Path of Exile 2 was confirmed to release its full Version 1.0 on December 11, 2026, during the gamescom Opening Night Live showcase. A new 90-second trailer featured combat using the long-awaited sword-wielding Duelist class.
Path of Exile 2 is Exiting Early Access
Free to Play on December 11, 2026
Path of Exile 2 aired a 90-second trailer confirming its full Version 1.0 release for December 11, 2026 during the gamescom Opening Night Live showcase held in Cologne, Germany on August 25. The trailer also confirmed that Path of Exile 2 will be free to play for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Fast-paced combat previews interspersed with brutal cinematic cutscenes from the game’s six-act storyline. Path of Exile 2 is set 20 years before the main game and follows an exile who must battle their way through the dark world of Wraeclast, where they have been banished, to fight a spreading corruption.
The highly anticipated sequel to the 2013 isometric fantasy action RPG initially launched in paid Early Access for PC and consoles in December 2024. Development is on the right track, as the game’s full release schedule aligns with the developers’ aim to launch Version 1.0 sometime after ExileCon 2026 in November. Update 0.5 arrived on May 22, 2026 and was confirmed by developers to be the last major patch for Early Access.
Grinding Gear Games also invited fans attending gamescom to visit them in Hall 6.1, Booth B031 for an exclusive hands-on experience with the recently revealed and long-awaited Duelist class.
Version 1.0 Will Deliver the Duelist and Swords At Long Last
The gamescom trailer showcased combat featuring the sword-wielding Duelist class, confirming that the Duelist will be playable after the full game launches. Eager fans who have been patiently waiting to play the game with one of its most popular weapon types celebrated the announcement on social media.
Some long-time players even expressed hope that the Duelist class and swords would become available in Early Access, but the majority correctly guessed that the developers were reserving these releases for the full game.
Early Access notably cannot be played with swords. Eight out of twelve classes are currently available to choose from, all of which wield a variation of magic, a staff, an axe, a spear, or a ranged weapon.
Interested players can play Path of Exile 2 in Early Access by purchasing one of six Supporter Packs, ranging from $30 to $480. Each pack comes with different perks such as in-game points to spend on character upgrades, companion pets, armor packs, and more.
Sources:
Path of Exile 2 Full Release | Play 1.0 for Free on December 11
Path of Exile 2 Official Website
