Key facts at a glance
| Path of Exile 2 1.0 | |
|---|---|
| Date | December 11, 2026 (Friday), PST |
| Time | not announced (as of 16.10.2026) |
| Price | free (free-to-play) |
| Platforms | PC: Steam, Epic Games Store, GGG client · PlayStation 5 · Xbox Series X|S |
| New class | Duelist (swords) |
| Campaign | 6 acts (Acts V and VI are added) |
| Crossplay and cross-progression | yes, across all platforms |
| Early Access since | December 6, 2024 |
Grinding Gear Games (GGG) announced the date on August 25, 2026 with a trailer at gamescom Opening Night Live in Cologne. Steam says it plainly: the game leaves Early Access on December 11, 2026 and becomes free from that moment.
What time does 1.0 launch
GGG has only given the day and the time zone (PST). There is no exact time yet. This is how previous major launches looked:
| Launch | Time (Pacific) | UTC |
|---|---|---|
| Early Access, 6.12.2024 | 11:00 PST | 19:00 |
| 0.5 Return of the Ancients, 29.05.2026 | 13:00 PDT | 20:00 |
| 0.5.5 Forbidden Rites, 4.09.2026 | 13:00 PDT | 20:00 |
December is winter time, so 11:00 PST is 19:00 UTC (20:00 in Central Europe) and 13:00 PST is 21:00 UTC (22:00 in Central Europe). The community wiki lists 19:00 UTC, but that is not information from GGG. We will add the time when the studio announces it. Most likely that will happen at ExileCon or in the final weeks before launch.
What's new in version 1.0
The Duelist and swords. The first class in PoE 2 built around swords: one-handed, two-handed or dual wielded. Dual wielding swords lets you parry attacks, and with a shield you can bash enemies straight out of ready stance. In its August 27 presentation GGG showed skills including Cyclone, Earth Rend, Rending Dash, Bloody Blade, Sand Scour, Rain of Steel and World Cutter, plus a new unique sword, Oro's Sacrifice.
Acts V and VI. The Early Access campaign has four acts. Version 1.0 adds the last two, so the story will be complete. GGG has not yet shown the locations or bosses of the new acts.
A big balance patch. The balance changes planned for 0.5.5 were moved to 1.0. GGG says the full release patch "is shaping up to be a huge one".
GGG will only reveal the Duelist's Ascendancy classes at ExileCon (broadcast on November 6, starting 13:00 PST). It is also unclear whether 1.0 will have all 12 classes. The Steam description mentions 12 classes and 36 Ascendancy classes, but there are 8 classes today and GGG has only confirmed the Duelist.
Free-to-play and Early Access
From December 11 anyone can download Path of Exile 2 for free. Early Access packs (from $30) are still on sale, and people who bought them keep playing at no extra cost. GGG has not announced whether Early Access owners will get anything extra. Microtransactions are shared between Path of Exile 1 and 2, and GGG says they will never be "pay to win". Details: is Path of Exile 2 free and what happens to the packs.
Pre-registration rewards
You can sign up before launch at pathofexile2.com/register, even without a Path of Exile account. After 1.0 launches, you will receive a code with cosmetics by email. At least one reward goes to everyone, and further ones unlock at sign-up milestones: 1, 2, 3 and 4 million people. The full set is five items:
- Soulflame Crown (helmet attachment)
- Soulflame Weapon Effect
- Soulflame Portal
- Chained Chimera Wings
- Scourgeborn Boar (pet)
The code works on Steam, Epic, PlayStation and Xbox (your PoE account must be linked to the platform). These items will not be sold in the shop.
What happens to Early Access characters
In 2024 GGG said Early Access characters will not be wiped: they will move to a separate "Early Access" league and will never go to Standard. The studio has not repeated this in its 1.0 announcements and has not named the new league for the full release. We will update this section when GGG confirms it.
Calendar until launch
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 6–7, 2026 | ExileCon in Auckland. Broadcast on 6.11 from 12:00 PST, keynote at 13:00 PST |
| November 13, 2026 | League 3.30 in Path of Exile 1 |
| December 11, 2026 | Path of Exile 2 1.0, free-to-play |
Where you can play
PoE 2 runs on Windows PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The Steam version runs on the Steam Deck (rated "Verified"). There is no official Mac version. Progress is shared across platforms, and consoles support couch co-op for two players. More: PS5, Xbox, crossplay and co-op and system requirements and Steam Deck.
