Path of Exile 2 hits 1.0 on December 11, 2026

Path of Exile 2 will officially launch on December 11, 2026, marking the end of nearly two years in early access. Developer Grinding Gear Games revealed the release date during Gamescom Opening Night Live, where the studio also showcased a new trailer featuring major additions planned for the full version.

The action RPG entered early access in December 2024 and will maintain its free-to-play model upon official launch. The game will be available across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S platforms. The 1.0 release aims to provide a polished, complete experience building on the extensive content already available to early access players.

Several new features are coming with the full release. The Duelist class represents one of the most significant additions, introducing fast-paced sword combat mechanics to the game. Path of Exile 2's design philosophy allows any class to use any weapon type, meaning swords will open new build possibilities beyond the Duelist itself. Other classes such as the Warrior, Mercenary, and Huntress could potentially benefit from the new weapon option, expanding the variety of viable character builds across the roster.

Grinding Gear Games continues to update the early access version leading up to the December launch. The Forbidden Rites event is scheduled to begin on September 4, introducing new encounters and modifications to existing systems, including changes to the Trial of Chaos. These ongoing updates ensure fresh content remains available for the player base during the final months before the official release.

For players who have been following the sequel's development since early access began, the December 11 date provides a concrete target for the finished product. The extended timeline allows Grinding Gear Games additional months to refine gameplay systems and incorporate player feedback before the full launch.