Swords are finally coming to Path of Exile 2

After almost two years in Early Access, Path of Exile 2 finally has a date for its big 1.0 launch. Grinding Gear Games confirmed that the action RPG will leave Early Access on December 11, 2026, and from that day the full game will be free-to-play.

Path of Exile 2 entered Early Access in December 2024, giving players an unfinished but already huge version of Wraeclast while new classes, bosses, balance changes and campaign content were gradually added. Version 1.0 is the point where all of that finally becomes the proper full release.

One of the biggest additions is also one of the funniest omissions from Early Access: swords. Yes, after nearly two years of spears, crossbows, quarterstaves, flails and other deadly toys, Path of Exile 2 is finally getting good old-fashioned swords.

New classes arrive with the 1.0 release

They arrive alongside the new Duelist class, revealed during Gamescom Opening Night Live. The Duelist is built around fast melee combat and sword-focused gameplay, with the trailer showing him cutting through groups of enemies with aggressive, mobile attacks that should feel right at home in a Path of Exile build.

The campaign is also getting its final two chapters. Acts 5 and 6 will arrive with 1.0, completing the planned six-Act story for the first time. Grinding Gear Games also says the full version is planned to include more classes and corresponding Ascendancies, additional skill gems and items, plus more endgame content, areas, bosses and monsters.

Perhaps the best part of the December 11 release is that the paid entry requirement disappears. Path of Exile 2 becomes free-to-play at 1.0, so anyone who has been waiting can jump in without buying an Early Access Supporter Pack.

Of course, December is still a few months away, and Wraeclast is already open for business. Players itching to start experimenting with builds, hunting loot and learning the game before 1.0 arrives can play through Early Access right now.

Want to get started before the launch? Check our price comparison tool to find the best prices for Path of Exile 2 Early Access and begin your journey through Wraeclast ahead of the December rush.