Which New Classes Could Join Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 is approaching its December 11, 2026 full release, and players are waiting to see which new classes will join the game. Duelist is officially confirmed for version 1.0, while Shadow, Marauder, and Templar remain popular possibilities.

The key point is that Duelist is the only newly announced class confirmed for 1.0. The other three are predictions based on the original Path of Exile, not confirmed release announcements. This article looks at what each could bring to the sequel and what players should watch for at ExileCon 2026.

Which New Classes Could Join Path of Exile 2?

GGG plans to introduce 12 base classes in total, with two classes for each combination of Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. Eight are currently playable in Early Access, and Duelist is confirmed as an additional class for the full release.

The descriptions of Shadow, Marauder, and Templar are based on their original Path of Exile identities. Their sequel skills, Ascendancies, and release dates remain unconfirmed.

Duelist: The Next Confirmed Class

Duelist is the most concrete upcoming addition to Path of Exile 2. GGG revealed the class at Gamescom 2026, introducing swords as a new weapon category and demonstrating several combat mechanics.

Players will be able to explore different sword setups, including one-handed and two-handed swords, dual wielding, and sword-and-shield combat.

The class also features three demonstrated stances:

• Ready Stance: A central part of the Duelist's stance-based combat system.
• Sand Stance: Uses stun-related mechanics to create combat opportunities.
• Blood Stance: Features parrying and counterattacking mechanics.

The gameplay reveal showcased several skills, including Sand Scour, Perforate, Rending Dash, Cyclone, Bloody Blade, Hemorrhage, and World Cutter.

These abilities give players different ways to approach melee encounters, from attacking groups of enemies to moving through combat and delivering powerful sword strikes.

One important detail is that swords will not be exclusive to Duelist. Other classes can also use the weapon type, so the new category expands build possibilities beyond the class itself.

GGG has confirmed that Duelist will have two Ascendancy subclasses, but their names and full mechanics are still awaiting the ExileCon reveal.

Shadow: Could It Bring Agile, Assassin-Style Combat?

Shadow is one of the most recognizable missing classes for longtime Path of Exile players.

In the original game, Shadow combines Dexterity and Intelligence. Its traditional identity revolves around daggers, traps, critical strikes, and tactical combat.

If GGG eventually introduces Shadow into Path of Exile 2, players could expect an interesting alternative to Duelist's sword-focused approach.

Potential gameplay directions include:

• Fast attacks and mobile combat.
• Critical-strike-focused builds.
• Daggers and precision-based damage.
• Traps and tactical skill combinations.

These are predictions based on the original class, not confirmed Path of Exile 2 mechanics.

A recent teaser titled "Become the Darkness" has also attracted attention because of its shadow-themed imagery. Some players have connected it to Shadow, but GGG has not officially identified it as a class announcement.

For now, Shadow remains an interesting possibility rather than a confirmed 1.0 addition.

Marauder: A Potential Choice for Heavy Melee Combat

Marauder could appeal to players who prefer direct combat and powerful physical attacks.

In the original Path of Exile, Marauder is a Strength-based class associated with heavy melee damage and close-range fighting. That identity could translate naturally into the sequel.

Possible gameplay directions include:

• Heavy physical attacks.
• Powerful area damage against groups of enemies.
• Strength-focused character development.
• Durable melee character setups.

Marauder could provide a different experience from Duelist. While Duelist emphasizes swords, stances, and active combat mechanics, Marauder could offer another direction for players who prefer a more traditional heavy-melee archetype.

However, GGG has not announced a Path of Exile 2 Marauder reveal or confirmed its release timing.

Templar: Could Hybrid Melee and Spellcasting Return?

Templar has a different appeal from Shadow and Marauder. In the original Path of Exile, it combines Strength and Intelligence, giving it a hybrid identity.

If Templar joins the sequel, it could interest players who enjoy mixing physical attacks with magical abilities.

Potential directions based on its original identity include:

• Melee attacks supported by elemental damage.
• Hybrid Strength and Intelligence builds.
• Defensive abilities and survivability-focused setups.
• Spellcasting alongside close-range combat.

This could give players another option beyond weapon-focused or spell-focused character concepts.

However, these possibilities should not be confused with confirmed Path of Exile 2 skills. Its actual combat mechanics and Ascendancies remain unknown.

What Should Players Watch at ExileCon 2026?

ExileCon 2026 is the next major opportunity to learn more about Path of Exile 2's full release.

GGG has scheduled its main keynote for November 6 at 1:00 PM PST, with the livestream pre-show beginning at 12:30 PM PST. The presentation will cover the latest developments for both Path of Exile and Path of Exile 2.

Players interested in the class roster should pay particular attention to:

Duelist Ascendancies: GGG has yet to reveal the two subclasses.

• Additional Class Announcements: Watch for official confirmation about the remaining planned classes.
• New Skills and Weapons: More details could clarify how the new classes differ from the current roster.
• Character Progression: Ascendancy and skill information will help players evaluate future build options.

Path of Exile 2 is scheduled to leave Early Access and become free to play on December 11, 2026 (PST).

Until GGG releases more information, players should avoid choosing a future class based entirely on speculation. If you want to prepare for a confirmed new option, Duelist is the one to watch.

Final Thoughts

Duelist is currently the only confirmed new class for Path of Exile 2's full release. Its sword-based combat, stance mechanics, and upcoming Ascendancies give players concrete reasons to look forward to it. As players prepare their builds and gather PoE 2 Currency for the new challenges, Duelist is a promising class to keep an eye on.

Shadow, Marauder, and Templar could each bring a different gameplay identity to the sequel, but their arrival dates and mechanics remain unknown.

The November 6 ExileCon presentation should provide a clearer picture of GGG's plans. Until then, treat these three classes as possibilities rather than confirmed 1.0 additions.

FAQ

Is Duelist confirmed for Path of Exile 2 1.0?

Yes. GGG has confirmed that Duelist will arrive with the full release on December 11, 2026.

Are Shadow, Marauder, and Templar coming in version 1.0?

Their 1.0 availability has not been confirmed. They are anticipated classes based on the original Path of Exile roster.

How many classes are planned for Path of Exile 2?

GGG plans 12 base classes in total. Eight are playable in Early Access, with Duelist confirmed as an additional class for 1.0.

When will GGG reveal more class information?

The ExileCon keynote is scheduled for November 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM PST. The livestream begins at 12:30 PM PST.

The U4GM Team