Grinding Gear Games will officially release Path of Exile 2 version 1.0 on December 11, 2026, ending its early access phase that began in December 2024 [1, 2, 3]. The full launch will make the game free-to-play, removing the previous requirement to purchase the Founder’s Pack during early access [1, 3].
The release introduces a new melee-focused Duelist class, which is the first in Path of Exile 2 to use swords and shields. The Duelist is designed for aggressive combat, expanding gameplay options with sword-based fighting [1, 3]. While swords will be officially usable at launch, some players have reported encountering sword drops that are currently unusable during early access [3].
Completing the game’s narrative, the final two campaign Acts will be added on release day, providing a complete storyline for players [1]. The game will be available on PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store, as well as on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles [2].
Grinding Gear Games is currently running a free registration campaign leading up to launch. Players who sign up can unlock community rewards including a pet. The developer emphasized inclusivity, stating, "Everyone, including existing players, is welcome to sign up - no Path of Exile account required. Once Path of Exile 2 Full Release launches you'll be emailed a code to claim any rewards you've unlocked" [2].
A balance update focused on class tuning, version 0.5.5, is expected to arrive within a month before the full release to refine gameplay balance [3]. The early access phase included the PlayStation and Xbox platforms and attracted millions of players, signaling strong engagement prior to the official launch [1].
Path of Exile 2 1.0 is set to launch globally on December 11, 2026, bringing new content and accessibility improvements to the action RPG.
