Grinding Gear Games has officially locked in the long-awaited Path of Exile 2 1.0 Launch for December 11, 2026 (PST), bringing the next-generation action RPG out of Early Access and into its full free-to-play release. Revealed during gamescom 2026 Opening Night Live in Cologne, the announcement also introduced the highly anticipated Duelist class and confirmed that the game’s final campaign chapters will finally be playable at launch.
After months of Early Access updates, balance changes, and community feedback, Path of Exile 2 is preparing for its biggest milestone yet with new classes, new content, and exclusive pre-launch rewards for players who register ahead of release.
Path of Exile 2 1.0 Launch Brings the Complete Adventure
The Path of Exile 2 1.0 Launch marks the official transition of the ARPG into a fully free-to-play experience across all supported platforms.
Launching on December 11, 2026 (PST), version 1.0 includes the long-awaited conclusion of the campaign with the addition of the final two Acts, completing the story for the first time since Early Access began in 2024.
Grinding Gear Games says the full release will also include a massive wave of gameplay improvements, systems updates, and additional content designed to reshape the overall Path of Exile 2 experience for both new and returning players.
The release date was unveiled alongside a brand-new trailer during gamescom’s Opening Night Live, giving fans their first proper look at the Duelist in action.
Meet the Duelist: Path of Exile 2’s First Sword-Wielding Class
One of the biggest highlights of the Path of Exile 2 1.0 Launch is the arrival of the Duelist, a melee-focused class built around swords, shields, speed, and precision.
Raised as an orphan in the slums before fighting for survival in the Grand Arena, the Duelist enters Wraeclast with a personal story rooted in vengeance and redemption. After escaping the Fall of Oriath, he now battles to protect those who cannot defend themselves.
Gameplay-wise, the Duelist introduces one of the community’s most requested weapon archetypes.
Players can expect:
- Fast-paced sword combat built around mobility and aggressive melee attacks.
- New sword-and-shield gameplay options for offensive and defensive builds.
- Flexible combat styles that reward positioning, timing, and adaptability.
The class is designed to expand melee playstyles while offering fresh build possibilities for veterans looking to experiment with close-range combat.
The Final Campaign Acts Complete the Story
Since its Early Access debut, Path of Exile 2 has gradually expanded its world and story. The 1.0 Full Release finally completes the narrative by adding the remaining Acts, allowing players to experience the full journey through Wraeclast from beginning to end.
Grinding Gear Games also teased a significant number of additional gameplay changes arriving alongside the completed campaign, making version 1.0 much more than a simple content update.
Register Now for Exclusive Path of Exile 2 1.0 Rewards
Ahead of launch, Grinding Gear Games has opened a global registration campaign for players eager to jump into the Path of Exile 2 1.0 Launch.
Players who register before December 10, 2026 (PST) will become eligible for exclusive milestone rewards that unlock as the community reaches registration goals.
Rewards include:
- Exclusive cosmetic effects.
- Community milestone bonuses.
- A special in-game pet unlocked through player participation.
The campaign is designed as a global community event, meaning additional rewards become available as more players sign up before launch day.
Path of Exile 2 Platforms
The Path of Exile 2 1.0 Launch will be available simultaneously across multiple platforms, allowing players to join the action wherever they prefer.
Supported platforms include:
- PC
- Steam
- PlayStation
- Xbox
- Epic Games Store
Because the game becomes fully free-to-play with version 1.0, new players will be able to start their adventure without purchasing the game.
A New Era Begins for Path of Exile 2
Grinding Gear Games has spent nearly two decades building the Path of Exile franchise into one of the biggest names in the ARPG genre. Following the game’s successful Early Access launch in 2024, the studio has continued delivering updates while refining Path of Exile 2 based on player feedback.
Now, the Path of Exile 2 1.0 Launch represents the beginning of its next chapter, bringing a complete campaign, an all-new melee class, and a fully free-to-play experience to players around the world.
With December 11 fast approaching, Wraeclast is about to welcome both longtime exiles and newcomers into its most complete adventure yet.
