Path of Exile 2’s full 1.0 release date is December 11, 2026. That’s when the game officially exits Early Access and launches on PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S simultaneously — and when it becomes completely free-to-play, dropping the Supporter Pack requirement that’s been in place since Early Access began.
Grinding Gear Games confirmed the date during Gamescom Opening Night Live in August 2026, alongside a trailer revealing the Duelist class and the game’s remaining campaign acts.
Table of Contents
Is Path of Exile 2 Already Released?
Sort of — it depends what you mean by “released.” Path of Exile 2 has been playable in Early Access since December 6, 2024, so you can buy and play it right now on PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X/S if you own a Supporter Pack. What hasn’t happened yet is the full 1.0 release, which is the version most people mean when they ask if the game is “out.” That’s the version launching on December 11, 2026.
Path of Exile 2 Early Access Release Date
Path of Exile 2 entered Early Access on December 6, 2024. That launch gave players access to the first several campaign acts, a working endgame system, and a rotating cadence of major content updates roughly every few months. Buying in required a Supporter Pack, since the game wasn’t free during this phase. Early Access was originally expected to last around six months, but Grinding Gear Games extended it multiple times to rework core systems — most notably the endgame — before committing to a full launch.
When Is the Full Path of Exile 2 1.0 Release?
The full 1.0 release is confirmed for December 11, 2026. This is an official date from Grinding Gear Games, not a rumor or estimate. At 1.0, the game will:
- Add the remaining campaign acts, completing the full six-act story
- Introduce the Duelist, the game’s first sword-focused melee class
- Transition from paid Early Access to a free-to-play model
- Launch simultaneously across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S
Notably, not every planned class will be available at 1.0 launch. Grinding Gear Games has said the full long-term vision includes 12 base classes and 36 Ascendancies, but several — including the Marauder, Shadow, and Templar — are expected to arrive in updates after 1.0 rather than on day one.
Path of Exile 2 Release Timeline
| Milestone | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Path of Exile 2 announced | 2019 | Historical |
| Early Access launch | December 6, 2024 | Confirmed, occurred |
| 0.4.0 “The Last of the Druids” update | December 12, 2025 | Confirmed, occurred |
| 0.5.0 “Return of the Ancients” update | May 29, 2026 | Confirmed, occurred |
| 0.5.5 pre-1.0 polish patch | Announced August 27, 2026 | Confirmed, occurred |
| ExileCon 2026 | November 7–8, 2026 | Confirmed |
| 1.0 full release | December 11, 2026 | Officially confirmed |
Why Did Path of Exile 2’s Release Timeline Change?
Early Access was originally expected to run for around six months, putting a full release somewhere in mid-2025. That didn’t happen. Grinding Gear Games has publicly attributed the extended timeline to wanting more development time on the endgame loop, which underwent a major overhaul with the 0.5.0 “Return of the Ancients” update in May 2026. Game director Jonathan Rogers has also said the studio wanted 1.0 to feel genuinely complete rather than rushed, describing it as needing to be “a real banger” before launch. These are documented statements from GGG rather than speculation — no other cause (such as technical or business issues) has been officially cited.
Read More: https://gamespuma.com/poe-regex-guide/
What Is the Difference Between Early Access and the Full Release?
Early Access is a paid, in-development version of the game. It let players jump in years before completion, but required buying a Supporter Pack, and the game was still missing content — including full acts and several classes — with major systems subject to change between updates.
1.0 (full release) is the finished version Grinding Gear Games considers ready for a general audience. At 1.0, Path of Exile 2 becomes entirely free-to-play, includes the complete six-act campaign, and is treated as GGG’s primary live-service ARPG going forward, receiving regular content leagues the way the original Path of Exile does.
Is Path of Exile 2 Available to Play Now?
Yes — in Early Access. Anyone who purchases a Supporter Pack can play the current build on PC, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X/S today. If you’re waiting to try it for free, or want the complete campaign experience, that arrives with the 1.0 release on December 11, 2026.
What Platforms Is Path of Exile 2 Available On?
Path of Exile 2 is available on:
- PC (Steam and Epic Games Store)
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X/S
All three platforms will receive the 1.0 release simultaneously on December 11, 2026, with cross-platform support consistent with how the original Path of Exile operates.
FAQ Section
When was Path of Exile 2 released?
It entered Early Access on December 6, 2024. The full 1.0 release follows on December 11, 2026.
When did Path of Exile 2 Early Access start?
December 6, 2024, on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Is Path of Exile 2 fully released?
Not yet as of this writing. It’s currently in Early Access; the full 1.0 release is confirmed for December 11, 2026.
When is the Path of Exile 2 1.0 release?
December 11, 2026, officially confirmed by Grinding Gear Games at Gamescom Opening Night Live.
Can you play Path of Exile 2 now?
Yes, in Early Access, if you own a Supporter Pack. The free 1.0 version arrives December 11, 2026.
Is Path of Exile 2 free to play?
Not during Early Access — it requires a Supporter Pack purchase. It becomes free-to-play at the 1.0 launch.
What platforms is Path of Exile 2 on?
PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Is Path of Exile 2 the same game as Path of Exile?
No. It’s a standalone sequel by the same developer, Grinding Gear Games, set years after the original game’s story, with its own campaign, classes, and systems.
Is Path of Exile 2 still in Early Access?
Yes, as of this writing. It will exit Early Access when 1.0 launches on December 11, 2026.
Sources Used
- Path of Exile 2 on Steam (store.steampowered.com/app/2694490)
- pathofexile2.com/register (official registration page referenced by multiple outlets)
- MMORPG.com — coverage of the 0.5.0 announcement and post-ExileCon 1.0 plan
- RPGamer — August 2026 report on the 1.0 announcement
- CGMagazine — Gamescom ONL 2026 coverage of the 1.0 reveal
- Push Square — coverage of the free-to-play transition at 1.0
- Games.gg — timeline and platform details for the 1.0 release
- FRVR — interviews with game director Jonathan Rogers on the delayed timeline
Written by Daniel Carter
Daniel Carter is a dedicated gaming writer who enjoys turning complex gaming topics into clear, useful, and engaging content. He covers game guides, tips, reviews, features, and the latest developments across the gaming world. His approach focuses on research, accuracy, and practical value, helping readers discover new games, improve their gameplay, and stay informed about the industry. For Daniel, great gaming content is not just about information—it is about making every article genuinely worth reading.
1 thought on “Path of Exile 2 Release Date: Everything You Need to Know”