The Shadow joins the Duelist in Path of Exile 2’s December 11 release, bringing stealth abilities, deadly traps, daggers, and fresh character builds.

Path of Exile 2 is preparing for a major expansion of its playable roster. Grinding Gear Games has officially revealed the Shadow, a second new character class arriving alongside the previously announced Duelist when the game's full 1.0 release launches on December 11.

Designed around daggers, traps, and stealth, the Shadow introduces a fresh approach to combat. Players who enjoy strategic gameplay, surprise attacks, and taking down enemies before they can react will have plenty of new abilities to explore.

The Shadow will launch with two Ascendancy options. Players can choose the returning Assassin, a familiar option for longtime Path of Exile fans, or try the newly introduced Infiltrator.

Eventually, every Path of Exile 2 class is expected to receive at least three Ascendancy options. However, the Shadow's potential third choice has yet to be revealed. Possibilities include the returning Saboteur or Trickster, although Grinding Gear Games could introduce something entirely new.

The Shadow's arrival also introduces daggers as a new weapon type, alongside the swords coming with the Duelist. Players can expect new skill gems and support gems designed to expand combat strategies and create additional character builds.

One of the class's defining features is its stealth mechanic. While hidden, the Shadow becomes invisible to monsters until approaching them closely. Stealth has a cooldown, but defeating enemies resets it, allowing players to maintain momentum through successive attacks.

Traps also receive an interesting upgrade. Unlike the original Path of Exile, where traps could be thrown directly into active combat, Path of Exile 2 allows the Shadow to deploy traps while hidden. These traps remain inactive until the character reveals themselves, creating opportunities for carefully planned ambushes.

The 1.0 release will feature eight different trap types, each with unique interactions that encourage experimentation and creative combinations.

Beyond stealth and traps, the Shadow has several additional mechanics that make the class particularly interesting.

Entering stealth leaves behind a shade that blinds nearby monsters and distracts them from the player. The shade can also replicate the Shadow's melee attacks, effectively doubling the damage dealt during certain encounters.

Another new feature is the Darkness resource. Players can collect Darkness through abilities that spread it across the battlefield. This resource can then enhance the Shadow's damage when emerging from stealth, rewarding players who combine their abilities strategically.

The Shadow and Duelist are just two parts of a much larger update planned for Path of Exile 2's December 11 launch.

The full release is also expected to introduce two new acts, a fresh league, and improvements to the endgame experience. With additional Ascendancies, weapons, skill gems, and combat mechanics, the 1.0 release is shaping up to offer plenty of new possibilities for both returning players and newcomers.

The Shadow's combination of stealth, traps, and fast-paced dagger combat could also make it one of the most distinctive additions to the game's growing roster.