The announcements from gamescom ONL 2026 range from big to small, and the updates can be as big as the new debuts. In this regard, Grinding Gear Games revealed the official 1.0 release of Path of Exile 2.
The announcement came during a string of headlines, ranging from some gameplay footage of Turok: Origins or the debut of Exterminauts; Path of Exile 2 will official enter its 1.0 full release on December 11th, 2026. The launch introduces the Duelist, a sword-focused melee class, and adds the remaining campaign Acts. Not only that, but the game will go fully free-to-play once the 1.0 release is live.
Raised as an orphan in the slums, the Duelist trained relentlessly for a place in the Grand Arena, where he sought vengeance. Forced to flee during the Fall of Oriath, he now fights on behalf of those unable to defend themselves. The Duelist is Path of Exile 2’s first sword-wielding class, introducing one of the game’s most anticipated weapon archetypes to Wraeclast. A master of both sword and shield, he offers players new ways to control the battlefield through fast, aggressive and adaptable melee combat.
The registration campaign runs until December 1PM EST, with bigger rewards unlocking as more players sign up. The more players who register, the more rewards the community can unlock, including exclusive effects and a pet. With the Duelist arriving in 1.0, players can register now at www.pathofexile2.com/register for exclusive rewards when the 1.0 full release drops.
Similar to its predecessor, Path of Exile 2 is an isometric action role-playing dungeon crawler. The game introduced a myriad of improvements to its predecessor including a greater focus on intense boss fights, new resources, and skill combinations. The game is available on PC, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Epic Games Store.
