Path of Exile 2 will launch as a fully free-to-play action RPG on December 11 (PST), marking the game’s 1.0 full release. The launch introduces the Duelist, a sword-focused melee class, and adds the remaining campaign Acts. New and existing players can register at www.pathofexile2.com/register for official release news, updates, and exclusive milestone rewards ahead of launch.

The new class debuted in a trailer at gamescom Cologne’s Opening Night Live, where the December 11 release date was also announced:

• The highly anticipated Duelist draws his blades and brings the sword to Path of Exile 2.
• The story is finally complete. The final two acts will launch with the 1.0 Full Release, alongside a massive pile of other content and changes.
• The next-generation ARPG goes fully free-to-play on December 11 PST.
• Players can register now at www.pathofexile2.com/register for exclusive rewards when the 1.0 Full Release drops.

Raised as an orphan in the slums, the Duelist trained relentlessly for a place in the Grand Arena, where he sought vengeance. Forced to flee during the Fall of Oriath, he now fights on behalf of those unable to defend themselves.

The Duelist is Path of Exile 2’s first sword-wielding class, introducing one of the game’s most anticipated weapon archetypes to Wraeclast. A master of both sword and shield, he offers players new ways to control the battlefield through fast, aggressive and adaptable melee combat.

With the Duelist arriving in 1.0, players can register now for exclusive rewards when the 1.0 Full Release drops. The registration campaign runs until December 10 PST, with bigger rewards unlocking as more players sign up. The more players who register, the more rewards the community can unlock, including exclusive effects and a pet. Path of Exile 2 is available on PC, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Epic Games Store.

For more information, please visit the announcement page at pathofexile2.com.

About Grinding Gear Games

Grinding Gear Games was founded in 2006 and is based in West Auckland, New Zealand. Its team members come from various countries and have diverse backgrounds, ranging from artificial intelligence and software security to industrial design and professional tournament gaming. In 2024, GGG released Path of Exile 2 into Early Access while remaining committed to the ongoing expansion and new content releases for the critically acclaimed Path of Exile.

It’s finally happening! The ExileCon Path of Exile 1 Qualifiers kick off next week, with the top racers from all four qualifier events earning the chance to compete in the live final at ExileCon in New Zealand.

The competition will take place on the following dates, with ZiggyD and Raiz once again serving as your hosts throughout the event:

Path of Exile 1 Qualifier Event Times and Dates

• Qualifier One - Sep 04, 2026 5:00 AM (GMT+8)
• Qualifier Two - Sep 11, 2026 5:00 AM (GMT+8)
• Qualifier Three - Sep 18, 2026 5:00 AM (GMT+8)
• Qualifier Four - Sep 25, 2026 5:00 AM (GMT+8)

If you're participating in the event, please make sure that your Path of Exile account is linked to your Twitch account. You can do this by logging into your account on the website, then clicking here.

To join a qualifier event, click the "Join" button for the race on the Character Select screen. You'll then be prompted to create a character. Once you've entered the game, your character will remain stationary until the race officially begins.

Players will compete to be the first to kill Kitava in Act 5 in a Standard Solo Self-Found fixed-seed environment. While this is not a Hardcore event, players will incur a penalty upon death and will be unable to move until one minute has elapsed.

The qualifier events are PC only.

You can find the full ruleset here.

Be sure to join us at twitch.tv/pathofexile to check out all the action! New Twitch Drops will be available for viewers, and we’ll announce them next week.

Good luck, Exiles!

Path of Exile 2 launches as a fully free-to-play action RPG on December 11 (PST)!

Get your blades ready! The full release will introduce the Duelist, a long-awaited class revealed in a new trailer during gamescom’s Opening Night Live in Cologne.



Whether you’re a new or returning player, sign up at pathofexile2.com/register to receive the latest release news and updates, as well as unlock exclusive milestone rewards on the road to launch.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the full release of Path of Exile 2 on December 11!

Tomorrow, August 25 PDT, we’ll have an exclusive Path of Exile 2 reveal at gamescom 2026. Make sure to tune in to the gamescom stream to watch it live. If you can’t make it, we’ll also be posting the reveal on our social channels shortly after, so you won’t miss out!

gamescom ONL kicks off on August 25 at 11:00 AM PDT, or Aug 26, 2026 2:00 AM (GMT+8) in your local time.

If you’re attending gamescom, make sure to stop by our booth for an exclusive hands-on experience featuring the revealed content! You can find us in Hall 6.1, Booth B031.