Recently, Grinding Gear Games (GGG) dropped a bombshell: Path of Exile 2's 1.0 full version will officially launch on December 11, 2026, and will transition to a free-to-play model.

This news caused a stir in the player community. In the two years since the game's release, numerous rumors about full version have circulated, to the point that players even began to believe full version was a hoax.

However, just now, the developer announced information about the full version. Therefore, while most players expressed anticipation for full version, some were also worried.

Main Content of 1.0

GGG released promotional trailers for Path of Exile 2 1.0 on several well-known player communities and video websites. The most eye-catching element in the trailers is the protagonist wielding a greatsword, unleashing dazzling skills, and sweeping away enemies.

According to the trailer description, this is a brand new class - Duelist - with a sword as its signature weapon.

The trailer also revealed several core mechanics of Duelist: Parry and Parry provide defensive capabilities; Blood and Sand Stances may allow characters to switch combat styles;

Furthermore, return of iconic Cyclone skill, and new effects for skills like Lacerate, have excited veteran players who prefer melee combat.

However, back in May 2026, around the time of Patch 0.5.0, game director Jonathan Rogers explicitly stated to the media that to ensure the game's official release in 2026, they would not complete all 12 classes.

He stated that Shadow, Templar, and Marauder classes, along with their corresponding Daggers, Flails, and Axes weapons, would be added to the game through subsequent updates after its official launch.

In other words, PoE 2 1.0 on December 11th is not a complete version in terms of classes.

Positive Feedback

Regarding the information and trailers for version 1.0, most players expressed anticipation and approval, especially in the following aspects:

Sword Class

While PoE 2 now boasts a diverse weapon selection, including Staves, Rapiers, and Maces, the sword - the most classic and nostalgic weapon type in ARPGs - has always been the signature weapon of certain classes.

The absence of sword-wielding classes has always been a regret for players, many of whom have consistently called for their introduction.

Therefore, when Duelist in the trailer drew his sword and unleashed fluid and swift slashes and spins, players felt incredibly excited and expectant.

Combat Feel

Although POE 2 1.0 trailer only showcased some combat and skill animations, the new Duelist class appears to have very smooth combat, with unique and dazzling effects. The impact of attacks and the rhythm of combat are perfectly matched, resulting in a very satisfying combat experience.

Players speculate that GGG may further optimize the combat experience and skills of all classes in 1.0, and this optimization could very well reach the level shown in the trailer.

Furthermore, Duelist's high mobility, fast-moving attacks, and Parry mechanics, as demonstrated in the trailer, are significantly different from the existing melee combat in the game, giving new hope to players tired of the current melee gameplay.

Free-to-Play Mode

In addition, the news that POE 2 1.0 will be free to play has been widely praised. For veteran players, the difference between free and not free may not be significant, but many new players will undoubtedly be attracted by the free option.

Moreover, compared to the extremely complex POE, POE 2 simplifies many mechanics without sacrificing their fun factor. In other words, it has a lower entry barrier, making it more suitable for new players.

Negative Reviews

However, not all reviews are positive; some players expressed doubts and concerns.

Economic Concerns

First, some players expressed concerns about the game's economic system. Specifically, due to the incomplete core classes, players worry that this will lead to an overly singular, dominant early-game playstyle, with many players concentrating their Path of Exile 2 Currency builds on a few powerful classes.

This will inevitably impact the game's economic order - the prices of equipment and items related to powerful builds and classes will be driven up exorbitantly. This will significantly increase the difficulty for players in the early stages of the game.

Complete Version Not Worthy of Title?

This is the most pointed criticism. Some players pointed out that although the official promise of POE 2 1.0 including the complete story and endgame content is acknowledged, it is missing three classes and their unique weapons, making this complete version seem incomplete.

Some players believe that GGG's hasty end to Early Access and release of the full version before the core content of the game was fully developed is more likely due to market or operational considerations than a sign that the game is truly mature.

Trust Crisis

Some players also expressed doubts about whether the developer would actually release the full version on December 11th, or about subsequent updates.

The reason is that since the official launch of Path of Exile 2, the developer has repeatedly released news of an imminent full release, which has eroded player trust.

Even if the full version is released as scheduled, the official announcement already stated that classes will be released in batches, and players are worried about whether the developer will update the remaining three classes and other missing content in time.

These are the reactions of Path of Exile 2 players to the upcoming 1.0 full release. While some players have expressed concerns, most players are quite positive and optimistic - after all, putting everything else aside, who can resist the new Duelist and Sword classes?