The wait is over: Grinding Gear Games has revealed the official release date for Version 1.0 of Path of Exile 2. The action RPG will exit Early Access in December.
The end of Early Access is officially in sight: Grinding Gear Games has set the final release date for Version 1.0 of Path of Exile 2 at Gamescom. OnDecember 11, 2026the dark action RPG will exit Early Access and celebrate its full launch.
At the same time, the final barrier to entry will be removed: With the 1.0 release, Path of Exile 2 will be free for all players as a Free2Play title. Anyone who has hesitated so far because access was tied to the purchase of paid Supporter Packs can start playing completely free of charge starting in mid-December.
Swords and Whirlwind in the New Gameplay
The announcement trailer not only reveals the final release date but also showcases concrete gameplay innovations:With the 1.0 launch, swords are finally making their way into the weapon arsenal.
And with the blades comes the return of an absolute classic: Cyclone. The infamous “spin-to-win” attack, which PoE veterans have been using for years to whirl their way through hordes of monsters, makes its comeback in the sequel.
The video also offers a first look at additional sword abilities, including unique Flicker maneuvers and attacks inspired by the boss fight against Count Geonor.
Previously, the developers had laid the groundwork for the endgame with Patch 0.5.0. Ahead of the 1.0 launch in December, there will be shorter event leagues and ExileCon in November, where the developers will reveal final details about the campaign finale and the post-launch roadmap.
By the way, that was just the beginning: We’ve scheduled a meeting with Game Director Jonathan Rogers at gamescom to ask him all our burning questions about the upcoming release and the new content. So stay tuned: Toward the end of the week, we’ll be bringing you even more fresh content, impressions, and behind-the-scenes insights on Path of Exile 2 right here on GlobalESportNews.
