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Path of Exile 2 Full Release Arrives on December 11
Grinding Gear Games has finally put a date on the end of Path of Exile 2‘s Early Access journey, confirming that the action RPG will reach version 1.0 on December 11. The announcement came during Gamescom Opening Night Live, where the developer also revealed the Duelist, a long-awaited sword-wielding class joining the roster with the full release.
Path of Exile 2 was among dozens of games receiving new trailers and announcements during the showcase, all of which can be found in our Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 roundup. Most importantly, December 11 also marks the point when Path of Exile 2 becomes fully free-to-play, removing the paid access currently required to enter its Early Access version.
The Duelist Finally Brings Swords to Path of Exile 2
The Duelist was the star of the new Gamescom trailer and becomes Path of Exile 2‘s first class built around swords. Raised as an orphan in the slums before fighting his way into the Grand Arena, the Duelist eventually fled during the Fall of Oriath.
His combat style centres on quick, aggressive melee attacks, with sword-and-shield combinations giving players additional ways to control encounters. The addition also introduces the sword as a playable weapon archetype, something players have been waiting for throughout Early Access.
Campaign Will Finally Be Complete
Version 1.0 is bringing considerably more than another class. Grinding Gear Games confirmed that the final two campaign Acts will arrive alongside the full release, completing Path of Exile 2‘s main story for the first time.
The developer is also promising a much larger collection of changes and additional content for 1.0, although the full extent of those additions has yet to be detailed.
Players can already register through the official website for the run-up to launch. The campaign continues until December 10, with community milestones unlocking progressively larger rewards, including exclusive effects and a pet.
Becomes Fully Free-to-Play in December
Path of Exile 2 first entered Early Access in December 2024, meaning the full launch comes roughly two years after players first entered its version of Wraeclast.
From December 11, the game will be available fully free-to-play across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
For players who have been waiting for the campaign to be finished, swords to finally arrive or simply for the admission price to disappear, version 1.0 provides three fairly compelling reasons to enter Wraeclast this December.
