Grinding Gear Games announced during Gamescom 2026 Opening Night Live that Path of Exile II will leave Early Access and launch Version 1.0 on December 11 2026. The free-to-play action RPG will release globally on PlayStation 5 Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store with full cross-play cross-progression and couch co-op support.
Quick Facts
Game: Path of Exile II
Developer: Grinding Gear Games
Publisher: Grinding Gear Games
Release date: December 11 2026
Platforms: PlayStation 5 Xbox Series X|S PC (Steam Epic Games Store)
Model: Free-to-play with cosmetic microtransactions
Cross-play: Yes full cross-play and cross-progression
Co-op: Couch co-op supported
What the 1.0 launch adds
Following two years in Early Access that began in December 2024 the 1.0 release expands the dark fantasy action RPG with a complete six-act campaign set across the continent of Wraeclast. The campaign features over 100 unique boss encounters and a revamped endgame map system according to the official Gamescom presentation.
Twelve character classes arrive at launch with 36 total Ascendancy specializations across all Strength Dexterity and Intelligence combinations. The recently revealed Duelist class joins the roster alongside returning favorites.
Skill gem mechanics have been redesigned. The game features 240 active Skill Gems and 200 Support Gems. Support Gems now socket directly into active Skill Gems which allows players to six-link every usable ability without the previous linking restrictions.
The 1500-node Passive Skill Tree introduces Dual Specialization. Players can allocate skill points to two distinct weapon or elemental sets that swap automatically based on active attacks. This system replaces the single-tree approach from the original game.
Equipment variety grows to 700 base types. New weapon categories include Spears Crossbows and Flails. Over 100 endgame maps with unique boss encounters form the core of the post-campaign experience.
Fair-to-play model continues
Grinding Gear Games re-confirmed that Path of Exile II will remain entirely free-to-play with no pay-to-win mechanics. Cosmetic microtransactions and account features will continue to be shared across both Path of Exile and Path of Exile II. The developer plans to maintain and release ongoing expansions for both titles independently according to the studio roadmap.
The official early access portal at pathofexile2.com/early-access provides additional details on the current Early Access state and the upcoming 1.0 transition.
How this compares to the original Path of Exile
The original Path of Exile launched in 2013 and built a massive following over more than a decade. Path of Exile II is not a simple update but a full sequel built on a new engine with rewritten systems. The dual-specialization passive tree the direct-support-gem socketing and the six-act campaign represent fundamental design shifts rather than iterative improvements.
Players who invested in the original game keep their cosmetic purchases. The shared economy means microtransactions work across both titles. Grinding Gear Games has stated both games will receive separate expansion cycles so the original Path of Exile will not be abandoned.
What remains unknown
Several details have not been fully detailed in the announcement. The exact hardware requirements for the new engine have not been published. Controller support specifics for console versions beyond basic compatibility await clarification. The launch timing for the first post-1.0 expansion for either title has not been announced. The studio has committed to transparency but these specifics will likely arrive closer to the December release window.
When does Path of Exile II 1.0 launch?
December 11 2026 globally across all platforms.
Is Path of Exile II free to play?
Yes. The game is free-to-play with no pay-to-win mechanics. Cosmetic microtransactions are optional and shared with the original Path of Exile.
What platforms will Path of Exile II support?
PlayStation 5 Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Full cross-play and cross-progression work across all platforms.
Does Path of Exile II replace the original game?
No. Both games will be maintained independently with separate expansion cycles. Cosmetic purchases carry over between them.
What are the major gameplay changes in 1.0?
A complete six-act campaign dual-specialization passive tree direct support gem socketing twelve classes with 36 ascendancies and over 100 endgame maps with unique bosses.
Please note this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon affiliate disclosure
