The Trial itself is a series of challenging rooms filled with POE2 Currency traps and enemies, testing your timing, awareness, and combat readiness. Completing it successfully unlocks your character’s Ascendancy class and the associated subclass skill tree. This is a turning point in your build, allowing you to select from several specialization options unique to your base class.

Ascendancy Skill Points: Don’t Miss Them

After selecting your Ascendancy, you’ll gain access to a new skill tree that offers powerful passive bonuses and new mechanics. However, these skills aren't handed out freely — you’ll need to earn Ascendancy points through gameplay.

Unlike the original Path of Exile, POE 2 structures Ascendancy point acquisition more tightly around specific in-game achievements. You gain additional Ascendancy points by completing further trials and objectives tied to the story and optional content. These include more difficult trial dungeons later in the campaign and potentially even endgame objectives like maps or boss encounters.

Why Ascendancy Matters

Ascendancy classes often redefine your build’s core mechanics. For instance, a Shadow character might become a Nightblade, gaining huge boosts to critical strikes and movement, while a Witch ascending to the Occultist can dominate with chaos damage and curses. These changes influence everything — from the skill gems you prioritize to how you craft gear using Path of Exile 2 Currency and Chaos Orbs.

Without your Ascendancy upgrades, your character may feel underpowered in the mid-to-late game, especially when facing tougher bosses or grinding maps for POE 2 Currency farming.

Don’t Skip Side Content

A common mistake players make is rushing through Acts and skipping side content that hides important progression tools. In Path of Exile 2, side content isn't just filler — it often includes trials and events tied directly to Ascendancy progression. Missing these means missing out on crucial power boosts and potentially stalling your build’s effectiveness.

It’s also worth noting that players who miss early Ascendancy trials may find themselves underleveled or underpowered in endgame content, especially as difficulty spikes. If you're unsure where to find  cheap Path of Exile 2 Currencythese trials, community resources and guides are a great help, and they’re constantly updated to reflect the latest patch changes.