Grinding Gear Games has published the ExileCon 2026 program and attendee guidance, including badge pickup hours, keynote timing and travel reminders, in its Steam announcement. The Auckland convention runs Nov. 7-8 NZT, with some attendee events beginning Friday, Nov. 6.
The ExileCon website has the full program. Online broadcasts will cover the keynote, gameplay demonstrations and developer panels throughout the weekend, with talks and panels to be posted afterward.
Travel, registration and the keynote
Overseas visitors should check New Zealand’s NZeTA requirements before traveling. Organizers estimate that almost all international attendees will need to apply before arrival and recommend doing so promptly. Immigration New Zealand provides NZeTA details and the application form.
Registration and badge pickup will take place inside Aotea Centre. Signs in Aotea Square will direct attendees to the registration area. The tent’s opening hours are:
- Friday, Nov. 6: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. NZT
- Saturday, Nov. 7: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. NZT
- Sunday, Nov. 8: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. NZT
Bring the QR code shown on your Path of Exile account page to collect your badge. Organizers will also email a copy. Photo ID must match the name on your ticket, as ExileCon is a Restricted 16 event. Keep your ID with you throughout the convention because staff may check that it matches your badge. Ticket details must be updated by Sunday, Nov. 1, by contacting [email protected].
Saturday’s keynote begins at 10 a.m., following a 9:30 a.m. pre-show. Attendees are encouraged to arrive around 9 a.m. to get seated. Your badge will show your assigned seat and which theatre entrance to use.
VIP dinner and Sunday after-party
VIP and Ultra VIP pass holders can attend a dinner at 6 p.m. NZT on Friday, Nov. 6, at Saint Alice Eatery alongside Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. The 215 player VIPs will dine at the same tables as 100 Grinding Gear Games staff members.
The after-party runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8. It’s a Restricted 18 event, so bring ID. A voucher on the back of your ExileCon badge can be exchanged for one free drink at the Terrace Café. Some light food will be available, and organizers recommend having dinner beforehand.
Cosplay, accessibility and first aid
Every cosplay weapon will be inspected under the official safety policy. Metal weapons and replica guns are prohibited under the event’s cosplay restrictions, and staff may reject props that fail inspection.
Aotea Centre is wheelchair accessible, and attendees can use a guided accessibility tour to learn more about the venue. The main theatre has a hearing aid loop, with venue staff available to help. A first-aid room is on the centre’s bottom floor, and staff trained in first aid can assist.
Which attendee detail will be most useful as you plan for ExileCon? Keep up with the weekend program and practical updates on X, Bluesky, YouTube, Instagram, Steam and Telegram.
Path of Exile 2
Developed by Grinding Gear Games
Path of Exile 2 is a next generation Action RPG created by Grinding Gear Games. Set years after the original Path of Exile, you will return to the dark world of Wraeclast and seek to end the corruption that is spreading. Path of Exile 2 is a free-to-play online multiplayer game with co-op for up to six players.
- Genre Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
- Platforms Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac
- Perspective Bird view / Isometric
- Modes Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative, Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO)
- Release December 6, 2024
- Publisher Grinding Gear Games, Kakao Games
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Age Rating
