Path of Exile 2 will officially launch as a free-to-play action RPG on December 11, marking the game’s long-awaited 1.0 full release. The announcement was made during gamescom Opening Night Live in Cologne, where Grinding Gear Games also unveiled the Duelist, a new sword-focused melee class coming alongside the game’s full launch.
The 1.0 release will complete Path of Exile 2’s main campaign with the addition of the remaining two Acts, while also introducing a substantial amount of new content and changes to the action RPG. The full release will make the game available as a free-to-play title on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Epic Games Store.
The Duelist is the first class in Path of Exile 2 built around sword combat, giving players a new way to approach melee combat in Wraeclast. The class combines swords and shields with a fast and aggressive fighting style, allowing the Duelist to adapt to different situations while maintaining strong battlefield control.
According to Grinding Gear Games, the Duelist was raised as an orphan in the slums before training relentlessly for a place in the Grand Arena, where he sought vengeance. Following the Fall of Oriath, he was forced to flee and now fights on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves.
Players can register ahead of the 1.0 launch to receive exclusive rewards when Path of Exile 2 officially releases. The registration campaign will remain open until December 10 at 11:59 p.m. PST, with additional rewards becoming available as more players sign up. Community milestones will unlock rewards including exclusive effects and a pet.
With the final two campaign Acts and the Duelist arriving alongside the game’s full release, Path of Exile 2 is set to enter its next major phase on December 11. Players can register for launch news, updates, and the 1.0 milestone rewards at the official Path of Exile 2 website.