Path of Exile 2's Shadow Class Arrives with Stealth and Daggers on December 11

During the ExileCon keynote, Grinding Gear Games confirmed that Path of Exile 2 will launch on December 11 with a second new class: the Shadow. This dagger-wielding, trap-using character joins the previously announced Duelist, bringing a suite of stealth mechanics that promise to shake up combat.

Stealth and Trap Mechanics

The Shadow introduces a stealth ability that renders you invisible to monsters until you get close. Its cooldown resets on kill, encouraging a hit-and-run playstyle. Traps thrown from stealth won't activate until you reveal yourself, creating a genuine ambush feeling. There will be eight trap types at launch, each interacting in unique ways. When you enter stealth, you leave behind a shade that blinds and distracts enemies; this shade also copies your melee attacks for double damage. Additionally, the Shadow can harness a Darkness resource from certain skills to boost damage when emerging from stealth.

On release, the Shadow can ascend as the returning Assassin or choose the new Infiltrator ascendancy. A third option is planned for the future, possibly the Saboteur, Trickster, or an entirely new path. The class also brings daggers as a new weapon type, complete with fresh skill gems and supports, further expanding build possibilities.

Combined with the Duelist's swords, two new story acts, a fresh league, and endgame improvements, the 1.0 launch is shaping up to be a massive update. For fans of sneaky, high-risk playstyles, the Shadow's arrival adds a thrilling layer of tactical depth to an already diverse ARPG.

Are you more drawn to the classic Assassin or curious about the Infiltrator's secrets? Which trap combination are you eager to test first?