Ready Stance
Stances are new to Path of Exile 2. Ready Stance empowers every sword skill in its own way – from intimidating cries and deadly slashes to giant drills – and lets the Duelist flow seamlessly from one ability to the next.
New class · from December 11, 2026
Duelist
The Duelist is Path of Exile 2’s first sword-wielding class and arrives with the 1.0 Full Release on December 11, 2026. He fights with sword and shield and flows between Stances, a new mechanic that empowers his sword skills. His Ascendancies are the Knight and the Master-at-Arms.
New in 1.0
- Status
- Officially announced, not in the game yet
- Release
- December 11, 2026 with the 1.0 Full Release – free to play
- Weapons
- Swords (new weapon type) and shields
- New mechanic
- Stances: Ready, Sand and Blood Stance
- Background
- Orphan from the slums, trained in the Grand Arena of Oriath
- Ascendancies
- Knight, Master-at-Arms
The Duelist learned to wield a blade in the brutal arenas of Oriath. Raised in the slums, he entered the arena to seek vengeance and bring justice to the fighters who abused their power. A skilled swordsman, he relies on speed, precision, and well-timed strikes to overwhelm his opponents.
Official trailers 2
New mechanics
Sand Stance and Blood Stance
Ready Stance can be upgraded: stun enemies to enter Sand Stance and unleash sand disks across the battlefield, or parry attacks to switch to Blood Stance and make enemies bleed with every hit. Both stances further enhance your sword skills.
Ascendancies 2
Knight
At the 1.0 launch
The Knight leads his followers to glory from the front lines. Charge through your enemies, inspire your allies, claim the battleground and uphold your honour.
Open Ascendancy →
Master-at-Arms
Later – after the 1.0 launch, according to GGG
The Master-at-Arms has dedicated his life to his craft, becoming an expert in a thousand forms of combat. Whatever the fight, he has the skills and the weaponry to prevail.
Open Ascendancy →The other new class
Shadow The Shadow is a new Path of Exile 2 class in 1.0 (Dec 11, 2026): daggers, traps, Stealth and the Assassin and Infiltrator Ascendancies. Open class →
Official sources
- Steam announcement “Path of Exile 2 Full Release on December 11 PST” (Nov 7, 2026)
- Official 1.0 class page on pathofexile2.com
- Press release “Ready Your Blade: Path of Exile 2 Goes 1.0 on December 11” (Aug 25, 2026)
- ExileCon 2026 press release on the Shadow and the Knight (Nov 7, 2026, in the press kit – ZIP, 1.3 GB)
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