Grinding Gear Games has confirmed that Path of Exile 2 will officially exit early access and reach its 1.0 launch on Friday, December 11, 2026. While the game will be free-to-play, the release will not feature the complete set of 12 planned classes.

Missing Classes and Campaign Updates

At the 1.0 launch, players will have access to 10 of the 12 promised classes. The Duelist and the Shadow are currently delayed, with Game Director Jonathan Rogers stating he would be unhappy if they were not implemented by 2027. The studio is prioritizing a design that successfully merges spellcasting with melee combat for the Templar, a hurdle they feel has not yet been cleared.

The 1.0 update will introduce Act Five and Act Six to the campaign. Rogers described Act Five as a physically large area, while Act Six focuses more on the final rush toward the endgame. These additions will complete the current campaign structure.

Conquerors of Wraeclast: The 1.0 League Mechanic

The launch will be accompanied by a new league mechanic called Conquerors of Wraeclast. Inspired by Heroes of Might and Magic the system adds a strategy layer to the endgame:

  • Factions: Players join one of three factions to compete for territory.
  • Strongholds: You can build and manage a base with an army of NPC troops.
  • Castle Conquest: The goal is to capture any of 100 endgame castles to unlock access to specialized hunting grounds.

Unlike previous mechanics that relied on broad player participation, this system is designed for individual impact. If a faction is underperforming, the game will offer increased rewards to defectors to balance the population. Developers note that while the strategic map-running elements are specific to this league, the boss battles and treasure rooms found within the castles could be integrated into the core game in the future depending on player reception.

Quick Facts

  • Release Date: December 11, 2026.
  • Platform: PC.
  • Classes at Launch: 10 of 12 (Duelist and Shadow pending).
  • New Content: Acts Five and Six, plus the Conquerors of Wraeclast league.