Path of Exile 2 Reveals Shadow Class With Stealth, Daggers, and Deadly Traps

Grinding Gear Games has revealed the Shadow as the second new character class arriving with Path of Exile 2's version 1.0 release. Announced during ExileCon 2026, the new class will join the previously announced Duelist and introduce stealth-based combat, dagger weapons, and an expanded selection of trap abilities.

The Shadow is designed for players who prefer fast attacks, ambushes, and tactical combat. Its abilities allow it to approach enemies without being detected, set traps, and deliver powerful attacks when emerging from the shadows.

The full release of Path of Exile 2 is scheduled for December 11, 2026 (PST). 

Shadow Class Introduces a New Stealth-Based Playstyle

The Shadow brings a different combat approach to Path of Exile 2. Rather than relying entirely on direct attacks, the class can use stealth to avoid detection by monsters until it gets close to them.

This ability has a cooldown, but defeating enemies resets it, allowing players to move between stealth attacks more frequently when fighting groups of monsters.

The mechanic could make the Shadow particularly appealing to players who enjoy fast-paced combat and carefully timed attacks.

Stealth also works alongside the class's trap abilities, creating opportunities to prepare ambushes before revealing its position.

Daggers Become a New Weapon Type

The Shadow's arrival will introduce daggers as a new weapon category in Path of Exile 2.

The weapon type will come with its own skill gems and support gems, expanding the number of possible character builds. Players will be able to experiment with different combinations of dagger attacks, traps, and stealth abilities.

The upcoming 1.0 release will also introduce swords alongside the Duelist, giving players additional weapon choices and combat possibilities.

These additions should provide more ways to customise characters and develop specialised builds.

Eight Trap Types Will Create New Combat Combinations

Traps are another major part of the Shadow's gameplay.

According to the reveal, the class will have access to eight different trap types at launch. These traps can interact with one another, allowing players to combine their effects for more powerful attacks.

Unlike the traditional approach of throwing traps directly at enemies during combat, the Shadow can place traps while hidden. They remain inactive until the character reveals itself, creating an ambush-style mechanic.

This approach adds another layer of strategy to combat, particularly when dealing with groups of enemies or preparing for difficult encounters.

The Shadow Leaves Behind a Shade During Stealth

The Shadow's abilities go beyond simply becoming invisible to enemies.

When entering stealth, the character leaves behind a shade that can blind nearby monsters and distract them. This gives players an additional advantage when preparing an attack or repositioning during combat.

The shade also has an offensive purpose. It can copy the Shadow's melee attacks, effectively adding another source of damage during combat.

These mechanics give the class a distinctive identity built around deception, positioning, and coordinated attacks.

Darkness Resource Can Increase Attack Damage

The Shadow will also introduce a new resource called Darkness.

Players can collect this resource through abilities that spread darkness. It can then strengthen the damage dealt when the character emerges from stealth.

This creates an interesting connection between the Shadow's different abilities. Players will need to consider how they generate Darkness, when to activate stealth, and how to maximise the damage of their next attack.

The combination of Darkness, traps, and copied melee attacks could lead to several different build possibilities.

Shadow Gets Assassin and Infiltrator Ascendancies

At launch, the Shadow will have two announced Ascendancy choices:

• Assassin: A returning Ascendancy option from the original Path of Exile.
• Infiltrator: A new Ascendancy designed for the Shadow in Path of Exile 2.

These choices will provide different ways to specialise the character and develop its combat abilities.

Grinding Gear Games has not yet revealed a third Shadow Ascendancy. The developers have previously indicated that every character class is expected to have at least three Ascendancy options eventually, but the Shadow's additional choice remains unconfirmed.

Path of Exile 2 Full Release Brings More Than a New Class

The Shadow is only one part of a much larger update planned for December.

Path of Exile 2's version 1.0 release will complete its main campaign with Acts 5 and 6, bringing new areas, bosses, and encounters. The update will also introduce the Conquerors of Wraeclast challenge league.

This league will feature army recruitment, fortress construction, and large-scale sieges against rival forces. Players will be able to build their own armies and take part in battles for control of enemy strongholds.

The release will also bring the Duelist, additional Ascendancy options, new equipment, skill changes, and improvements to the endgame experience.

Path of Exile 2 Release Date and Platforms

Grinding Gear Games has scheduled the full release of Path of Exile 2 for December 11, 2026, Pacific Standard Time.

The game will become free to play at launch and will be available across PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.

Here are the key details:

• Developer: Grinding Gear Games
• Full release: December 11, 2026 (PST)
• New class: Shadow
• Other new class: Duelist
• New weapon type: Daggers
• Shadow Ascendancies: Assassin and Infiltrator
• New campaign content: Acts 5 and 6
• New challenge league: Conquerors of Wraeclast
• Business model: Free-to-play

Why the Shadow Could Be One of Path of Exile 2's Most Interesting Classes

The Shadow looks like a strong addition for players who enjoy tactical combat rather than simply attacking enemies directly.

Its stealth system, eight trap types, copied melee attacks, and Darkness resource create several mechanics that can work together. The introduction of daggers also opens up additional possibilities for character builds.

More importantly, the class arrives alongside the Duelist and a major expansion of the game's campaign and endgame systems.

With its December 11 full release approaching, Path of Exile 2 is preparing to deliver one of its biggest updates yet. The Shadow could become a particularly attractive option for players who enjoy fast, strategic, and stealth-focused combat.