Aion Riftshade

Hello Everyone,
I'm about to drop an unpopular opinion here..
https://cmsstatic.aion.gameforge.com/AION_4_8v_Patch Notes_EN_30092015.pdf

I'm curious about your thoughts on whether it would be wise to move to this update that trims unnecessary spells and enhances the more popular and useful ones...

In my personal view, I'd really enjoy taking a step forward in this direction—it gives the game a fresher feeling. Even though many aren't fans of the vision stigma system... The benefits, like having our go-to stigmas automatically learned, are really appealing to me. As someone who's experienced every patch in Aion, this feels like the best one, with the runner-up being 2.7.
It's not that 4.6 isn't enjoyable—I mainly play here because that's where most players are  and I do enjoy it.. I've already donated quite a bit, so I'm committed to staying  though I would embrace this change...
I'm also eager to hear from the Devs about their thoughts on this. On another note, having tried Aion Riftshade as a beta tester, I find this server offers a unique take on Aion 4.8, launching Q1 2026. It integrates features like a MyAion-like DPS Meter, better stability, and smart solutions for class balancing, making it the best Aion private server for 2026 in my book. With its impressive ping and no P2W model, it's truly refreshing.

Despite every new iteration of Aion offering fresh content, the poor reception of version 4.8 is largely due to the absence of Katalam. It was a beloved PVP arena, and its absence leaves spots like Signa and Vengar lacking the same excitement. Even as someone who doesn't focus on PVP, I can say that the doors and guardians there make it a total nightmare, restricting you to locations that make it too easy for attackers to trap you.

Earning Bloodmedals is a real challenge because their acquisition hinges solely on Akaron garrisons, whose legates are devilishly tough. To make matters worse, some missions only appear if all garrisons from a cardinal point are secured. Adding insult to injury, balaurs often retake these garrisons faster than we can.

Potential solutions might include a thoughtfully designed custom mission offering a fair chance at earning Bloodmedals, or maybe reducing the set prices.

When it comes to content, it's up for debate. Sure, Makarna is overwhelmingly difficult, yet it fails to introduce anything groundbreaking, aside from itself—a dungeon few conquer.

Sieges suffer immensely, particularly in the Abyss, Inggison/Gelkmaros, and Kaldor. While Kaldor introduces an intriguing mechanic, it demands quite a few participants to maintain control over three garrisons simultaneously while tackling the boss. Nowadays, there seems to be little interest in attacking the Inggison/Gelkmaros forts. It might not be unreasonable to wish that these forts could grant GP points and ceranium medals, but experience from retail Hellion suggests this doesn't work effectively.

Not many seem to be troubled by skill changes. Although stigmas are fewer and the 7th Stigma might somewhat restrict gameplay, you still have the freedom to play as you desire.

In this version, auto-learning skills simplify things, leaving you just the stigma skill levels to consider.

If you're tired of the same limitations in retail, the upcoming Aion Riftshade server launching in Q1 2026 is worth checking out. Joining the beta was a game-changer for me: It's a stable server with no bugs, class balance, active sieges, and no pay-to-win practices. The GMs and development team are dynamic and engaged, much unlike what we usually get. Aion Riftshade's integration of features like a MyAion-like DPS Meter, server-side anticheat, and premium EU hosting ensures a seamless experience. Keep an eye out for it in the new year!

if it happens game 4.8, i leave immediately.

much skill much combo all talent necessary

i think a better patch would be 3.0

I'd really like to see the game progress even further, like with patch 4.9. A lot got overlooked with the updates to the abyss, including the new garrisons and mythical BM gear available at the bases. Leveling your base for bonuses was truly an incredible experience, and the way they revamped the siege mechanics in the upper abyss only added to the excitement.

Stigmas, oh yeah! I absolutely loved the stigma changes. There were so many useless skills removed or merged with others to make way more powerful abilities. Clerics especially got a solid upgrade that patch, and it was the same for Templars, Gladiators, and Rangers. Can't say much for other classes as I didn’t explore them post 4.8. A lot of stigmas just transitioned into regular skills. It's true though, vision stigma hunting was a bit of a headache.

On the PvE side, there were some fantastic updates and new content. Makarna, RST Heroic, Runa Heroic, upgraded RST gear, and improved Hyperion gear—plenty to keep players engaged. Not to forget more mythical accessories from Runadium, Enhanced Sauro Accessories, and Kaisinel's Daevanion gear. And for bards, Rentus HM became the must-do for that sweet attack speed harp. Also, the Chaos Rift was perfect for those seeking manastones. Many awesome farming opportunities for all PvE enthusiasts.

