Path of Exile 2 reaches 1.0 on December 11, 2026 PST and becomes fully free-to-play at the same time.

Steam currently lists the base Early Access Supporter Pack at $29.99, with more expensive tiers available above it. Full release removes that mandatory purchase.

GGG sold access in exchange for a much larger test population

The studio's explanation for the paid period has remained focused on systems that are difficult to simulate internally. Character builds, loot balance and a player-driven economy behave differently once thousands of people start looking for the most efficient combinations.

Early Access began on December 6, 2024. The final stretch will end just over two years later.

During that time the game has accumulated additional classes, skills, bosses, areas and endgame work while GGG repeatedly adjusted balance and progression around live feedback.

The free launch needs more than a different price tag

The remaining two campaign Acts arrive with 1.0, completing the story structure planned for the full release.

The Duelist gives December another obvious headline. He brings swords into Path of Exile 2 for the first time and is being presented as a fast melee class capable of fighting with sword and shield.

Grinding Gear Games says much more content and additional changes are planned for 1.0, but it has not yet published a complete launch specification.

December dramatically expands the addressable audience

The $29.99 barrier has always separated Early Access participants from players who were willing to wait for Path of Exile 2's permanent business model.

Removing it on the same day the campaign becomes complete gives GGG a cleaner second launch than simply changing the version number.

The studio is already running a registration campaign through December 10 PST. Community signup milestones unlock escalating rewards, including cosmetic effects and a pet.

The first game is not being retired

Grinding Gear Games still plans to operate and expand both Path of Exile titles. Compatible purchases are shared between them, maintaining continuity for players who have already spent money in the original game's store.

Path of Exile 2 becomes free-to-play on December 11.