Path of Exile 2 Sets December Release Date and Drops Early Access Paywall
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Path of Exile 2 leaves early access on December 11 as a free-to-play release, introducing the Duelist class, final campaign acts, and community launch rewards.
Grinding Gear Games used Gamescom Opening Night Live to confirm that Path of Exile 2 will officially leave early access and hit its 1.0 release on December 11. As reported by Eurogamer, the full launch will transition the title to a free-to-play model, removing the current Founder's Pack requirement that has gated entry since the initial early access rollout. For a game that has spent the last two years refining its mechanics across PC and consoles, this shift opens the door for a massive influx of new players just in time for the holidays.
The 1.0 update brings substantial content to round out the experience, headlined by the introduction of the Duelist class. Designed for aggressive melee combat, this sword-and-shield fighter brings a fresh playstyle to the roster alongside the final two campaign acts that complete the core story. Grinding Gear is also running a community registration campaign on its official site, letting players unlock shared rewards like a free in-game pet by signing up ahead of the December launch.
This milestone arrives after a successful early access period that drew millions of players at launch despite heavy server queues. Critics and players alike have praised the sequel for its deliberate, challenging combat loop that leans into a more methodical action RPG style. With the transition to a free-to-play economy, the developers are positioning the full release as a major community moment for both returning veterans and newcomers diving in for the first time.
Tags: Path of Exile 2, Action RPG, PC Gaming, Console Gaming, Free to Play
Original article: Eurogamer