Path of Exile 2 Full Launch Set for 2024, Some Promised Classes Cut
Breaking: Grinding Gear Games Targets Full Release This Year
Grinding Gear Games (GGG) has confirmed plans to launch Path of Exile 2 in its complete form—version 1.0—sometime in 2024, but warned that several previously promised character classes will not be available at launch. Game director and studio co-founder Jonathan Rogers revealed the timeline during a press briefing for the game's upcoming early access patch, 0.5.0, titled Return of the Ancients, which is scheduled for release at the end of May.
“Our goal is to deliver a polished 1.0 experience this year,” Rogers said. “However, we have to make hard choices about scope. Not every class we initially planned will make the cut for the full release.” The announcement has sparked urgent discussions among the player base, with many calling for transparency on which classes are affected.
Background
Path of Exile 2 entered early access in late 2023, building on the success of its predecessor with a darker storyline, revamped skill systems, and six starting character classes. The ongoing 0.5.0 patch, Return of the Ancients, introduces new endgame content and balance changes, but also marks a turning point as GGG shifts focus toward a 1.0 launch.
Originally, the studio had promised a full roster of twelve classes by the time of official release. The decision to drop some classes stems from development bottlenecks and a desire to prioritize quality over quantity. “We don’t want to ship half-baked archetypes,” Rogers added. “It’s better to have a smaller set of fully realized classes than to force everything out and disappoint players.”
What This Means
For the Path of Exile community, the news is a mixed signal. On one hand, a confirmed 2024 release date gives the game a clearer roadmap. On the other, the removal of expected classes—potentially including the highly anticipated Duelist or Marauder variants—could alter class balance and force players to reconsider their early plans.
Industry analysts note that GGG’s approach mirrors trends seen in other live-service titles, where delays and scope cuts are becoming common. “The decision to trim classes for a 2024 launch is a pragmatic move,” said game design expert Dr. Elena Marchetti. “But it risks alienating players who invested time in early access expecting those options. GGG must communicate the rationale clearly to maintain trust.”
GGG has not yet published an official list of which classes are being cut or delayed, but Rogers hinted that more details would emerge alongside the 0.5.0 patch notes. Players can expect a detailed breakdown of the class changes in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, the studio is doubling down on polishing the remaining classes, enhancing endgame systems, and optimizing performance for the full launch. The Return of the Ancients patch will serve as the final major early access update before the push to 1.0.
“We hear the community’s concerns,” Rogers said. “Our goal is to make sure that when Path of Exile 2 hits 1.0, it’s the best ARPG experience we can offer—even if that means leaving some things on the cutting room floor for now.”
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