The **Trial of the Sekhemas** in Path of Exile 2 serves as a mini-extension of the Sanctum activities from its predecessor. While it offers generous loot in the later stages of the game, newcomers might find it quite challenging due to the initial strength required to succeed. Nevertheless, mastering this trial can greatly enhance your character’s development and loot acquisition. Below is a comprehensive guide that details everything you need to know.
Unlocking the Trial of the Sekhemas in Path of Exile 2
To gain access to the Trial of the Sekhemas, players must first defeat **Balbala the Traitor**, a formidable boss found in **Traitor’s Passage** during Act 2. Her combat style, characterized by rapid, hard-hitting attacks, can be daunting for less-prepared players. Upon her defeat, Balbala will drop **Balbala’s Barya**, a crucial item needed for your inaugural trial run.
Once you have vanquished Balbala, navigate to the Trial of the Sekhemas location via Ardura’s travel map or teleport using the Waypoint feature. Upon arrival at the dilapidated temple, you will find Balbala awaiting you not as an adversary, but in an advisory role. Place the Balbala’s Barya into the Relic Altar to initiate your trial.
Note that the Balbala’s Barya is consumed after your first successful attempt. For subsequent trials, you will need to locate **Djinn Baryas**, which drop randomly throughout your adventures.
Completing the Trial of the Sekhemas
The Trial of the Sekhemas consists of a series of **seven distinct rooms**, culminating in a boss encounter. The first six rooms are designed with varying objectives, each providing either rewards or penalties upon completion. You will have the option to choose which room to tackle next, often facing a choice between two different paths. Completing all encounters leads you to a treasure room filled with valuable chests.
The tasks assigned in the trial are straightforward, with specific objectives documented in your quest log. Your primary goals are to survive encounters, eliminate foes, or navigate to the end of each room. While there are no time constraints, it’s advisable to enhance your damage output and mobility if you aim to expedite your victory.
Strategic Tips for Success
- You can bypass enemies in encounters that involve navigating traps or pulling levers.
- During Hourglass encounters, consider kiting enemies instead of engaging them directly.
- Be strategic when selecting room modifiers.
- You can exit a trial using a town portal when necessary.
- Collect Sacred Water which drops from defeated enemies to maintain your resources.
- Equip mobility-enhancing skills and use your Dodge Roll regularly for better evasion.
Understanding Honour Level
As you enter a trial, a white bar appears in the center of your screen, indicating your current **Honour Level**. This mechanic functions as an additional health bar specific to the Trial of the Sekhemas. Honour diminishes upon receiving damage from enemies, with the amount lost dictated by the strength of the attack. Be vigilant, as depleting your Honour results in a failed trial, akin to losing all your life.
Honour can only be regained in rooms containing a fountain specifically meant for its restoration. These are relatively rare, and typically require the use of Sacred Water for healing. Thus, evading enemy attacks is paramount to maintaining your progress.
Reward Structure
Throughout the trial, players can acquire **Keys** of varying rarities, either as random drops or rewards from encounters. These keys are essential for opening chests in the rewards room following the final boss encounter. Additionally, this room houses a statue that grants your first **Ascendancy Points** in Path of Exile 2.
Subsequent trials will not yield further Ascendancy Points, yet players can continue farming this activity for valuable loot. As you progress towards the endgame, the difficulty — and consequently, the rewards — of the Trial of the Sekhemas will significantly increase, presenting a thrilling challenge.
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