Path of Exile 2 Goes Free-to-Play: 1.0 Launch December 11
Grinding Gear Games used Gamescom 2026’s Opening Night Live to announce that Path of Exile 2 exits Early Access and launches its full 1.0 release on December 11, 2026. The headline? It’s going completely free-to-play, dropping the $29.99 Early Access price tag entirely.
What’s New in 1.0
The full launch brings three major additions to the action RPG:
- The Duelist class — a new character focused on sword-based melee attacks, expanding the roster with a fresh playstyle
- Full campaign — all remaining acts of the story campaign will be available, completing the Early Access experience
- Same platforms — PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, standalone client), Mac, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S
If you already bought a Supporter Pack during Early Access, your account carries over seamlessly. You simply get the full game.
The Free-to-Play Decision
This is a significant move. Path of Exile 2 has been paid throughout its Early Access period, which gave Grinding Gear Games revenue to fund development. Going free-to-play at 1.0 means:
- Zero barrier to entry for new players starting December 11
- The original Path of Exile proved ethical F2P works — cosmetics only, no pay-to-win
- A massive wave of new players is likely at launch
If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines because of the price, December 11 is your moment.
What Is Path of Exile 2?
Set many years after the events of the original Path of Exile, the sequel sends players back to the land of Wraeclast. The core loop is pure ARPG: fight through hordes of enemies and bosses, collect loot, craft items, and take on end-game challenges. The combat system has been rebuilt from scratch with more responsive melee, dodge rolls, and a new weapon swap system.
For context, the original Path of Exile has been running for over a decade with quarterly expansions and a dedicated community. PoE 2 aims to be everything the first game is, but modernized.
How to Prepare
- Register on the official Path of Exile 2 website for updates and in-game rewards at launch
- Wishlist the game on Steam, Epic Games Store, or your console’s store
- If you’re new to the franchise, try the original Path of Exile — it’s already free and will get you familiar with the world and mechanics
- Clear your December schedule — between PoE 2 and GTA 6 (November 19), this winter is stacked for gamers