Path of Exile 2 reveals two new classes and a massive campaign expansion for its free 1.0 launch
Path of Exile 2’s full release will add two classes, finish its campaign and introduce a new endgame league when the action RPG goes free-to-play on December 11, Pacific time. Developer Grinding Gear Games has now detailed what will arrive with version 1.0.
The update adds Acts 5 and 6, with 24 new areas and 18 new unique bosses, according to the developer’s ExileCon announcement. The Shadow and Duelist bring new weapon types and combat mechanics alongside the campaign chapters.
The December launch date and free-to-play switch were announced earlier. This reveal fills in more of what players can expect when the game leaves early access; until then, the existing early-access version is separate from the forthcoming free release.
Image: Grinding Gear Games
Shadow and Duelist bring new ways to fight
The Shadow uses daggers, traps and shades. Grinding Gear says its new Stealth mechanic prevents monsters from seeing the character until they get close, while also improving dagger skills. Traps can be placed while hidden and triggered in the order they were thrown.
Image: Grinding Gear Games
The Duelist uses swords and stances, including a Ready Stance that enhances sword skills. Players can upgrade it to Sand or Blood Stance, and the two announced Duelist Ascendancy classes are Knight and Master-at-Arms.
Shadow has two announced Ascendancy options of its own: Assassin and Infiltrator. How all of these choices fit into existing character builds will become clearer when the full balance details are available.
Image: Grinding Gear Games
A new league changes the endgame
Conquerors of Wraeclast is the new challenge league. Players will recruit troops, attack fortifications and establish a stronghold, with three factions offering different fortresses and units. The developer also describes an endgame story involving the Blood Lord.
Elsewhere, the studio promises more than 40 new unique items and changes to over 70 existing ones. The passive skill tree is being reworked, jewel sockets are moving into clusters, and support gems are being rebalanced.
The studio’s announcement gives December 11 in Pacific time rather than a worldwide launch hour. Players in other regions should check the final local timing closer to release. The full version will be free to play, according to the official registration page.
