Path of Exile 2 will leave Early Access on December 11, 2026, launching its full version 1.0 update and becoming free to play. Developer Grinding Gear Games has confirmed that the release will complete the game’s six-act campaign, introduce two playable classes, add dozens of new enemies and locations, and overhaul several major character progression systems.
The studio detailed the upcoming release in an official Steam announcement published on November 6, alongside its ExileCon 2026 presentations. The update marks the end of nearly two years of paid Early Access, which began in December 2024. Players will no longer need to purchase an Early Access supporter pack to access the action RPG when version 1.0 arrives.
One of the largest additions is the completion of Path of Exile 2’s main campaign. Acts 5 and 6 will introduce 24 distinct areas, 18 new unique bosses and more than 20 Champion Rare encounters featuring their own combat mechanics. These additions will allow players to experience the complete six-act storyline rather than the unfinished campaign available during Early Access.
Two new playable classes will also join the roster: the Shadow and the Duelist. Both introduce combat mechanics designed around their respective weapons and fighting styles.
The Shadow specializes in daggers, traps and stealth-based attacks. Its new Stealth mechanic allows players to approach enemies without being detected until they move within a certain distance. Remaining hidden also strengthens dagger abilities, while traps can be prepared in advance and triggered during an attack. The class launches with two Ascendancy options, the Assassin and Infiltrator.
The Duelist focuses on sword combat, precision and a new Stance system. Ready Stance enhances sword abilities, while Sand and Blood Stances provide additional combat combinations. Its two launch Ascendancies are the Knight and Master-at-Arms, offering further specialization for players building around the class.
Beyond the campaign, version 1.0 introduces the Conquerors of Wraeclast Challenge League, featuring a new endgame storyline built around recruiting an army, capturing enemy fortifications and expanding a stronghold.
Players will encounter Varek and his mercenaries while working to prevent the awakening of an ancient Blood Lord. The league adds more than 70 points of interest, including recruitment opportunities and unique missions. Capturing castles will provide access to treasury rooms containing a new crafting material used to reforge equipment.
The league’s endgame allows players to establish a stronghold and choose between three factions, each featuring different fortresses and recruitable troops. Commanders can be assigned to progress through the Atlas using a real-time system, while players belonging to the same faction can cooperate to capture castles controlled by rival factions.
Character customization is receiving substantial changes as well. Grinding Gear Games is adding more than 40 Unique Items and reworking over 70 existing ones, including improvements to modifiers, abilities and visuals.
The Passive Skill Tree is also undergoing a major revision, introducing hundreds of new stats and relocating Jewel Sockets into passive clusters. This changes how players approach build planning, particularly when deciding which clusters are worth investing in.
Support Gems are being extensively rebalanced, while classes including the Warrior and Witch will receive additional skills. Several existing classes and Ascendancies are also being reworked.
The Mercenary’s reload mechanics are changing, while the Infernalist gains a new spellcasting demonic minion and the ability to maintain up to three Infernal Hounds. The Blood Mage receives revised skills, curses and Corrupted Blood mechanics. Meanwhile, the Acolyte of Chayula will gain a companion capable of using Quarterstaff skills, alongside an ability involving transferring the character’s soul into a clone.
Together, these changes mean existing players may need to reconsider their character builds when version 1.0 arrives, particularly those relying on affected Support Gems, passive allocations or reworked Ascendancy mechanics.
Path of Exile 2’s full release also represents a different approach from several other upcoming PC RPGs that are continuing through paid Early Access. ArcheAge Chronicles entered Steam Early Access in November, while Emberville's Early Access launch is scheduled for January 2027.
For PC players, the move to free-to-play availability removes the game’s upfront purchase requirement. Path of Exile 2 is available through Steam and other PC storefronts, including the Epic Games Store and Grinding Gear Games’ standalone client.
The game is also listed as Steam Deck Verified, making the December release relevant to handheld PC players. However, that designation does not establish how version 1.0’s expanded campaign and endgame content will perform on the device.
Grinding Gear Games has confirmed December 11 in Pacific Standard Time as the official launch date. Depending on the release time and region, availability may fall on December 12 in some time zones.
The December update will deliver the completed campaign, expanded class roster, new challenge league and extensive progression changes together as Path of Exile 2 transitions into its full free-to-play release.
