Tips for Leveling Up in Path of Exile 2

Customizing your character is a crucial aspect of mastering Path of Exile 2, particularly as you progress into the latter stages of the game. In this intricate action RPG, inspired by the Diablo series, your unique character build determines your success or failure. From selecting your character’s class and equipment to the skills and passive buffs that enhance your abilities, every aspect is deeply customizable. While this wealth of options can appear overwhelming, it serves to enrich the gameplay experience.

During the second act, you will encounter a pivotal choice: selecting an Ascendancy class. This feature adds another layer to your character customization and is essential for advancing your build effectively.

Understanding Ascendancies in Path of Exile 2

Mechanics of Ascendancies

Path of Exile 2 bosses. — Image courtesy of Katarina Cimbaljevic.

To put it simply, an Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2 functions as a subclass. Each Ascendancy offers a selection of unique skills and perks, which can be unlocked using Ascendancy Points. These points are acquired by completing specific trials throughout the game. Unlike regular skill points, which modify your character’s various abilities, Ascendancy Points are a distinct resource that must be strategically pursued to access some of your class’s most powerful enhancements.

In the early access version, every main character class is linked to two Ascendancy options, which may expand before the full game’s release. If you’re deliberating over which path to take, consider examining the skills available in each Ascendancy; prioritize those that complement the build you are developing.

Class	Ascendancies
Sorceress	Stormweaver, Chronomancer
Warrior	Titan, Warbringer
Ranger	Deadeye, Pathfinder
Witch	Blood Mage, Infenalist
Mercenary	Witchhunter, Gemling Legionnaire
Monk	Invoker, Acolyte of Chayula

While the term “Ascendancy”may sound sophisticated, the underlying concept is fundamentally straightforward for anyone familiar with RPG class mechanics. However, progress within the Ascendancy system can be more challenging.

Navigating Your Ascendancy Journey in PoE 2

Completing the Trial of Sekhemas

Your Ascendancy will unlock after you complete the Trial of Sekhemas, a challenging dungeon located in Act Two. To access it, you must first defeat Balbala in Traitor’s Pass to obtain Balbala’s Barya. This optional dungeon is situated within The Ardura Caravan, specifically in the Six Sisters area where you’ll liberate Balbala from the Prison of the Disgraces before facing her.

As you engage Balbala, prepare for a dynamic battle in a confined space. Pay close attention to her movements, utilize your dodge abilities, and neutralize any allies she summons promptly. Once defeated, you’ll acquire Balbala’s Barya.

Following this victory, embark on the quest “Ascent to Power.” You’ll proceed to the Trial of Sekhemas within the desert area to tackle its formidable challenges. Successfully navigating this dungeon without either dying or losing all your Honor, a crucial resource specific to this trial, is paramount. Check out our dedicated guide for the Trial of Sekhemas for more insights.

At the conclusion of the Trial, interact with the Altar of Ascension. Doing so will grant you the ability to choose your Ascendancy class and award you two Ascendancy Points, which can be spent to unlock nodes on your respective skill tree.

Exploring the Trial of Chaos

If you happen to miss the Trial of Sekhemas during Act Two, or if you’re eager for additional Ascendancy Points, you can also participate in the Trial of Chaos in Act Three. To access this trial, you’ll need to defeat Xyclucian in the Chimeral Wetlands and utilize the Chimeral Imbued Ultimatum obtained from him. Completing the Trial of Chaos allows you to gain more Ascendancy Points, regardless of whether or not you have completed the Trial of Sekhemas.

Acquiring Additional Ascendancy Points

To continue your advancement through the Ascendancy skill tree, accumulating additional Ascendancy Points is essential. In PoE 2, you can obtain more Ascendancy Points by undertaking further runs of both the Trial of Sekhemas and the Trial of Chaos, which typically feature increased difficulty and added floors.

Respecing your Ascendancy Points is possible by consulting the Hooded One, akin to respecing regular skill points. It is crucial to note, however, that the cost of respecing Ascendancies is significantly higher.

To gain further Ascendancy Points, you will need to find additional Trial Coins required to re-enter the dungeons. These coins tend to drop randomly in high-level areas, making dedicated farming strategies less reliable. For now, your best approach is to explore high-level zones, defeat enemies, and challenge bosses, as Trial Coins may drop unexpectedly.

With this comprehensive overview, you now possess the foundational knowledge necessary to embark on your Ascendancy journey in Path of Exile 2. The more complex part will be selecting the skills that best suit your build!

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