The full release of Path of Exile 2 will offer players more than just a longer campaign. Shadow and Duelist are arriving as two new classes that change how combat is approached. Acts 5 and 6 complete the campaign, while Conquerors of Wraeclast ties recruiting soldiers and capturing fortresses into a new endgame storyline. When evaluating these additions, the first question may not be which class will be stronger, but which combat style suits you better. Shadow is built around preparation and stealth, while Duelist is defined by sword skills and stance switching.
Shadow: Daggers, Traps, and Stealth
Shadow combines daggers and traps with a new stealth mechanic. The distance from which you approach an enemy becomes important while in stealth; traps can be prepared and triggered by attacking, and they explode in the order they were placed. The announced Ascendancies are Assassin and Infiltrator. For players, this means decisions made before combat begins become more important. Choosing which enemy to approach and how to prepare your opening attack is one of the key factors to consider when evaluating this class. If you like the idea of sequencing traps, Shadow may deserve a place on your shortlist. However, do not treat an item build that has not yet been verified in the playable full release as a definitive starter guide. First understand the class’s core gameplay loop, then evaluate your Ascendancy choice alongside the announced skill and passive details.
Duelist: Shape Your Sword Skills with Stances
At the heart of Duelist is a stance system that supports sword skills. Ready Stance enhances skills in different ways, while the Sand and Blood stances open the door to new combinations. The first two announced Ascendancies are Knight and Master-at-Arms. You can view this approach as a system that prepares the skill you are about to use rather than one centered on repeatedly using the same attack. Learning which stance benefits each skill will be an important part of character planning.
| Shadow | Daggers, traps, and stealth | Assassin, Infiltrator |
| Duelist | Sword skills and stances | Knight, Master-at-Arms |
When choosing between the two classes, do not focus only on appearance or expected early damage. Would you rather prepare before combat, or learn how skills and stances interact in melee? This distinction may be a more useful starting point for finding a character you will continue playing.
Acts 5 and 6 Complete the Campaign
With the new chapters, the campaign reaches a total length of six Acts. New areas and boss encounters expand the final portion of the story. The full-release announcement presents these additions as part of the completed campaign. For players who want to start with one of the new classes, two goals come together here: learning the character and completing the campaign. When planning your progression, make time for boss mechanics and your character’s needs instead of assuming you will advance through every new area at the same pace.
If you are considering continuing with an existing character, do not rely solely on an old build guide. The full release’s balance changes may require you to reevaluate choices you previously used.
Conquerors of Wraeclast: Goals That Extend from Your Character to an Army
The new league combines recruiting soldiers, assaulting fortresses, and capturing them with an endgame storyline. This means it will not be enough to plan your progression solely around your character’s equipment; you will also need to consider your army and the targets you choose. If you are interested in this content, do not evaluate your class choice separately from the experience you want from the league. First determine whether you enjoy the core combat style, then turn your attention to long-term fortress and army objectives. It is still too early to draw firm conclusions about loot efficiency or the best progression route from the reveal.
When Will the Full Release and Free-to-Play Launch Happen?
GGG has announced the full release and transition to free-to-play for December 11, 2026, on the PST calendar. Because an exact time has not been provided, the corresponding date and time in Turkey cannot yet be confirmed. This announcement does not mean that the game has entered full release today or that the current Early Access version is immediately becoming free.
ItemGold’s Take
If you are new to PoE 2, base your class choice on the combat style you enjoy before consulting a ready-made power ranking. The longer campaign and new league show that your relationship with your character will extend well beyond the first few hours. If you follow the game on Steam and also need store credit, you can browse the ItemGold Steam Wallet Code Global category and the 25 USD Global wallet code. Check compatibility with your account’s country and currency. This code is not a PoE 2 access key, and purchasing store credit is not required for the announced free-to-play release.
FAQ
What mechanics does Shadow feature?
The class is being introduced with daggers, traps, and a stealth system. The Assassin and Infiltrator Ascendancies have been announced.
What is the main difference between Duelist and Shadow?
Duelist supports sword skills with stances. Its announced Ascendancies are Knight and Master-at-Arms.
What do Acts 5 and 6 add?
They complete the campaign as a six-Act experience and introduce new areas and boss encounters.
What kind of league is Conquerors of Wraeclast?
It is a Challenge League that combines recruiting soldiers and capturing fortresses with a new endgame storyline.
Has PoE 2 already entered its free-to-play full release?
No. The transition was announced for December 11, 2026, on the PST calendar. The launch time must be announced before the exact date and time in Turkey can be confirmed.
