Grinding Gear Games officially unveiled the Path of Exile 2 Shadow class during ExileCon 2026. The new character will arrive as part of the game’s major 1.0 release, scheduled for December 11, 2026. Built around stealth, daggers and traps, Shadow introduces a different approach to combat, focusing on ambushes, carefully prepared attacks and controlling enemies from the shadows.
Shadow: Stealth and Deadly Attacks
The defining feature of Shadow is Stealth, a new mechanic introduced in Path of Exile 2. While hidden, the character remains undetected by monsters until they get close enough. This allows players to approach targets, choose their opening and strike before enemies can react.
Stealth also provides offensive advantages. Shadow’s dagger skills gain additional bonuses while the character is hidden, creating opportunities for powerful attacks and combinations.
One of the abilities showcased by the developers is Shroud. It allows Shadow to enter Stealth and leave behind a Shade at the character’s previous position. The Shade can blind and distract nearby enemies, providing an opportunity to reposition or launch an attack.
Daggers and Traps: New Weapons for Shadow
The new class introduces two important weapon types and their associated combat mechanics.
Daggers serve as Shadow’s primary melee weapons, complementing the class’s fast-paced and aggressive playstyle. Their abilities work particularly well with stealth-based attacks and sudden engagements.
Traps are the second new weapon type. Shadow can prepare and place traps while in Stealth, triggering them automatically when launching an attack. They activate in the order they were thrown, allowing players to prepare sequences of attacks before revealing themselves.
The developers have also highlighted interactions between different traps. This means that choosing the right combination and placement order could become an important part of developing an effective Shadow build.
Two Ascendancies: Assassin and Infiltrator
At the 1.0 launch, Shadow will have access to two Ascendancy classes.
The first is Assassin, a familiar name for veterans of the original Path of Exile. This specialization focuses on eliminating enemies with precise, deadly attacks before they have a chance to respond.
The second is Infiltrator, a new Ascendancy introduced for Path of Exile 2. Its full details have not yet been revealed, although its name and the class’s core mechanics suggest a strong connection to stealth and tactical combat.
Both options will offer different ways to develop Shadow while retaining the class’s central identity.
When Is Shadow Coming to Path of Exile 2?
Shadow will become playable with the full release of Path of Exile 2 version 1.0, scheduled for December 11, 2026 (Pacific time).
The update will bring considerably more than a new character. Players can also expect the Duelist class, Acts 5 and 6 to complete the main campaign, and a new Challenge League called Conquerors of Wraeclast.
Version 1.0 will also mark the end of Early Access, with Path of Exile 2 becoming free-to-play.
Shadow looks like an interesting addition for players who enjoy fast-paced combat, tactical positioning and carefully planned attacks. Its combination of stealth, daggers and traps could offer a distinctive playstyle and give players another reason to return to Wraeclast when the full release arrives.
