How to ascend in Path of Exile 2?

Path of Exile 2 ^[1] is one of the most unique ARPGs, largely thanks to the amount of freedom the game gives players. You’re free to make the type of build you want, whether it’s a huntress build or even a barbarian one. However, to ensure you reach your full potential, it’s crucial for you to ascend your class.

Ascendancy classes in PoE 2 are specialized subclasses that let players customize their build to specific playstyles. However, before players can ascend their classes, it’s crucial to start the ascendancy trials by getting ascendancy points.

Here’s what to know about ascending in Path of Exile 2 to ensure you can take your build to the next level. Of course, if you find yourself low on materials or currencies, you can always check out Eloking’s Path of Exile 2 marketplace, where buyers and sellers meet in a safe and regulated environment.

What are ascendancy classes in PoE 2?

Ascendancy classes are specialized subclasses in Path of Exile 2 that allow players to customize their build to specific playstyles. Each base class has access to two ascendancy classes, with players getting an option for three when the title launches. These ascendancies provide unique passive trees and powerful skills exclusive to the specialization. Players cannot change their ascendancy after selecting it, so they need to plan carefully before committing.

Players can unlock ascendancy trees by completing trials and allocating up to 8 points. These points differ from the standard passive skill tree and can’t be shared between classes. Players can respec ascendancy passives by speaking to NPCs like Doryani or the hooded one, but this requires spending gold. Ascendancy skills are tied to each ascendancy, meaning a warrior’s ascendancy abilities won’t overlap with a witch’s, even if they have similar base skills.

How to start the ascendancy trials in PoE 2?

Players must get a key to access either the Trial of the Sekhemas or the Trial of Chaos to start their journey towards ascension. Their first Djinn Barya, used for Sekhemas, drops from Balbala, the traitor in Act 2’s traitor’s passage. Their first inscribed ultimatum, for chaos, comes from defeating Xyclucian in Act 3’s Chimeral Wetlands. These keys allow infinite retries if players fail the lowest-difficulty trials.

For higher difficulties, keys become rare monster drops tied to specific area levels. For example, Djinn Baryas for difficulty 2 trials needs an area level of 45+, while inscribed ultimatums for difficulty 3 need an area level of 75+. Failing higher-difficulty trials consumes the player’s key, forcing them to farm replacement, so they must upgrade gear and prepare before attempting these challenges to avoid wasting items.

How to get ascendancy points in PoE 2?

Ascendancy points are earned by completing trials, where every difficulty tier grants 2 points, with a maximum of 8 points available. The first ascension is unlocked after defeating Balbala or Xyclucian in Acts 2 or 3. For the second ascension, players must complete difficulty 1 of both trials or higher-tier versions. The third and fourth ascensions have harder trials, such as level 75+ zones or defeating the final boss, the Trialmaster. Completing all four ascensions provides players with 8 points.

Players can’t refund points, but passive nodes on the ascendancy tree can be respecced using gold. Late-game ascendancy points are harder to get, so players should avoid relying on all 8 points for the build’s core functionality. Instead, they should prioritize getting the first 4-6 points early, as higher-difficulty trials need endgame gear and proper preparation.

Trial of the Sekhemas vs Trial of Chaos in PoE 2

The trial of Sekhemas tests the player’s ability to avoid damage. A mechanic called honor depletes whenever they take a hit, and losing all honor fails the run. Higher difficulties like level 45+ are harsher with the penalization, but equipping relics with honor resistance reduces this. Monsters in Sekhemas drop relics mid-trial, allowing players to change their strategy. This trial works well for those with evasive builds, like rangers or spellcasters with high mobility.

The trial of chaos focuses on surviving escalating environmental hazards and random debuffs called tribulations. Some combinations of tribulations can ruin certain builds, making success partially luck-dependent. While Sekhemas scales predictably with gear, chaos becomes incredibly hard at level 75+. Most players recommend focusing on Sekhemas for early ascensions and saving chaos for late-game builds with high survivability or crowd control.

Essential strategies for mastering ascendancy trials

Overleveling is a safe strategy for both trials. For example, delaying the first Sekhemas attempt until the end of Act 2 gives players access to better gear and skills. Similarly, doing level 60+ trials at level 75 simplifies many mechanics. Boss-specific tactics are key as well. For example, Balbala hides in poison gas, so players must constantly move to find her, while players must destroy Xyclucian’s stone pillars to stun him.

Users must always focus on honor resistance relics in Sekhemas and practice dodging telegraphed attacks. For chaos, players should learn to identify soft tribulations that don’t counter their build, such as avoiding elemental debuffs on physical-focused characters.

FAQs

How do Ascendancy classes work in PoE 2?

In Path of Exile 2, Ascendancy classes are still part of character progression, but they’re tied more directly to your subclass choice at character creation. Each base class offers three possible Ascendancy options, similar to PoE 1, but the way you specialize into them has changed. Instead of using the old Labyrinth system, PoE 2 integrates Ascendancy progression into the main campaign and skill tree, letting you gradually invest in your chosen path as you level up.

Is the Labyrinth still needed for Ascendancy in PoE 2?

No, the Labyrinth is no longer required to unlock Ascendancy classes in Path of Exile 2. The developers have removed the Labyrinth mechanic entirely for PoE 2 to streamline progression and reduce mechanical friction. Instead, you unlock Ascendancy points organically as you progress through the game, and you apply them directly through the revamped passive skill system.

References

1. [1] "Official PoE 2 website". pathofexile2.com. Retrieved May 18, 2025