Upcoming Steam freebie is so highly anticipated that thousands of players are paying to play it early

There are few things more tempting to a PC gamer than the words ‘free-to-play’.

Especially this year. Those sweet words hit even better when you consider the dread of juggernaut games and extreme expenditure coming in the build up to Christmas.

Yet solid Steam freebies are few and far between at the moment, with only the likes of Amiino making a dent on the charts.

One new MMORPG is trying to correct that trend by gearing up to make a huge splash in just two days, as its free-to-play launch comes on October 5.

But with anticipation spilling over, a paid Early Access bundle is sitting right at the top of the platform's best-selling chart, and you have to wonder why players can't contain their excitement.

AION 2 Early Access pack soars to Steam’s best-seller ahead of free-to-play launch

AION 2 is the long-awaited MMORPG from NC, which is currently attracting thousands of players ahead of its full free-to-play launch.

Described as a Final Fantasy-like 3D battleground where the ‘sky is the limit’ (literally), the upcoming title has grew a huge cult following.

“Built on Unreal Engine 5 across a world 36 times larger than the original AION, this is the only MMORPG built for aerial combat,” the Steam description reads.

“Verticality is in the DNA of AION 2, and rewards players who can think, and fight, in 3 dimensions.”

There are more than 200 dungeons to tackle, with solo, five-player and 10-player content available.

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But just days before a free release, people are actually paying to play it early.

AION 2 launched its Advanced Access period on September 30, with players able to purchase Founder's Packs to get into the game before everyone else.

Despite the fact that the game will become free-to-play on October 5, it's already shot to the top of Steam's global Top Sellers chart, which is judged on revenue rather than simply counting how many people are playing.

The cheapest Standard Founder's Pack costs £18.49 / $24.99, granting access to the full game alongside a selection of in-game bonuses and a 30-day ‘Quai’ membership.

There are more expensive options available too, including Deluxe and Ultimate Founder's Packs packed with additional cosmetics and other goodies.

It's quickly become a hit with fans, marking one of the best entries to the genre in years.

Early players appear divided on some aspects of the experience, particularly its monetisation, but the sheer number of people willing to pay for Advanced Access suggests there's already plenty of interest.

AION 2 becomes free-to-play on Steam on October 5. Until then, apparently, waiting is harder than it sounds.