Path of Exile 2 Risks Launching Without Its Full Class Lineup

Path of Exile 2 is steadily moving toward version 1.0: with the release of The Last of the Druids, the game has received the final new hero from the sequel’s class roster. However, four iconic archetypes from the original game — the Marauder, Duelist, Shadow, and Templar — are still missing.

According to game director Jonathan Rogers, there’s a chance that not all of them will be ready for the full launch. During the preview session for The Last of the Druids, he was once again asked whether Path of Exile 2 would leave early access in 2026. Rogers said the team is confident it will, but emphasized that the game will only release when it is truly ready. The key conditions include a finished campaign, well-tuned balance, and an endgame experience players enjoy.

Rogers noted that many fans expect to see the complete roster of 12 classes by launch, but this isn’t guaranteed. Grinding Gear Games plans to include all ascendancies for the classes already in the game, but some base classes may not make it in time. In his view, having ten or eleven classes is still sufficient for a “full game experience.” One thing the team is absolutely determined to add, however, is swords — one of the most requested weapon types.

The director stressed that the final release must include all core features players expect, such as primary weapon categories, while the absence of one or two classes wouldn’t be a critical issue. What matters most is ensuring that every available class has its three ascendancies ready.

For those already playing in early access, the transition to version 1.0 will feel more like a formality: the free-to-play launch will widen the audience, but the experience will resemble the start of another league. Path of Exile 2 is now expected to fully release in fall 2026, after Grinding Gear Games abandoned its initial March window.