Path of Exile 2Explainer
Release dateMultiplayer
Path of Exile 2 1.0 release date: Dec. 11, 2026, free-to-play, with the Duelist class
Path of Exile 2 leaves early access and launches as version 1.0 on Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, Pacific time, and from that day it's fully free-to-play on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X and S. Until then, Steam sells the early access key for $29.99. The full release adds the Duelist, a long-awaited class that Grinding Gear Games revealed in a trailer at Gamescom on Aug. 25, 2026, and the current Runes of Aldur league and Forbidden Rites event both end when 1.0 arrives. Everyone who signs up on the studio's full release registration page gets at least two exclusive cosmetic effects at launch, and more announcements are due at ExileCon 2026, with the keynote on Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. PT.
- PC
- PS5
- Xbox Series X|S
Path of Exile 2 goes free for everyone in December. Here’s when the 1.0 full release lands, what changes and what to do before launch.
When does Path of Exile 2 1.0 come out?
On Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, Pacific time. That’s when Path of Exile 2 leaves early access, which began on Dec. 6, 2024, and fully launches on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X and S. Grinding Gear Games announced the date on Aug. 25, 2026, during Gamescom’s Opening Night Live in Cologne, and hasn’t announced a launch hour yet.
Is Path of Exile 2 free?
From Dec. 11, yes. Grinding Gear Games says it launches as a fully free-to-play action RPG. Until then, you need the early access key, which Steam sells for $29.99 as of Oct. 17. On PC, the Steam version runs on Windows, and the studio announced on Sept. 24 that the game is Steam Deck Verified; our Steam Deck 2 page covers Valve’s next handheld.
The Duelist and what’s in the full game
The headline addition is the Duelist, a long-awaited class revealed in a trailer at Gamescom. It wasn’t part of the 0.5.5 update in September and arrives only with 1.0. The Steam page describes the full game with a new campaign of six acts, 100 environments, 600 monsters and 100 bosses, 12 character classes with 36 Ascendancy specializations, 240 skill gems and 200 support gems, and co-op for up to six players.
What happens to your league characters
The Runes of Aldur league and the Forbidden Rites event league, which began with the 0.5.5 patch on Sept. 4, 2026, both run until the full release and end alongside it. Runes of Aldur content has already been added to the core game, so you can play it in Standard too.
Free rewards for registering
Grinding Gear Games runs a full release registration page: enter your email, confirm it, and you’ll get a code for exclusive cosmetics after launch. On Sept. 21, the community unlocked the Soulflame Weapon Effect, so everyone who registers gets at least two exclusive effects, and up to five if all four milestones are reached. The latest post gives Dec. 11 PST as the deadline. Codes work on Steam, Epic, PlayStation and Xbox accounts, one per account, and the items won’t be sold in the store.
ExileCon 2026
More news is coming at ExileCon 2026, held on Nov. 7 and 8 New Zealand time. The studio will livestream both days for free from 12 p.m. PT on Nov. 6 and 7, and the keynote with the big announcements begins at 1 p.m. PT, or 4 p.m. ET. The event also hosts the race finales for both Path of Exile games.
If you’re after the other big action RPG, our Diablo 5 release date page has what Blizzard has said. For the rest of the season’s launches, see our upcoming PS5 games list.
This page is updated as soon as Grinding Gear Games announces the launch time, ExileCon reveals or patch notes for Path of Exile 2 1.0.
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FAQ
When does Path of Exile 2 1.0 come out?
On Dec. 11, 2026, Pacific time, which is when Path of Exile 2 leaves early access and fully launches on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X and S.
Is Path of Exile 2 free-to-play?
Yes, from Dec. 11, 2026. Grinding Gear Games says the game launches as a fully free-to-play action RPG with the 1.0 release. Before then, you need the early access key, which Steam sells for $29.99.
Is the Duelist in Path of Exile 2 1.0?
Yes. The Duelist arrives with the full release on Dec. 11, 2026, and wasn’t part of the 0.5.5 update in September.
What happens to Runes of Aldur and Forbidden Rites at 1.0?
Both run until the full release and end alongside it, according to Grinding Gear Games. Runes of Aldur content has already been added to the core game.
How do I get the Path of Exile 2 full release rewards?
Register your email on Grinding Gear Games' full release registration page and confirm it. Everyone registered gets at least two exclusive cosmetic effects, and up to five if the community reaches every milestone. Codes go out by email after Dec. 11, and you can register until Dec. 11 PST.
Can PlayStation and Xbox players get the registration rewards?
Yes. Grinding Gear Games says players on Steam, Epic, PlayStation and Xbox can all redeem the codes, one per account.
When is ExileCon 2026?
On Nov. 7 and 8 New Zealand time. The free livestream starts at 12 p.m. PT on Nov. 6 and 7, and the keynote with the big announcements begins at 1 p.m. PT, which is 4 p.m. ET.
Is Path of Exile 2 on Steam Deck?
Yes. Grinding Gear Games announced on Sept. 24, 2026, that Path of Exile 2 is Steam Deck Verified.
Does Path of Exile 2 have co-op?
Yes. The Steam page lists co-op for up to six players.
Pop quiz
1 questions from this story.
How many acts does the Path of Exile 2 campaign have, according to its Steam page?
The Steam page describes a brand new campaign with six acts, 100 environments, 600 monsters and 100 bosses.
Your call
Will you play Path of Exile 2 when it goes free-to-play?
