Path of Exile 2 Goes Free-to-Play in December with Patch 1.0

New Zealand studio Grinding Gear Games has announced that Path of Exile 2 will leave early access on December 11, 2026. Path of Exile 2 was released in December 2024 as a paid early access version, but with the release of patch 1.0, it will officially become a free-to-play title. We remind you that you can find the game on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via proprietary launcher, Steam, Epic Games Store).

What's New in Patch 1.0

Patch 1.0 will bring many new features, starting with chapters 5 and 6 of the story, which will mark its conclusion. The game world will be expanded by 24 new areas, with 18 bosses and over 20 Champions to face. The update will introduce two new classes, The Shadow and The Duelist, but that's not all: some of the existing ones will receive a significant rework or additional skills.

Speaking of skills, the passive tree will also receive a massive rework, with hundreds of stats added. Patch 1.0 will also contain a new strategic Challenge League, Conquerors of Wraeclast, where you must organize an army and conquer enemy faction castles. But there are also new items, endgame modifications, and many other new features: for more details, consult the official website.