Path of Exile 2 might launch without all 12 classes — and that’s probably for the best

Why this announcement actually matters for players

This caught my attention because Grinding Gear Games is promising something rare: a proper prioritization of systems over a checklist of content. Path of Exile 2 director Jonathan Rogers told PCGamesN he’d rather enter 1.0 with a finished campaign, balanced combat, and a compelling endgame than rush to ship all 12 classes. Translation: the game you play at launch might be smaller in roster but steadier under the hood – and that could be a healthier start than a flashy-but-fragile 1.0.

• GGG aims for a 2026 1.0, but one or two original classes may not be ready.
• Priority is campaign completeness, balance, and endgame quality – not a full 12-class roster.
• Swords (and other expected weapons) are non-negotiable; some ascendancies must ship to give real choice.
• Transition from early access to free-to-play looks likely to be a formality for existing players.

Breaking down the announcement

Rogers is blunt: the studio’s release bar is functional, not feature-count driven. He listed the conditions for a 1.0 exit as “we have to have the campaign finished, we have to have the balance of the game in a good place, and we have to have the endgame in a place that people are enjoying.” That’s refreshingly clear. Instead of promising twelve classes because it looks good on a roadmap, GGG is saying they’ll ship what’s ready – and maybe leave a class or two until after launch.

Why ‘less is more’ could be the right call

Path of Exile lives or dies by its systems. The original built a fiercely loyal community on deep character builds and a constantly evolving endgame. Those things depend on a coherent campaign, tight balancing, and endgame systems that actually reward mastery — not a buffet of half-finished classes. If GGG ships a smaller, polished 1.0 and follows with well-tested classes, players get fewer headaches and better long-term balance.

That’s not to say missing classes are harmless. The Marauder, Duelist, Shadow, and Templar are fan favorites from the original — losing them at launch could sting. But Rogers also insists on at least the core expectations: “Swords need to be there, right? We can’t ship without them.” He also wants every released class to have all three ascendancies, which matters because ascendancies are often what define a class’s identity and playstyle.

What players should expect at 1.0

If you’re already playing PoE2 in early access, the move to full release will likely feel incremental — more a ceremonial milestone than a seismic shift. The switch to free-to-play will broaden the audience, but for veterans the experience will mostly feel like another league with a heavier polish on campaign and endgame. Expect the Druid (from The Last of the Druids update) and a wide range of archetypes to be present, but don’t be surprised if one or two missing classic classes arrive after launch.

That pacing choice also impacts meta and balance: with fewer classes at day one, the devs might be able to tune loot, economy, and endgame around a smaller, better-understood pool. That can lead to a stronger launch meta and fewer immediate nerf-sleds. The downside: fewer options for players who’ve already made plans around certain legacy classes.

Why now — and what’s at stake

GGG has a reputation for long-term support and iterative improvement. Path of Exile’s league-driven model rewards steady updates over all-in launches. With PoE2, the studio has the chance to avoid the “ship first, hotfix forever” trap that costs player goodwill. Committing to campaign, balance, and endgame before 1.0 is an acknowledgement that the core systems need to carry the game into a free-to-play audience — something that matters more than satisfying completionist wishlist goals on day one.

Still, Rogers has to manage expectations. Community backlash is real: players love their favorite classes and ascendancies. If GGG delays a beloved option for months after launch, friction is inevitable. The smart play is clear communication and a steady content roadmap — and judging by the Druid’s arrival and additions like Spell Totems in 0.4, the team seems to be moving deliberately rather than desperately.

TL;DR

Path of Exile 2 is targeting 2026 for 1.0, but GGG will only flip the switch when campaign, balance, and endgame are solid — even if that means launching without every class from the original. That approach risks some disappointed players in the short term but could prevent a messy launch and set the sequel up for a healthier long-term life. As for me: I want my sword-wielding, potentially pants-less Templar as much as anyone, but I’d rather see PoE2 ship tight and tunable than rushed and brittle.