ExileCon 2026 delivered major announcements for both Path of Exile games. During the November 6 keynote (PST), Grinding Gear Games detailed the December 11 full release of Path of Exile 2, including two additional campaign acts, the Shadow and Duelist classes, a new challenge league, and extensive endgame changes. Path of Exile 1 also received a major reveal: the 3.30 expansion, Covens of Umbra, launching November 13.
The event took place in Auckland, New Zealand, on November 7–8 local time. GGG showcased upcoming content, gameplay features, and changes to both games. This recap covers the biggest announcements without going deep into individual classes, league mechanics, or builds. The developer's official ExileCon announcement confirms the main reveals and release dates.
Short answer: ExileCon 2026 detailed Path of Exile 2's free-to-play 1.0 launch on December 11, with Acts 5 and 6, Shadow, Duelist, and the Conquerors of Wraeclast league. For Path of Exile 1, GGG announced Covens of Umbra for November 13, featuring new boss mechanics, a redesigned Atlas, and a major endgame overhaul.
Path of Exile 2 Full Release Announced for December 11
The biggest ExileCon reveal was the full content lineup for Path of Exile 2. Version 1.0 launches on December 11, 2026 (PST), ending the Early Access period and making the base game free to play. GGG had previously announced the release date on August 25.
This is more than a regular content patch. GGG is completing the campaign, introducing two classes, expanding the endgame, adding a challenge league, and making major changes to character progression and balance. The announced features are scheduled for 1.0; they are not yet available on the current Early Access servers.
Acts 5 and 6 Complete the Campaign
Path of Exile 2 will finally receive Acts 5 and 6, completing its six-act campaign. GGG revealed 24 new areas, 18 unique bosses, and more than 20 Champion Rare encounters. The presentation also showed new environments and enemies, including the return to Oriath.
These additions give players the complete story route at launch. Detailed boss strategies, quest paths, and efficient leveling routes will need their own guides once the new acts become playable.
Shadow and Duelist Join the Class Roster
Two classes are coming with 1.0. The Shadow brings daggers, traps, stealth, and shades that can distract enemies and support his attacks. The Duelist focuses on sword combat, stances, and precisely timed attacks. GGG also showed their Ascendancy options during the event.
Both classes open new build possibilities, but their complete leveling paths, strongest Ascendancies, and endgame setups should be evaluated after launch. This overview will not turn the class showcase into an untested build recommendation.
Conquerors of Wraeclast and Endgame Changes
The new Conquerors of Wraeclast challenge league introduces armies, fortresses, and large-scale siege battles. Players will recruit forces, expand their military strength, and take part in a new endgame storyline built around territorial conflict.
GGG also announced major changes to the passive skill tree, support gems, unique items, and the Atlas. New endgame maps and encounters are coming alongside the league. These systems received previews at ExileCon, but their practical farming routes and build impact deserve separate coverage.
Path of Exile 1 Reveals Covens of Umbra 3.30
Path of Exile 1 was not left behind. Its next expansion, Covens of Umbra, arrives on November 13, 2026 (PST), bringing a new challenge league and extensive changes to the endgame.
The league revolves around sinister covens and the mysterious Coven Queen. Players will encounter coven rituals and, after disrupting them, choose Fates that make area bosses more dangerous in exchange for better rewards. Another major addition is the Wickerman, which uses Viscera collected from empowered bosses to grant character bonuses.
The wider update also introduces several changes that will affect ordinary mapping:
- Threads of Creation: A new system replaces Scarabs and changes how players invest in league mechanics.
- Atlas overhaul: The passive tree and regional progression have been redesigned, giving players new ways to specialize their maps.
- Endgame improvements: Existing mechanics receive changes, and Mirage becomes core content.
- Loot and equipment: Item generation, rarity, and reward systems have been reworked, alongside new unique items.
These are substantial changes for Path of Exile 1 players, especially those focused on currency farming and Atlas strategies. GGG has published the official 3.30 patch notes, while the Covens of Umbra expansion page provides the broader reveal. Detailed farming guides should use the final playable league rather than assume that old 3.29 strategies will remain optimal.
Release Dates and What Players Can Do Now
The two announcements have different release schedules. Path of Exile 1's Covens of Umbra begins first, on November 13 (PST). Path of Exile 2 follows with its full free-to-play launch on December 11 (PST).
| Game | Announced release | Date (PST) |
|---|---|---|
| Path of Exile 1 | 3.30 — Covens of Umbra | November 13, 2026 |
| Path of Exile 2 | 1.0 Full Release — Conquerors of Wraeclast | December 11, 2026 |
GGG is also running a Path of Exile 2 full-release registration campaign with exclusive cosmetic rewards tied to community milestones. Existing players can participate, but registration and email confirmation are required. The rewards are scheduled for distribution after the full release.
Until then, players can continue progressing through the currently available content. Existing Path of Exile 2 guides cover the Early Access systems, while separate coverage of the newly revealed classes, campaign acts, leagues, and endgame changes will become more useful as the releases approach.
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ExileCon 2026 FAQ
These quick answers clarify the timing and scope of the announcements.
Is Path of Exile 2 already free to play?
No. The announced free-to-play full release is scheduled for December 11, 2026 (PST). The game is still in Early Access before that date.
Are Shadow and Duelist playable now?
No. Both classes were announced for the Path of Exile 2 1.0 release. Their full launch versions are not yet available on the current Early Access servers.
Is Grinding Gear Games still updating Path of Exile 1?
Yes. Covens of Umbra is a major expansion for the original game, launching separately from the Path of Exile 2 full release.
Conclusion
ExileCon 2026 set up two major releases: Path of Exile 1's Covens of Umbra on November 13 and Path of Exile 2's complete 1.0 launch on December 11. The biggest news is the finished PoE 2 campaign, two additional classes, the Conquerors of Wraeclast league, and sweeping endgame changes across both games. Each major feature deserves a closer look, but the full picture will become clear when players can test the new content on the live servers.
