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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Path of Exile 2 is scheduled to leave Early Access and become free-to-play on December 11, 2026 (PST), according to its official Steam listing. That is the currently announced date, and it could change.
Is Path of Exile 2 free to play now?
No. Early Access is paid; the game is planned to become free-to-play when it leaves Early Access. Grinding Gear Games says players who bought Early Access will not need to buy the game again at full release. See the January 25, 2025 clarification from Grinding Gear Games.
The official Path of Exile 2 Steam listing currently gives December 11, 2026 (PST) as the date Early Access ends and states that the game will be free-to-play afterward.
What can you do if you want to play before then?
| Option | When access begins | Payment | Schedule or access caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wait for full release | On the currently scheduled December 11, 2026 (PST) release | Free-to-play is planned | The announced date may change; check the official listing for updates. |
| Buy Early Access | Before full release, once you obtain paid access | Paid | You can play earlier, but the date Early Access ends remains subject to change. |
Grinding Gear Games has also clarified that an Early Access purchase will not have to be repeated at release. Its supporter-pack clarification said the Early Access Supporter Pack included 300 points. Avoid unauthorized third-party key sellers.
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Was the 2025 free weekend the free-to-play launch?
No. Grinding Gear Games offered a temporary free weekend from August 29 through September 1, 2025 (PDT). Progress was saved, but players without an Early Access key lost access when the event ended; to keep playing, they had to obtain Early Access access or wait for full release. The event announcement explains the terms: Play Path of Exile 2 for Free on August 29 – September 1 PDT.
Why do older pages give a different timeline?
Grinding Gear Games’ November 21, 2024 Early Access FAQ said Early Access would last as long as needed and estimated it would run for at least six months. That was an estimate when Early Access began in December 2024, not the current announced end date. The later Steam listing now schedules the transition for December 11, 2026 (PST).
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How to check whether the date has changed
Because the release date is a future schedule, check the official Steam store listing or Path of Exile website close to the date you plan to play. The listing’s Early Access section is the source for the currently stated schedule and free-to-play plan.
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