NCsoft just announced that Aion 2.6 will be available on the test server on July 28 and on the live servers on August 3. Here are the highlights:

• The “Crucible Challenge,” a solo version of the Empyrean Crucible instance, with a bonus round.
• A new auto-party matching system for Nochsana Training Camp, Fire Temple, Steel Rake, Draupnir Cave, Dark Poeta, Udas Temple, Lower Udas Temple, and the Empyrean Crucible instances.
• Difficulty level adjustments to Dark Poeta, Empyrean Crucible and Beshmundir Temple.
• A new pet, the Runaway Poppy, which has a chance to provide its master with Platinum Medals.
• New conditioning stones to make your gear even better.
• Improvements to boss looting in Fire Temple and Steel Rake.  You might receive a gear box as your loot, which will have an item that is applicable to your class.

You can view some Crucible Challenge screenshots in our gallery.