPN.
AION 2 Does Not Appear to Block Dutch Connections
Our test also answers another important question. AION 2 does not appear to block Dutch internet connections from its servers.
We connected from the Netherlands and played normally.
Therefore, Dutch players should separate the Steam restriction from access to AION 2 itself. Steam may block distribution in the Netherlands, but PURPLE currently provides another route.
That difference is important.
If NCSoft had placed a general block on Dutch players, connecting through PURPLE should not work either. Yet the game worked during our test.
Why Is AION 2 Restricted in the Netherlands?
NCSoft has previously commented on the situation in the Netherlands and Belgium. The company said it was reviewing local regulatory requirements for both countries.
However, NCSoft did not explain which rule created the problem.
Some players have pointed toward gambling laws and random in-game purchases. Both countries have dealt with disputes surrounding these systems before.
Still, NCSoft has not confirmed that loot boxes or gambling rules caused the AION 2 restriction.
Therefore, we will not present that explanation as fact.
What we do know is much simpler. Steam restricts AION 2 in the Netherlands, while PURPLE currently lets Dutch players access the game.
Can You Play AION 2 in Belgium?
Belgian players also face restrictions on Steam. However, GamingHQ has not tested the game from a Belgian internet connection.
Therefore, we cannot confirm that Belgian players will get the same result.
Still, Belgian players can check NCSoft’s PURPLE launcher. Steam is clearly not the only platform that distributes AION 2 on PC.
If PURPLE offers access from Belgium, players may find themselves in the same situation as Dutch users.
For now, though, we can only confirm our Dutch test.
How to Play AION 2 in the Netherlands
If you live in the Netherlands, don’t rely on Steam. Instead, go directly to NCSoft’s PURPLE platform.
Install PURPLE and sign in with your NCSoft account. Next, find AION 2 and follow the steps shown by the launcher.
PURPLE may ask you to confirm that you are an adult. During our test, this only required pressing a confirmation button.
We did not need to provide an ID. We also did not need a VPN.
After completing those steps, we could install and play AION 2 from the Netherlands.
Of course, NCSoft may change its regional requirements later. However, this method works at the time of writing.
Steam Says No, But PURPLE Says Yes
The AION 2 situation in the Netherlands is much less dramatic than it first appears.
Yes, Steam restricts the game for Dutch players. However, AION 2 itself remains playable in the Netherlands through PURPLE.
GamingHQ tested it directly. We used a Dutch connection, did not use a VPN, and did not submit an ID. PURPLE only asked us to confirm that we were an adult.
So, Dutch players who want to jump into AION 2 still have an option.
Skip Steam and check NCSoft’s official PURPLE launcher.
