POE2 How to Ascend
Path of Exile 2 is the much-anticipated sequel to the beloved dungeon crawler, and with it comes a wealth of new features, challenges, and systems to explore. Among these, the process of Ascension stands out as a thrilling opportunity to specialize your character and unlock powerful new abilities. In this article, we will delve deep into the mechanics, strategies, and considerations for ascending effectively in Path of Exile 2. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer eager to make your mark in Wraeclast, this guide will provide essential insights to help you ascend with confidence.
What is Ascension in Path of Exile 2?
In the rich world of Path of Exile 2, Ascension is a game mechanic that allows players to choose a specialized class for their character, thereby unlocking unique abilities and playstyles. Think of it as a coming-of-age for your character, where they move beyond their basic beginnings to become champions of their respective archetype. Ascension not only enhances the lore and narrative of your character but also provides gameplay depth through skill customization and increased power.
Unlike other role-playing games where class change is often restrictive, Path of Exile 2 offers a diverse array of Ascendancy options tailored to each base class. This means whether you start as a shadowy assassin or a stalwart marauder, you have paths available that can dramatically alter how you approach the game. The choices you make in Ascension will significantly impact your character’s effectiveness in battle and their role within cooperative gameplay.
Choosing Your Ascendancy Class
The heart of Ascension lies in selecting an Ascendancy class that complements your preferred playstyle and strategy. Each base class has several Ascendancy options, which opens up possibilities for character development. Before diving into the labyrinth where Ascension trials occur, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what each Ascendancy class offers.
Here is a breakdown of the base classes and their possible Ascendancies:
| Base Class | Ascendancy Options |
|---|---|
| Marauder | BerserkerChieftainJuggernaut |
| Ranger | DeadeyeRaiderPathfinder |
| Witch | ElementalistNecromancerOccultist |
Each choice presents its own set of skills and focuses, such as increased offensive capabilities, defensive strengths, utility support, or hybrid balances. It’s essential to weigh these options based on your current builds and future gameplay goals. Consider playing through each trial with a focus on an element or playstyle that you enjoy and wish to enhance further.
Preparing for the Ascendancy Trials
An integral part of the Ascension process involves completing challenges known as Ascendancy Trials. These trials test the player’s skills, reflexes, and understanding of the game mechanics. Each trial contains a unique set of traps, hazards, and puzzles, ensuring no two encounters are alike. Preparing for these trials is crucial, and rushing in unprepared can lead to frustration and repeated failures.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the Ascendancy Trials:
- Level Appropriately: Ascendancy trials are more challenging than regular gameplay areas, featuring tougher enemies and complex traps. Make sure your character is at a suitable level for each trial. Typically, being five to ten levels higher than the monsters within the area provides a good balance of challenge and survivability.
- Gear Up: Equip your character with the best possible gear before entering a trial. Focus on armor or evasion items based on your character’s class, and ensure your resistances are capped to mitigate elemental damage from traps.
- Study the Trials: Each trial has distinct features and traps. Familiarizing yourself with these can help you avoid damage and solve puzzles efficiently. Watching walkthroughs or practicing previous trials will provide valuable insights into what to expect.
- Bring Adequate Supplies: It’s wise to enter trials with plenty of flasks, especially those that can remove ailments like bleeding or burning. Halfway through a trial is not the time to find yourself short on supplies.
Remember, each trial is unique and might require slightly different strategic approaches. Adaptability is key—not just brute strength or survival skills.
Tackling the Labyrinth
After successfully navigating the Ascendancy Trials, players face the Labyrinth. This ever-shifting maze is the final hurdle in your quest to ascend, standing as one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in Path of Exile 2. The Labyrinth features traps, puzzles, and the formidable final boss, Izaro, who appears several times throughout your run.
Here are a few key strategies for tackling the Labyrinth:
- Patience is a Virtue: The Labyrinth is designed as a test of stamina, wits, and timing. Rushing through can lead to a quick demise at the hands of traps or Izaro himself. Proceed cautiously and keep an eye for patterns in traps.
- Izaro Encounters: Izaro will confront players multiple times during a Labyrinth run, growing stronger if certain mechanics aren’t dealt with in earlier phases. Pay attention to his ability that carries through each fight and strategize accordingly.
- Utilize the Environment: The Labyrinth is riddled with secrets and levers that can aid your run. Watching for hidden passages or alternative routes may provide advantages such as avoiding difficult traps or finding helpful loot.
Completion of the Labyrinth rewards players with powerful enchantments and your chosen Ascendancy class, marking a significant milestone in character development.
Maximizing the Potential of Your Ascendancy Class
After completing Ascension, it’s time to capitalize on the new set of skills and powers your character possesses. This transformation should seamlessly integrate with your existing playstyle or open the door to entirely new strategies. Here are some ways to make the most out of your Ascendancy class:
- Revise Your Skill Tree: With new abilities unlocked, you may want to consider reallocating skill points to synergy with your Ascendancy perks. This may involve focusing more on offensive nodes or perhaps bolstering defense, depending on your chosen class.
- Experiment with New Builds: The Ascendancy fundamentally changes your character’s class potential; it’s worth experimenting with different combinations of skills and items to discover new powerful builds.
- Engage in High-level Content: With your character now stronger than ever, it’s a perfect opportunity to challenge endgame content like maps, battles with powerful bosses, or delve into the depths.
- Seek Community Feedback: Joining online communities or collecting input from fellow players can provide fresh perspectives on how to maximize your Ascendancy class’s potential. Shared tips, build guides, and forum discussions are valuable resources.
Above all, the goal should be to enjoy the culmination of your hard work. Whether you’re solo clearing dungeons or in a party tackling the most menacing end bosses, your ascended character can wield incredible power in Path of Exile 2’s complex and rewarding universe.
Conclusion
Ascending in Path of Exile 2 is a journey of growth both in character strength and personal skill as a player. By carefully selecting an Ascendancy class, diligently preparing for trials, and mastering the Labyrinth, players can enhance their PoE2 experience significantly. The path to Ascension is paved with challenge and risk, but the rewards are undeniably worth the effort.
We hope this guide has provided a comprehensive understanding of how to tackle the Ascension process efficiently and effectively. So, prepare, strategize, brave the trials, and embark on one of PoE2’s most exciting character advancements. May your journey through Wraeclast be as thrilling as the game itself intends!