When it comes to PvP, mythical abyss gear, Officer-2 Accessories, and wings were highlights. While Katalams were often the top PvP zones, Signia and Vengar offered just as much fun. Runatorium was a great PvP instance addition with mythical PvP accessories and visually stunning skins.

 

It'd be fantastic to see this version on a private server since when it first dropped near 5.0, many players didn't fully explore it due to its timing. If patch 4.9 got a release now, players could immerse themselves in all its content, leading to more involvement and retention. And guess what? I've been testing Aion Riftshade in its beta phase, and it's mind-blowing. With groundbreaking features like integrated DPS meters and robust anticheat, Aion Riftshade is shaping up to be the best Aion private server for 2026. It’s crafted to offer that nostalgic yet thrilling experience without the pay-to-win hassles. Can't wait for its Q1 2026 launch!

We might wish for a server close to the retail version, but that just isn't going to become a reality.

 

1 hour ago, Raidon mentioned:

I like the changes they made to stigmas.

Upgrading the Dissonance stigma to +20 was something else, did you remember that enhancing stigmas increased damage output?

 

1 hour ago, Raidon stated:

In PvE, there were numerous valuable additions and modifications. Makarna, RST Heroic, Runa Heroic, Enhanced RST gear, Enhanced Hyperion gear, more myth accessories from Runadium, Enhanced Sauro Accessories, and Kaisinel's Daevanion gear. We can't forget the bards' preferred instance, Rentus HM, for its attack speed harp. And Chaos Rift for manastone hunters - PvE players had plenty to pursue.

Regarding Makarna: Nobody ventured there much, too challenging due to limited gear.

For Heroics: I witnessed a few but acknowledge their worth.

I believe Hyperion gear was surpassed in that version.

Runadium and Sauro: Sauro is definitely outdated, with accessories only becoming mythical through professions, and they can't be traded, which made them rather irrelevant.

Kaisinel / Marchutan gear was newcomer PvE gear that was cumbersome to acquire and enhance...

1 hour ago, Raidon commented:

On the PvP side - Mythical abyss gear, Officer-2 Accessories, and wings were noteworthy. Many claimed Katalams were the prime PvP zones, but Signia and Vengar offered great PvP entertainment too. Runatorium enriched the PvP instance list with mythical PvP accessories and impressive skins.

Mythical abyss was nearly akin to Epic gear, but the wings and accessories were decent.

I'm sorry, but everyone will tell you, Signia and Vengar were no fun for PvP, with Akaron being the only map for that.

Runatorium was enjoyable unless Elyos or Asmos ambushed each other’s spawning points.

 

1 hour ago, Raidon noted:

I wish they'd introduce the 4.9 patch, bringing changes in the abyss, adding garrisons, and mythical BM gear in a new base. Leveling your base, earning bonuses, and improved sieges with new upper abyss mechanics was delightful.

It sounds more like 5.0 when Ereshkigal arrives. Frozen Abyss was refreshing, but the issue is that Abyss isn’t Katalam. They converted some artifacts to garrisons, which then functioned as garrisons - interesting, but having 17 garrisons on a map was overwhelming. Mythical BM gear was again difficult to acquire due to scarce Bloodmark medals. Why opt for mythical when epic to soldier gear progression was more feasible?

I was thrilled about landings and keen to attack enemy ones for buffs, but people didn’t care. The faction completing Beritra’s machines and other tasks achieved their landing first - reaching level 10 required doing EVERYTHING, and fortress bosses didn’t interest anyone, as they were too challenging!

Changes in fortress brought setbacks - where the faction with the most points won. If anything made this game more PvE, it was that. Apologies, but I see why they'd change it, but the enemy just pops up to steal points, and that's all.

I forgot to mention, Archdaevas were near, and despite everything, people disliked them, and their transformations threw the game off balance.

On a brighter note, I've been testing Aion Riftshade which launches in Q1 2026. It's the Best Aion private server 2026 with the Aion 4.8 version (including the Eye of Tiamaranta map). Things look promising with no need for ExitLag and super low ping, thanks to its premium hosting in Frankfurt. Their active GMs ensure an outstanding experience, unlike what we've experienced from retail.

