Path of Exile 2's Duelist class launches alongside the game's 1.0 patch on December 11. The author demoed the Knight ascendancy version at ExileCon 2026 using dual-wielded short swords powered by blood infusion mechanics.
The core loop revolves around parrying enemy attacks to gather blood, then unleashing it with abilities like blood slash to stack bleeds on targets. Parrying only requires holding block when enemies attack, with audio-visual feedback making each parry feel satisfying. Blood stacks build up significantly but don't proc automatically, allowing players to release them through a quick blink-slash for massive single-target damage or AOE blood damage against groups.
The Knight ascendancy adds a secondary playstyle through standards and banners placed on the ground, which grant effects to the player while debuffing enemies. Players can also recruit a squire companion that fights alongside them. The squire requires weapons, armor, and skills chosen to synergize with the player's build. The author tested a blood-focused squire that benefited from the player's blood-infused weapons, though preferred the speed of solo dual-wielding.
The author also glimpsed act five, describing it as darker and grimmer than previous Path of Exile 2 content.
Path of Exile 2 launches December 11 and introduces two new classes: the Duelist and the Shadow.