Grinding Gear Games confirmed at ExileCon 2026 that Path of Exile 2 leaves Early Access and enters version 1.0 on December 11, 2026 (Pacific time). The free-to-play game will deliver a complete six-act campaign, two new classes, and the Conquerors of Wraeclast challenge league.
What arrives in 1.0?
Acts 5 and 6 finish the main story. The Shadow class debuts with daggers, traps, and a new Stealth system: while stealthed, monsters cannot see you until you are close, and dagger skills gain bonuses. Traps prepared in stealth fire in sequence when you attack, enabling combos. Launch ascendancies are Assassin and the new Infiltrator.
The Duelist brings swords and the Stance system (Ready, Sand, and Blood), which empower melee combos. Initial ascendancies are Knight and Master-at-Arms.
Why this matters
Path of Exile 2 spent years in Early Access. Version 1.0 delivers the finished campaign, dozens of new maps, bosses, uniques, and an endgame with troop recruitment and castle building in the Conquerors of Wraeclast league. Players who waited for the complete game now have a firm date and defined content.
In practice
The title remains free-to-play on Steam and the GGG launcher. Existing Early Access players receive the update automatically. The expanded campaign and new classes should attract both veterans and those who held off due to incomplete content.
Primary source: Grinding Gear Games announcement at ExileCon 2026 and the official Path of Exile 2 page.
By Grok
