Aether Gazer developer YongShi has shared more details on the companion server and how players can keep accessing the game once it's delisted. Read on to learn more about the announcement, server information, and other details.
Aether Gazer CN Shares Companion Server Plans
Companion Server Open for at Least Five Years
Aether Gazer developer YongShi confirmed that the companion server will go live on September 17, 2026, and will stay open for a minimum of five years, putting the guaranteed end date at September 2031 at the earliest. Around March 2031, however, the team plans to reassess and decide further on the next steps, which could potentially include extending the server further or converting the game into a free offline client.
YongShi also used the post to shoot down rumors that the game was being shut down entirely, stating that no such plan has ever existed and that the goal has always been to keep Aether Gazer running for as long as possible. This follow-up builds on Aether Gazer CN's earlier announcement that Version 5.2 would be the game's final major update, which detailed the July 23 launch, the farewell gift bundle, and the refund window for unused Transfer Flowers running August 6 to September 6.
What’s Available After Delisting?
The announcement from the developers also laid out how players will still be able to access the game once it starts disappearing from digital storefronts:
⚫︎ September 17, 2026: All channels (official Android, PC emulator, Bilibili, and iOS) update to the companion server version, called "With You", simultaneously.
⚫︎ October 17, 2026: As clients get pulled from app stores, the team will start offering full install packages for official Android, Bilibili Android, and PC through third-party channels like cloud storage and magnet links.
iOS is the only exception since Apple doesn't allow third-party download links once an app is removed from the App Store. YongShi highly recommends that iOS players switch to a PC client to prevent account loss.
The team confirmed that paid content will no longer reopen once the companion server begins, explaining that it wouldn't feel right to keep charging players when the game can no longer receive regular updates. To make up for lost revenue, the company says it will personally cover all operating costs during the companion server period and plans to periodically give out free currency and costume vouchers to help players keep up with day-to-day needs.
Addressing the Community’s Concerns
YongShi’s post touched on a few decisions players had been asking about, such as the reason why early story chapters got reworked this close to the end. The team stated they'd wanted to fix those chapters ever since Version 2.0, feeling the early content was never up to standard, but the actual rewrite didn't start until Version 4.0. It was a slow transition since staff had to juggle it alongside regular updates, which is why it only came together now.
That same mindset shaped the decision to make Version 5.2 free. They didn't want it to look like they were trying to "make a final profit and run away," so once the decision to stop updates was made, they wanted everyone, players and staff alike, to just enjoy the final version without spending money. The studio considers ending further updates as a last resort after exhausting all other options and resources.
The developer added that they’re also reviewing player suggestions for what the companion server period could still offer and will share more again later on once plans are settled. A fuller, more official announcement covering the companion server is expected before it launches on September 17.
Global has not issued a matching statement, so players outside China can keep watch on the official channels for region-specific updates. Aether Gazer is a sci-fi 3D action RPG available on iOS, Android, and PC. For more thoughts and insights on the game, check out the page below:
Source:
