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Path of Exile 2 is officially going free-to-play on December 11, 2026. Developed by Grinding Gear Games, this highly anticipated action RPG is currently available through paid Early Access. However, players who are waiting for the full release will be able to download and play the base game without purchasing an Early Access supporter pack.
With the upcoming 1.0 launch, new players are wondering how much Path of Exile 2 costs, whether they need to pay to access the game, what is included in Early Access, and whether optional in-game purchases will affect gameplay.
Here is everything you need to know about Path of Exile 2's pricing, free-to-play launch, release date, and available editions.
Is Path of Exile 2 Free to Play?
Yes! Path of Exile 2 will be completely free to play when its full version launches on December 11, 2026.
However, there is an important difference between the current Early Access version and the upcoming full release.
At the moment, players must purchase an Early Access supporter pack to access the game. Once the game leaves Early Access and launches as version 1.0, anyone will be able to download and play the base game without paying an upfront purchase price.
Grinding Gear Games has also confirmed that Path of Exile 2 will follow a fair-to-play business model rather than a pay-to-win system.
This means players can experience the main game without purchasing expensive upgrades or paying for gameplay advantages.
Path of Exile 2 Release Date: When Is It Coming Out?
The official full release date for Path of Exile 2 is December 11, 2026 (PST).
The game originally entered Early Access on December 6, 2024. Since then, Grinding Gear Games has continued improving the experience through updates, balance changes, new content, and community feedback.
The upcoming 1.0 release is expected to introduce substantial additions, including:
- The final two campaign acts.
- Two new character classes: Shadow and Duelist.
- Additional skills, weapons, and equipment.
- New bosses and exploration areas.
- A new endgame storyline called Conquerors of Wraeclast.
- Major passive skill tree changes.
- Additional endgame activities and challenges.
These additions make the full release an important milestone for both existing players and newcomers.
How Much Does Path of Exile 2 Cost Right Now?
Although the full release will be free, players who want to experience the game before December 11 must purchase Early Access.
Early Access is available through supporter packs, with prices depending on the platform and region.
For example, the Early Access Supporter Pack is listed at $29.99 on the Epic Games Store and includes:
- Access to Path of Exile 2 Early Access.
- 300 in-game points.
Other supporter packs are also available with additional cosmetic items and bonus points.
Here is a simple comparison:
| Version | Price |
|---|---|
| Current Early Access | Paid supporter pack required |
| Full 1.0 release | Free |
| Optional cosmetic purchases | Paid |
| Optional store points | Paid |
Prices can change, so check your platform's store before purchasing.
What Is Included in the Free Version of Path of Exile 2?
One of the biggest reasons players are excited about Path of Exile 2 is that its free-to-play model is not designed around restricting the main adventure behind expensive purchases.
The full version is planned to include the complete six-act campaign, character progression, challenging boss encounters, equipment hunting, and endgame content.
Here are some of the major features players can experience.
1. Six-Act Campaign
The full release will feature a six-act campaign set in the dark fantasy world of Wraeclast.
Players will explore dangerous locations, encounter powerful enemies, discover hidden secrets, and face challenging bosses.
Acts 5 and 6 will complete the main campaign story.
2. Twelve Character Classes
Path of Exile 2 is planned to feature twelve character classes, offering different combat styles and character-building possibilities.
The upcoming Shadow and Duelist classes will add even more variety to the available gameplay options.
Players will be able to experiment with different weapons, abilities, passive skills, and character builds.
3. Challenging Boss Battles
Boss encounters are an important part of Path of Exile 2.
The game features more than 100 unique bosses, each with different attack patterns and combat mechanics.
Players must understand enemy abilities, avoid dangerous attacks, and develop effective strategies to survive difficult encounters.
4. Deep Character Customization
One of the strongest features of the series is its character customization system.
Players can experiment with skill gems, support gems, equipment, passive abilities, and different character builds.
This allows players to create characters that match their preferred combat style.
5. Endgame Activities
Completing the main campaign is only the beginning.
Path of Exile 2 features an extensive endgame experience with challenging encounters, powerful enemies, equipment upgrades, and additional progression systems.
The 1.0 release will also introduce Conquerors of Wraeclast, a new endgame storyline that allows players to build and command an army.
Does Path of Exile 2 Have Microtransactions?
Yes. Path of Exile 2 supports optional microtransactions.
The game's business model allows Grinding Gear Games to offer additional purchases while keeping the main game free.
Players can purchase optional cosmetic items, supporter packs, and store points.
These purchases can include:
- Character appearance upgrades.
- Weapon cosmetic effects.
- Armour appearances.
- Pets and companions.
- Portal effects.
- Hideout decorations.
Importantly, Grinding Gear Games has described the game as fair-to-play and has stated that it will not be pay-to-win.
Players do not need to purchase cosmetic upgrades to complete the campaign or enjoy the main gameplay experience.
Can You Play Path of Exile 2 for Free on PC, PS5, and Xbox?
Yes. The upcoming free-to-play release is intended to make Path of Exile 2 available to players across its supported platforms.
The game is available on:
- PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store.
- PlayStation 5.
- Xbox Series X|S.
Cross-play and cross-progression are among the game's features, allowing players to enjoy multiplayer gameplay and maintain progression across supported platforms.
However, platform-specific account requirements and availability may apply.
Is Path of Exile 2 Worth Buying Before the Free Release?
This depends on how much you want to play the game before December 11, 2026.
If you are excited about the game and want to experience its current content, purchasing Early Access may be worthwhile.
You can explore the available campaign, experiment with character builds, fight bosses, and experience the game's progression systems before the full release.
However, if you are not in a hurry, waiting for December 11 is probably the better option.
You will be able to access the full free-to-play version without purchasing an Early Access supporter pack.
Reasons to Buy Early Access
- Play before the official full release.
- Experience the current campaign and endgame.
- Test different character builds.
- Participate in the game's development journey.
- Receive the included supporter pack benefits.
Reasons to Wait for the Free Release
- No upfront purchase price for the base game.
- Access to the full six-act campaign.
- New character classes and additional content.
- More complete gameplay experience.
- Opportunity to try the game before spending money.
Final Verdict: Should You Wait for Path of Exile 2 to Become Free?
Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be one of the major action RPG releases of 2026.
The good news is that players do not need to purchase the game to experience its full 1.0 release. Grinding Gear Games has confirmed that the game will become free-to-play on December 11, 2026.
If you want to experience the game early, the current supporter packs provide access to Early Access. Otherwise, waiting for the official launch is a perfectly reasonable choice.
With new character classes, additional campaign acts, challenging bosses, and expanded endgame content, December 11 could be an exciting day for action RPG fans.
Are you planning to purchase Early Access or wait for the free-to-play release? Let us know what you think!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Path of Exile 2 completely free?
The full version of Path of Exile 2 will be free-to-play when it launches on December 11, 2026. Optional cosmetic purchases and store items will still be available.
When will Path of Exile 2 become free?
Path of Exile 2 will become free-to-play on December 11, 2026 (PST), when it leaves Early Access and launches as version 1.0.
Do I need to buy Path of Exile 2 Early Access?
No. You only need to purchase an Early Access supporter pack if you want to play before the full release. The base game will be free after December 11.
Is Path of Exile 2 pay-to-win?
Grinding Gear Games has stated that Path of Exile 2 will follow a fair-to-play model and will not be pay-to-win. Optional purchases focus on cosmetics and other store items.
How much does Path of Exile 2 Early Access cost?
The Early Access Supporter Pack is listed at $29.99 on the Epic Games Store. Prices and available packs can vary depending on the platform and region.
Can I play Path of Exile 2 solo?
Yes. Path of Exile 2 supports single-player gameplay as well as online multiplayer and cooperative play.
Is Path of Exile 2 coming to PS5 and Xbox?
Yes. Path of Exile 2 is available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, as well as PC.
Will Path of Exile 2 receive future updates after becoming free?
Yes. Grinding Gear Games plans to continue supporting Path of Exile 2 with additional content, balance changes, and updates after the full release.
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