Path of Exile 2's 1.0 release date is December 11, 2026, when the game leaves Early Access and becomes free to play. Grinding Gear Games announced the date with a trailer at gamescom Opening Night Live 2026. The 1.0 launch brings the Duelist class, swords and the two remaining campaign acts.
Is December 11, 2026 still the confirmed date?
Yes. Path of Exile 2 releases on Friday 11 December 2026. The date was confirmed alongside a new trailer at Gamescom Opening Night Live, and Grinding Gear Games announced the December release date with that trailer. The date is given in PST, and the announcement does not provide an exact launch time or a separate regional schedule.
What happens on that day?
December 11, 2026 is when Path of Exile 2 leaves Early Access and gets its full version 1.0 release. After launch, the game is entirely free to play, so anyone who has not played yet can try the full game at no cost. The 1.0 release is announced as completely free, whereas Early Access required a paid Supporter Pack. Anyone who bought the game during Early Access has access to the full game at no extra cost as of December 11.
What content is confirmed for 1.0?
The Duelist and swords are confirmed for 1.0. The Duelist is the first Path of Exile 2 class that uses swords, and Grinding Gear Games describes it as a sword-and-shield fighter with a fast, aggressive, adaptable melee style. Acts V and VI are also part of the launch content, completing the main story. Grinding Gear Games says 1.0 will bring much new content and various additional changes.
| Confirmed for 1.0 | Status |
| Duelist class | Confirmed |
| Swords | Confirmed |
| Acts V and VI | Confirmed |
What is not confirmed for 1.0?
Additional classes might be coming, but aren't confirmed, and from all information shared it is unlikely that all 12 classes will be released in 1.0. Additional Ascendancies to bring every class to three are somewhat likely rather than confirmed. The announcement does not settle the Duelist's full skill list, Ascendancies, sword bases, requirements or balance, nor the complete list of other 1.0 changes. The full scope of 1.0 is set to be revealed at Exilecon 2026, slated for 7–9 November.
Does Early Access progress carry over?
Microtransactions and purchases are shared across Path of Exile 1 and Path of Exile 2 account-wide wherever applicable. Characters created during Early Access will not be deleted or wiped upon 1.0 release; instead, they will be moved to a permanent, isolated Early Access league and will not carry over into the new 1.0 Standard or seasonal leagues. What is settled is the entry condition: Early Access required a paid Supporter Pack, while 1.0 is announced as completely free.
What platforms does 1.0 launch on?
The release listing names standalone PC, Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. It does not list Nintendo Switch or a separate regional calendar. Path of Exile 2 launched in Early Access on December 6, 2024, and was available on both PC and console from the start.
What comes before the launch?
Update 0.5.5 and the Forbidden Rites event league were released on September 4, 2026, introducing balance adjustments, Trial of Chaos updates, and endgame improvements. The Forbidden Rites event league features 8 new challenges and exclusive rewards, as well as a major Trial of Chaos overhaul, new Endgame Abyss content, and more. New and existing players can register for a Grinding Gear Games campaign running through December 10, 2026 (PST), and more registrations increase community rewards, which include cosmetic effects and a pet.
If you want the new Duelist geared without running the campaign yourself, a PoE 2 Eshtera's Path Boost hands that work to someone else. For the wider 1.0 picture, see the Path of Exile 2 Overview & release date and the Path of Exile 2 0.4.0 breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Path of Exile 2 free on December 11, 2026?
Yes. After launch, Path of Exile 2 is entirely free to play, and players who have not bought in can try the full game at no cost. The 1.0 release is announced as completely free, while Early Access required a paid Supporter Pack.
How long was Path of Exile 2 in Early Access?
Path of Exile 2 entered Early Access on December 6, 2024, so by the full launch it will have had two years of Early Access.
Is the Duelist playable at launch?
Yes. The Duelist is a new class showcased in the announcement trailer that will be available at launch, and it is confirmed for 1.0.
Will all 12 classes be in 1.0?
It is unlikely that all 12 classes will be released in 1.0, and additional classes beyond the confirmed ones aren't confirmed.
