iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Path of Exile 2 is scheduled to leave Early Access and launch version 1.0 on December 11, 2026 (PST). Grinding Gear Games says the full release is planned to be free-to-play and will add the Duelist, swords, the final two campaign Acts, and other content and updates. These are announced plans, not features or a release that have already arrived.
When does Path of Exile 2 leave Early Access?
Grinding Gear Games announced December 11, 2026 (PST) as the planned date for Path of Exile 2’s Early Access exit and 1.0 launch. As of October 11, 2026, the game is still listed as Early Access on Steam, which gives the same departure date. The schedule could change, so treat December 11 as the announced date rather than a completed launch.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Path of Exile 2: Unofficial Game Guide – 2026 Updated Edition Complete Walkthrough, Beginner... | $16.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Steam’s Path of Exile 2 listing identifies the game as Early Access and says it is leaving on December 11, 2026 PST.
Will Path of Exile 2 1.0 be free to play?
Yes. Grinding Gear Games says the full release is planned to be free-to-play. Access during Early Access requires a paid Supporter Pack, according to the publisher’s 1.0 launch announcement. The difference is the timing: the paid access requirement applies to Early Access, while the free-to-play plan applies once the game reaches full release.
What is coming in version 1.0?
Two remaining Acts and campaign completion
The publisher says the final two Acts will be added at 1.0. Steam currently describes the planned game as having a six-Act campaign. That storefront feature description is publisher copy and may change; it should not be read as a separate guarantee that every listed feature or count will be present on launch day.
The Duelist and swords
The 1.0 announcement names the Duelist class and swords as launch additions. It does not provide further detail in the announcement about their abilities, balance, or exact implementation.
Additional content and updates
Grinding Gear Games also says 1.0 will include additional content and updates, without specifying a complete itemised list in the announcement.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Feature counts on Steam
Steam advertises the following counts for the planned game. They are the listing’s current product-description claims, not independently verified totals or a complete launch checklist.
| Feature | Count advertised on Steam |
|---|---|
| Character classes | 12 |
| Ascendancy specialisations | 36 |
| Distinct environments | 100 |
| Monsters | 600 |
| Bosses | 100 |
| Skill Gems | 240 |
| Support Gems | 200 |
These counts come from Grinding Gear Games’ Steam listing, accessed October 11, 2026, and can change as the game develops.
Which platforms are listed for the launch?
The publisher’s launch announcement lists the following platforms:
- Standalone PC client
- Steam
- Epic Games Store
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
Platform availability is based on the announcement; check the relevant store or publisher channels for current release details as the date approaches.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →How did the campaign plan change during Early Access?
Path of Exile 2’s campaign scope expanded over time. The dated milestones help explain why older descriptions may give a different Act count.
| Source and date | Campaign plan or status described |
|---|---|
| Grinding Gear Games’ November 2024 Early Access FAQ | Initial Early Access plan: three Acts, with an endgame available at the start. The FAQ said the team expected to add content to roughly double the game’s size during Early Access and into release; it anticipated an Early Access period of at least six months at that time. |
| Grinding Gear Games’ August 2025 Third Edict FAQ | Described Act Four and an Interlude. Existing characters would remain playable in Standard Early Access leagues; the new Rise of the Abyssal league would start with a fresh economy and require a new character for that league. |
| 2026 launch announcement and current Steam listing | The announcement says the final two Acts are coming at 1.0; Steam describes a six-Act campaign. |
The 2024 and 2025 FAQs record plans and update details from those dates, not current launch instructions. The current 1.0 additions are best described using the 2026 announcement’s wording.
Quick Recap
What to keep in mind before planning around the launch
- The date is scheduled, not past: December 11, 2026 (PST) is the announced launch and Early Access departure date.
- Access changes at full release: Early Access requires a paid Supporter Pack; the publisher plans the full release to be free-to-play.
- Do not rely on old Act counts: Three Acts was the original Early Access plan, while later material and the 1.0 announcement describe a larger campaign.
- Storefront counts can change: Steam’s class, environment, monster, boss, and gem totals describe the planned game and are subject to updates.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
