Path of Exile 2 Will Leave Early Access With Its 1.0 Launch This December

The long early-access road for Path of Exile 2 is approaching its next major milestone. Grinding Gear Games has confirmed that the action RPG will receive its full 1.0 release this December, nearly two years after entering PC early access. The launch will also expand the game beyond PC, bringing the sequel to current-generation consoles while preserving its free-to-play model.

A Two-Year Early-Access Period Comes to an End

Path of Exile 2 began its PC early-access run in December 2024, giving players an extended opportunity to experience the sequel before its full release. Grinding Gear Games now plans to complete that phase with a 1.0 launch arriving almost exactly two years later.

The announcement marks an important point for a project that has been building on the foundation of the original Path of Exile. Rather than treating early access as the final destination, the studio is positioning December as the point when the sequel officially reaches its full release.

The Familiar Action RPG Formula Returns

Path of Exile 2 uses the isometric action RPG format associated with the Diablo series. Its setting is Wraeclast, a dark continent filled with hostile forces and dangerous native creatures. Players will be able to take on those threats alone or form cooperative groups of up to six players.

That structure gives the game two distinct entry points: a solo campaign for players who prefer a personal challenge and multiplayer action for groups looking to tackle Wraeclast together. The sequel will also remain free to play when version 1.0 arrives, keeping the core access model used by its predecessor.

Confirmed Platforms for Version 1.0

At launch, Path of Exile 2 will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The console release broadens the audience for the game beyond the PC community that has been playing during early access.

For players following the project, the key date is December, when Grinding Gear Games intends to move the sequel into its full-release phase. The available information does not specify an exact launch day, so the month remains the clearest confirmed timing.

Key points

  • Path of Exile 2 will launch in version 1.0 this December.
  • The game entered PC early access in December 2024.
  • It will remain free to play after leaving early access.
  • The launch platforms are PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Path of Exile 2 launch details

Category Confirmed information
Early access PC; began in December 2024
1.0 release This December
Platforms PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
Player modes Solo and co-op for up to six players
Business model Free to play

Expert View

The 1.0 announcement signals that Grinding Gear Games is ready to turn a lengthy PC testing period into a broader platform launch. Bringing Path of Exile 2 to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S could significantly widen its community, while the free-to-play structure keeps the sequel aligned with the franchise’s established identity. The combination of solo progression and six-player co-op also gives the game room to appeal to both dedicated action RPG players and groups looking for a shared experience.