Path of Exile 2 Version 1.0 Guide: Free Launch, Duelist and Date
By Indie Kings | November 9, 2026
Updated November 9, 2026: Grinding Gear Games announced that Path of Exile 2 will launch as a fully free-to-play action RPG on December 11 (PST) for its 1.0 full release. The official posts say the release adds the Duelist class, completes the campaign with the final two acts, and makes the game free to play across its listed platforms.
What GGG announced for Path of Exile 2 1.0
Grinding Gear Games posted on the official Path of Exile forum that Path of Exile 2 launches as a fully free-to-play action RPG on December 11 (PST). The announcement frames that date as the game's 1.0 full release, moving beyond Early Access with a completed campaign and a major class addition.
The short announcement highlights the Duelist, described as a long-awaited class revealed in a new trailer during gamescom's Opening Night Live in Cologne. GGG also encourages players to register at the official Path of Exile 2 site for release news, updates, and milestone rewards on the road to launch.
A companion press-release style forum post expands on the same launch details, including platforms and the registration campaign window. This report uses those official GGG forum posts as the primary sources and notes the dates as GGG stated them.
Duelist class, campaign and launch timing
GGG says the full release introduces the Duelist, a sword-focused melee class and Path of Exile 2's first sword-wielding class. The studio describes the Duelist as a master of sword and shield who offers new ways to control the battlefield through fast, aggressive, and adaptable melee combat.
The lore summary in GGG's press release post says the Duelist was raised as an orphan in the slums, trained for a place in the Grand Arena seeking vengeance, and fled during the Fall of Oriath to fight on behalf of those unable to defend themselves. That background is part of GGG's official class presentation for the 1.0 release.
For the campaign, GGG states that the story is finally complete and that the final two acts will launch with the 1.0 full release, alongside other content and changes. The launch timing is stated as December 11 (PST); players should convert that to their local time using official GGG updates closer to release if timing matters for launch-day plans.
| Topic | Official GGG detail (fetched Nov 9, 2026) | Practical takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | December 11 (PST), 1.0 full release | Plan around PST and check local conversion |
| Business model | Fully free-to-play action RPG | No purchase required for the stated launch version |
| New class | Duelist: sword-focused melee, sword and shield, first sword-wielding class in PoE2 | New melee archetype arrives with 1.0 |
| Campaign | Final two acts launch with 1.0; story complete | Full release adds the remaining campaign acts |
| Platforms | PC, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, Epic Games Store | Choose your platform and follow official store pages |
| Registration | pathofexile2.com/register for news, updates, milestone rewards; campaign runs until December 10 PST | Register before the stated deadline if you want milestone rewards |
Platforms, registration and reward campaign
GGG's press release post lists Path of Exile 2 as available on PC, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Epic Games Store. The same post points readers to the official announcement page at pathofexile2.com and to platform/store links for more information.
Players can register at pathofexile2.com/register for official release news, updates, and exclusive milestone rewards ahead of launch. GGG says the registration campaign runs until December 10 PST, with bigger rewards unlocking as more players sign up, including exclusive effects and a pet.
Because the launch is still ahead as of November 9, 2026, players who plan to start at 1.0 should watch GGG's official forum, news, and platform pages for final patch notes, preload details, server timing, and any launch-day instructions.
Key facts from official GGG posts
The core facts in this guide come from two official Grinding Gear Games forum posts by Natalia_GGG: the August 25, 2026 announcement "Path of Exile 2 Fully Releases on December 11!" and the companion press release "Ready Your Blade: Path of Exile 2 Goes 1.0 on December 11." Both state December 11 (PST) and describe the 1.0 release as fully free-to-play.
The press release adds platform availability, the Duelist's combat and lore summary, the final two campaign acts, and the registration milestone campaign details. Where both posts cover the same point, this guide keeps the language consistent with GGG's official statements rather than adding outside interpretation.
Path of Exile 2 entered Early Access before this announcement; GGG's press release notes that the studio released PoE2 into Early Access in 2024 while continuing to support Path of Exile. The December 11 (PST) date is the 1.0 full release milestone described in these posts.
What to verify before launch
Launch details can change as a game approaches release. Before making plans, confirm the final release time conversion, preload availability, patch notes, account requirements, and platform-specific details on official GGG and store pages.
The registration reward campaign is time-limited in GGG's post (until December 10 PST). If you care about those rewards, verify the current campaign status and eligibility requirements on the official registration page rather than relying on summaries.
This draft does not cover unannounced balance changes, endgame details beyond what GGG stated, or third-party claims. Use official Path of Exile 2 patch notes and GGG communications for the full 1.0 feature list as it is published.
FAQ
When does Path of Exile 2 version 1.0 launch?
Grinding Gear Games states that Path of Exile 2 launches on December 11 (PST) as a fully free-to-play action RPG for its 1.0 full release.
Will Path of Exile 2 be free to play at 1.0?
Yes. GGG's official announcements describe the 1.0 launch as fully free-to-play.
What class is added with the 1.0 release?
GGG says the full release introduces the Duelist, a sword-focused melee class and the first sword-wielding class in Path of Exile 2.
Does the 1.0 release complete the campaign?
GGG states that the story is complete and that the final two acts will launch with the 1.0 full release, alongside other content and changes.
Which platforms will Path of Exile 2 be available on?
GGG's press release lists PC, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Epic Games Store.
How does the registration reward campaign work?
GGG says players can register at pathofexile2.com/register for release news and milestone rewards. The press release states the campaign runs until December 10 PST, with more rewards unlocking as more players sign up.
Bottom Line
Grinding Gear Games has set Path of Exile 2's 1.0 full release for December 11 (PST), with a fully free-to-play launch, the new Duelist class, and the final two campaign acts. If you plan to jump in at launch, follow the official GGG forum posts and registration page for the final timing, patch notes, and platform details.
Sources: Grinding Gear Games: Path of Exile 2 Fully Releases on December 11! (fetched November 9, 2026), Grinding Gear Games: Ready Your Blade: Path of Exile 2 Goes 1.0 on December 11 (fetched November 9, 2026).
Related: Path of Exile 2 Early Access: Everything You Need to Know, Path of Exile 2: Full Release Supporter Packs