Path of Exile 2 Goes Free-to-Play December 11: Pre-Registration Unlocks Five Exclusive Rewards

Developer Grinding Gear Games has announced the official release date for action RPG Path of Exile 2. On December 11, 2026, the game will leave Early Access and fully transition to a free-to-play model on PC and consoles.

Alongside the announcement, the studio launched a pre-registration campaign featuring limited-edition cosmetic items.

Free-to-Play Transition and New Duelist Class

The game has been in Early Access since December 2024, requiring players to purchase supporter packs. With the launch of version 1.0, the paid entry barrier will disappear on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S: all story and endgame content will be available for free, with monetization shifting entirely to cosmetic items and extra stash tabs.

The release update will conclude the story arc, expanding the campaign to six acts. The main gameplay addition is the melee Duelist class, wielding dual blades and rapiers.

Exclusive Pre-Registration Rewards

On the dedicated Path of Exile 2 pre-registration page, players can enter their email address. The base reward is unlocked immediately, while additional items unlock as milestone participant targets are hit:

• Base bonus: Soulflame Crown Helmet Attachment;
• 1 million sign-ups: Soulflame Weapon Effect;
• 2 million sign-ups: Soulflame Portal;
• 3 million sign-ups: Chained Chimera Wings;
• 4 million sign-ups: Scourgeborn Boar Pet.

Grinding Gear Games emphasized that these items will never be sold in the in-game store.

On launch day for version 1.0, a redeemable reward key will be emailed to registered users, valid on any platform (Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Network, or Xbox Live). The promotion is open to both new players and existing Early Access owners.

The wait is almost over. Path of Exile 2 fully releases on December 11 PST.

Ready your swords, Exile. Your greatest battle is about to begin. ⚔️

Sign up for exclusive rewards and learn more here: https://t.co/9JvrivcVMb pic.twitter.com/JPwLKJGodX

— Path of Exile (@pathofexile) August 25, 2026

Version 1.0 Launch Content

According to the official developer hub, the full release will feature around 100 themed zones, 600 enemy types, roughly 100 unique bosses, and up to six-player co-op.

Path of Exile 2 officially goes free-to-play on December 11, 2026.