Summary

ExileCon 2026, scheduled for November 6, could Divine Ormark a major turning point for both Path of Exile 2 and the original Path of Exile. With PoE 2 preparing for its free-to-play 1.0 launch on December 11 and PoE 1's 3.30 expansion arriving on November 13, Grinding Gear Games has several important announcements to make. Potential highlights include four remaining PoE 2 classes, a redesigned endgame, a possible Sirus pinnacle encounter, and even a future PoE 1 version 4.0. Here are six major predictions that players should watch closely.
1. Path of Exile 2 Could Introduce Four Remaining Classes
One of the biggest expectations for ExileCon 2026 is confirmation of the four remaining Path of Exile 2 classes ahead of the 1.0 launch.

The Duelist was previously confirmed, while the Shadow has also received a teaser. This leaves the Templar and Marauder as potential major announcements.

The expected class and weapon combinations include:
- Duelist: Sword-based combat with a focus on balanced offense and defense.
- Shadow: Daggers, critical strikes, and potentially trap-focused gameplay.
- Templar: Flails and a combination of magical and physical abilities.
- Marauder: Axes and powerful close-range attacks.
Traps becoming a separate weapon type for the Shadow is another possibility, although this remains unconfirmed.

If all four classes arrive together, players could enjoy significantly more build variety, weapon combinations, and combat strategies when version 1.0 launches.
2. PoE 2 Endgame Could Receive a Major Overhaul
Another important prediction concerns the endgame progression system.

Patch 0.5 introduced substantial improvements, including a redesigned Atlas tree, the Fortress system, Atlas Masters, additional questlines, and new boss encounters.

However, repeated quest requirements and similar progression sequences have created concerns about long-term replayability.

For version 1.0, GGG could introduce several improvements:
- A more streamlined Atlas progression system.
- Fewer repetitive quest requirements.
- More challenging pinnacle boss encounters.
- Better rewards for completing difficult endgame activities.
- More meaningful progression choices between different activities.
For experienced players, stronger endgame bosses would provide additional challenges. New players could also benefit from a clearer progression structure.
3. Chris Wilson Could Make a Special ExileCon Appearance
ExileCon 2026 could also bring an unexpected moment for longtime fans: a possible return of Chris Wilson to the convention stage.

His contribution to the original Path of Exile and the franchise's development remains significant. His appearance at ExileCon 2019 during the original Path of Exile 2 announcement was particularly memorable.

Although no appearance has been confirmed, a special discussion about the franchise's development history would be an exciting addition to this year's event.
4. Path of Exile 1 Could Introduce a Sirus Pinnacle Boss Fight
For original PoE players, the most interesting prediction involves a possible Sirus-related endgame encounter in patch 3.30.

The expansion is expected to focus heavily on endgame content, making a major Atlas storyline development a realistic possibility.

A new confrontation involving Sirus, Zana, and the Atlas could provide a meaningful continuation of the game's existing narrative.

Players may also see broader Atlas progression improvements. Since the Siege of the Atlas overhaul in 2022, many updates have expanded existing systems rather than completely rebuilding them.

A new pinnacle encounter could therefore give veteran players a compelling reason to revisit endgame farming.
5. ExileCon 2026 Could Deliver Exciting Racing Competitions
Competitive racing is another highlight to watch during ExileCon.

The expected competitions include a PoE 1 race focused on defeating Kitava in Act 5 and a PoE 2 race covering campaign progression through Act 4.

ImExile is among the competitors attracting attention after narrowly missing victory against Tyty23 in the 2023 competition.

Other expected competitors include Alex Peblord, mpm, and Ben.

For regular players, these races can also provide useful insights into campaign efficiency, leveling strategies, skill combinations, and resource management.
6. Could Path of Exile 4.0 Be Announced?
Perhaps the most ambitious prediction is a potential Path of Exile 1 version 4.0 announcement.

Although PoE 2 originally began as a planned 4.0 update before becoming a separate game, GGG could still have long-term plans for a major original-game overhaul.

One possible feature is WASD movement, which could offer an alternative to traditional mouse-based controls.

A substantial 4.0 announcement would also reassure longtime players that the original game will continue receiving meaningful improvements alongside its sequel.

However, players should treat this possibility as speculation rather than an announced development plan.
7. Final Verdict: ExileCon 2026 Could Shape PoE's Future
ExileCon 2026 has the potential to become one of the most important events in the franchise's history. Four additional PoE 2 classes, a redesigned endgame, a possible Sirus encounter, and future PoE 1 improvements could significantly influence how players approach both games.

For players preparing for the  Mirror of Kalandra upcoming releases, the best strategy is to follow confirmed class announcements, evaluate potential build options, and avoid committing too heavily to unverified leaks.

The two most important dates are November 13, when Path of Exile 3.30 is scheduled to launch, and December 11, when Path of Exile 2 targets its free-to-play 1.0 release.

As these updates approach, demand for progression resources and POE 2 Items may increase. Ultimately, ExileCon's biggest achievement could be showing how GGG intends to develop both games without sacrificing what makes each experience unique.​ Mirror of Kalandra ​