- Starting the Ascent to Power Quest
- Navigating the Trial of the Sekhemas
- Relics and Their Importance
- Trial Room Mechanics for Ascendancy Classes in Path of Exile 2
- Special Items: Honor, Keys, and Sacred Water
- Final Rewards and Ascendancy Classes in Path of Exile 2
- List of Ascendancy Classes in Path of Exile 2
One of the standout features of the Path of Exile 2 franchise is its intricate skill tree, offering unparalleled character customization. While the complexity can be overwhelming, the game adds another layer of depth through Ascendancy Classes, unlocked by completing the aptly named Ascendancy Trial. This guide will walk you through the process of completing the Ascent to Power quest and earning your Ascendancy Class in Path of Exile 2.
Starting the Ascent to Power Quest
The journey to unlock your Ascendancy Class begins in Act 2 at The Halani Gates. Encountering a blocked path, return to The Ardura Caravan and speak with Risu, followed by Sekhema Asala, who will direct you to Traitor’s Passage. Begin this quest by talking to Shambrin, then head into the cave network within the passage. Here, you’ll face Balbala, the Traitor. Defeating her will reward you with Balbala’s Barya. Bring this back to The Ardura Caravan, speak with Zarka, and consult the map to locate the entrance to the Trial of the Sekhemas.
Navigating the Trial of the Sekhemas
Completing the preliminary steps is just the beginning, as the real challenge lies within the Trial of the Sekhemas. On arrival, you’ll meet Balbala, now imprisoned as the trial’s overseer. She provides you with a relic—a key item that plays a pivotal role in your trial runs.
If you’re expecting a straightforward dungeon crawl with a boss at the end, think again. The trial involves multiple interconnected rooms, each presenting unique challenges and rewards. Successfully navigating through these rooms is critical for completing the trial and unlocking your Ascendancy Class.
Relics and Their Importance
Relics provide special modifiers during trials and can be equipped at the Relic Altar near Balbala. Initially, you’ll have only one relic, but as you progress and complete additional trials, you’ll collect new relics and expand the altar’s inventory space. Relic drops are semi-random, obtained through clearing rooms or as specific rewards. Strategic relic usage can make or break your success in the trials.
Trial Room Mechanics for Ascendancy Classes in Path of Exile 2
Each trial room features distinct objectives, such as:
- Disabling Death Crystals within a time limit.
- Surviving waves of enemies until a timer expires.
- Filling a blood chalice with rare enemies’ blood.
- Navigating traps and enemies to reach an exit.
- Destroying Ritual Casters and their summoning portals.
Completing a room unlocks adjacent rooms on the map, allowing you to choose your next path. Be mindful of the rewards and penalties associated with each room.
Special Items: Honor, Keys, and Sacred Water
Trials reward players with unique items like:
- Keys: Used to open bronze, silver, or gold chests.
- Sacred Water: Exchanged for additional keys at the Keth Forge.
- Honor: A measure of your performance; taking damage reduces Honor, and losing all Honor ends the run.
Careful gameplay is essential to preserving Honor and maximizing your rewards.
Final Rewards and Ascendancy Classes in Path of Exile 2
After defeating the final boss, Rattlecage, the Earthbreaker, you’ll reach the treasure room, lined with chests of varying rarities. Use your keys to unlock these chests for valuable rewards. Additionally, you’ll find the Ascendancy Altar here, where you can choose between two Ascendancy Classes tailored to your character.
List of Ascendancy Classes in Path of Exile 2
Base Class | Ascendancy Class 1 | Ascendancy Class 2 |
---|---|---|
Mercenary | Gemling Legionnaire | Witchhunter |
Monk | Acolyte of Chayula | Invoker |
Ranger | Deadeye | Pathfinder |
Sorceress | Chronomancer | Stormweaver |
Warrior | Titan | Warbringer |
Witch | Blood Mage | Infernalist |