In North America (Aka the USA), we are generally more used to quest leveling than grinding. Take WOW for example, it offers enough quests to level you from 0-70 without even needing the expansion set (note that 61-70 = the same exp needed to level from 0-60).

This is what NCSoft has to say about Grinding:

Aion is all about grind

There are enough quests in AION to reduce the grind to a minimum. You will still have to kill mobs along the way to your quest point, but if you explore a bit and kill the mobs in your way instead of sneaking past them, you will have to spend a minimal amount of time on grinding.

Aion is designed to be fun during leveling and at the end game, so there is no need to rush through the content. The game is fun from the moment you create your character, not just at max level.

The patch with which AION will launch in EU/NA (1.5), adds a lot of level 35+ quests that further reduce the amount of time you need to grind. There are also plenty of added instances, which will make the leveling process even more fun and rewarding.

If you consider killing a certain number of the same type of mob for quests, grinding, then yes AION will have grinding. But not more so then any other western MMO out there. For further information about the 1.5 patch and its contents, check the link provided below.

Another feature of AION is the fact that crafting grants experience. It's not much when compared to normal questing, but due to the nature of crafting it does add up.

The last point of interest is another addition added with the 1.5 patch: The battle shugos. This is an instance for people that have not yet reached the level cap, filled with plenty of quests and evolved Shugos, designed with the casual player in mind.

So, what does this all mean when it comes to leveling? Rumors suggest that it takes about 12 hours to level past level 35! So what if I am soloing and questing then? How much exp should I expect to gain? And what about from a group? Answers below:

http://www.massacrelegion.com/theory...p-calculations