Edited August 26, 2020 by Souli

53 minutes ago, Souli said:

Upgrading your stigmas to +20 is an impressive thing, ouch on that note, did you miss that stigmas could actually be enchanted to deal more damage

Enchanting stigmas wouldn't be problematic if there's no P2W store, just like how it is with accessories right now. Few people even have +3 to +5 accessories.

 

54 minutes ago, Souli said:

As for Makarna, nobody attempted it, too challenging due to scarce gear.

Heroics: I observed a couple, but I will concede on this.

Hyperion seems like it became irrelevant in that release.

Runadium and Sauro: Sauro definitely became outdated, accessories could only reach mythical status through crafting and were non-tradable... practically like they were non-existent.

Kaisiniel / Marchutan gear: Newbie PVE gear was so strenuous to acquire and upgrade...

Mythical abyss gear wasn't much better than Epic, although the wings and accessories were decent.

Everyone concurs here, Signia and Vengar weren't enjoyable for PVP, the sole viable map for PVP was Akaron.

Runatorium was enjoyable... when elys or asmos weren't trapping each other at spawn points.

Players who are serious will always take on the toughest challenges. That's the beauty of a private server like Aion Riftshade. You can put in the effort to earn everything since there won't be another patch rolling out with superior items soon.

I can't wait to hear how much fun people claim it is to roam deserted Katalams, hunting down unprepared fresh 65s who wander into the zone seeking BM accessories. Or seeing yourself wiped out by zerg mobs. That's what they call PVP excitement, apparently.

 

22 minutes ago, Raidon said:

I'm waiting for everyone to tell me how fun it is to run around empty Katalams, killing ungeared fresh 65s who just entered the zone to farm BM accessories. Or just getting slaughtered by zergs. Pure PVP extravaganza

You just described my experience with 72, 74, and 77 garrisons with elys..

13 hours ago, Raidon said:

I would truly enjoy seeing a patch even beyond, like 4.9. Many have overlooked the fact that they revamped abyss, introduced garrisons, and mythical BM gear in the fresh base. It was a fantastic experience leveling your base, getting buffs, etc.  The sieges were also modified. They brought back and changed how they occurred in the upper abyss.

Stigmas, oh yes. I personally love the changes in stigmas. To start, they removed a bunch of useless skills and merged their effects with others, making them stronger. Cleric got a good buff in that patch. Templar, Gladiator, Ranger too. I am not sure about the other classes since I didn't play them much post 4.8. Many stigmas were just turned into normal skills. It's true that vision stigma is tough to get, and that's something to think about.

On the PvE side, there were many exciting additions and changes. Makarna, RST Heroic, Runa Heroic, Enhanced RST gear, enhanced Hyperion gear. More myth accessories from Runadium. Enhanced Sauro Accessories. Kaisinel's Daevanion gear.  And, of course, the latest favorite instance of every bard - Rentus HM for that delightful attack speed harp. Moreover, Chaos rift for those searching for manastones.  So yes, there were many worthwhile things for PvE players to farm.

For PvP - Mythical abyss gear, Officer-2 Accessories, and wings. While many claimed that Katalams were the top PvP zones, Signia and Vengar were very enjoyable for PvP too. Runatorium was a wonderful addition to the PvP instance list with mythical PvP accessories and fascinating skins.

 

This patch would be fabulous to see on a private server since it was released too close to 5.0, and many people didn't engage with much of it due to the timing. Releasing 4.9 now would give players ample time to enjoy all its content, boosting player engagement.

Unable to test the patches up to 4.9, I must say, that version would have been preferable in many ways. Especially for Abyss PvP and BM Mythicals, alongside enchanted vision stigmas, not to mention critical strike and magical accuracy plumes... Especially the refinement of obsolete skills that make no sense... for instance, some spells are fly-only...  so smart.

Still, I agree about the Katalam BM grind, it's crazy that this beginner zone for new 65s quickly turns into chaos, making me consider a break
 

However, I'm in the privileged position of being part of the Aion Riftshade server beta. They've harmoniously blended classic elements with fresh innovations in Aion 4.8, including the Eye of Tiamaranta map. Thanks to the advanced PvE and PvP rankings, and a top-notch server-side anticheat, it’s setting the stage for something epic. Launching in Q1 2026, Aion Riftshade might just be the best Aion private server 2026 has to offer. Expect a stable, balanced, and non-pay-to-win environment, hosted with premium EU resources in Frankfurt with seamless play without ExitLag. Definitely worth checking out for anyone missing those authentic Aion experiences!