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Path of Exile 2 Teases Shadow Class Return

A new video suggests the classic Shadow class will join the playable roster for the game's official 1.0 launch.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in eSports

Graphic illustration of a sharp dagger pinning a brass coin, evoking the dark fantasy aesthetic of a role-playing game.
Grinding Gear Games confirmed the return of the Shadow class for the Path of Exile 2 version 1.0 commercial launch. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Grinding Gear Games released a 31-second teaser video titled Become the Darkness, hinting that the popular Shadow class will return in version 1.0. This update marks the transition as the title leaves Early Access to become free-to-play.

Why it matters

The return of established character classes is a key milestone for players as the game moves toward its full commercial release. This expansion of the roster builds on the six classes originally available at the start of Early Access.

The teaser video runs for 31 seconds and signals the shift to version 1.0. This follows the game's initial launch into Early Access with 6 playable classes.

The players

Grinding Gear Games

This independent game developer is best known for creating and maintaining the Path of Exile series.

The details

The teaser features imagery of a dagger being thrown at a coin to reference the Shadow class. Alongside the Shadow, the Duelist class is also confirmed for the upcoming update.

Timeline

  1. November 6, 2026, at 12:30 PM PST: Grinding Gear Games will unveil version 1.0 at ExileCon.

  2. December 11, 2026: Path of Exile 2 leaves Early Access.

Season Trajectory

The game follows a pattern set by its predecessor by expanding its class roster ahead of its transition to a free-to-play full release. This trajectory mirrors the lifecycle of successful action RPGs as they move from early testing to a permanent, feature-complete environment.

Players can expect a major shift in the game meta as the Shadow and Duelist classes become available for the 1.0 update. The game will officially become free-to-play on December 11, 2026, removing previous access barriers.

The takeaway

The upcoming version 1.0 update significantly expands the strategic options available to players by reintroducing classic archetypes. Fans should prepare for the game to move out of its testing phase this December.

What happens next

Grinding Gear Games will officially unveil the full details of version 1.0 during the ExileCon event on November 6, 2026, at 12:30 PM PST.

Further reading

Learn more about upcoming updates and competitive play in our eSports section.

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Do you prefer developers to prioritize game balance over releasing new content faster?