How to Get Ascendancy Points in Path of Exile 2 – Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) expands upon the beloved action RPG with new content, including Ascendancy classes, which provide a deeper layer of customization and power for characters. Ascendancy Points are the key to unlocking the specialized skills and traits within these classes. Mastering how to earn and allocate these points is essential for optimizing your build and tackling PoE 2’s challenging content.
This guide will take you through the process of obtaining Ascendancy Points, covering trials, challenges, and tips to maximize your efficiency.
What Are Ascendancy Points?
Ascendancy Points allow players to allocate nodes on the Ascendancy skill tree, which is tied to the specific Ascendancy class chosen for your character. These points unlock powerful bonuses, passive abilities, and synergies that significantly enhance your build.
Each character can earn up to eight Ascendancy Points in Path of Exile 2, split across multiple Labyrinth completions.
How to Unlock Ascendancy Classes in PoE 2
You must first unlock your Ascendancy class in order to accrue Ascendancy Points. Here’s how:
Complete the Ascendancy Trial Quests:
Trials of Ascendancy are specific challenges found throughout the game’s acts. Completing these trials grants access to the Labyrinth.
Defeat the Labyrinth:
- Once you’ve completed the required trials, you can access the Labyrinth for that difficulty level.
- Successfully defeating the Labyrinth allows you to choose your Ascendancy class.
Allocate Ascendancy Points:
Upon completing the Labyrinth, you are awarded Ascendancy Points, which can be spent on your class-specific Ascendancy tree.
How to Earn Ascendancy Points in Path of Exile 2
There are multiple ways to earn Ascendancy Points. Let’s dissect it in detail:
1. Complete Labyrinth Challenges
The Labyrinth is the central mechanism for earning Ascendancy Points in Path of Exile 2. Each time you complete a Labyrinth tier, you earn two Ascendancy Points. There are four Labyrinth tiers in PoE 2:
Normal Labyrinth:
- Unlocked after completing the first set of Ascendancy trials.
- Grants two Ascendancy Points upon completion.
Cruel Labyrinth:
- Requires additional trials to unlock.
- Grants another two Ascendancy Points.
Merciless Labyrinth:
- More challenging and unlocked after completing specific trials in later acts.
- Awards two more Ascendancy Points.
Endgame Eternal Labyrinth:
- The final and most difficult Labyrinth, available in endgame content.
- Provides the last two Ascendancy Points, bringing the total to eight.
2. Completing Trials of Ascendancy
Before accessing each Labyrinth, you must complete Trials of Ascendancy. These trials are scattered throughout the campaign and involve navigating traps, solving puzzles, and overcoming environmental hazards.
Tips for Completing Trials:
- Pay Attention to Traps: Learn the mechanics of traps such as spinning blades, spikes, and flame jets. Timing is crucial for survival.
- Use Defensive Gear: Equip gear with life regeneration, movement speed, and resistances to mitigate damage from traps.
- Bring Utility Flasks: Flasks that grant movement speed or reduce damage over time are invaluable during trials.
- Mark Trial Locations: Keep track of completed and remaining trials. Missing one can delay your progress to the next Labyrinth tier.
3. Survive the Labyrinth
The Labyrinth is a dungeon filled with traps, puzzles, and challenging enemies. At the end of each Labyrinth, you must defeat Izaro, the final boss. Izaro’s mechanics change with each difficulty level, so preparation is key.
Strategies for Beating Izaro:
- Study His Patterns: Learn Izaro’s attack mechanics to avoid devastating damage.
- Bring Mobility Skills: Movement skills like Dash or Flame Dash help you evade attacks and traps.
- Upgrade Your Gear: Ensure your gear and gems are optimized before entering the Labyrinth. High survivability and damage output are essential.
- Manage Buffs and Debuffs: During the fight, Izaro may gain buffs or apply debuffs. To make the fight easier to handle, concentrate on mastering these mechanics.
4. Complete Endgame Trials
The Eternal Labyrinth, available in the endgame, is the final step to earning all Ascendancy Points. To unlock it, you must find and complete six endgame trials. These trials are randomly generated in maps and involve advanced trap mechanics.
Requirements for Eternal Labyrinth:
- Offering to the Goddess: This item is required to access the Eternal Labyrinth. It can be obtained as a drop in maps or traded with other players.
- Character Level: Your character should be well-geared and at a high level before attempting the Eternal Labyrinth.
How to Optimize Ascendancy Point Allocation
Once you’ve earned Ascendancy Points, the next step is to allocate them wisely. Here’s how to get the most out of your Ascendancy tree:
1. Focus on Core Synergies
Choose nodes that align with your primary skills, damage type, and playstyle.
For example, a spell caster should prioritize nodes that enhance spell damage, cast speed, and mana efficiency.
2. Balance Offense and Defense
While damage nodes are tempting, don’t neglect defensive options. Survival is critical in PoE 2’s tougher encounters.
3. Plan Around Your Build
Use tools like Path of Building or PoE 2’s in-game planner to visualize your full passive tree and Ascendancy setup.
4. Adapt to Changing Needs
- As you acquire new gear or tackle specific content, consider respeccing Ascendancy Points to better suit your current needs.
- Use Orbs of Regret or free respec events to adjust your choices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ascendancy Points
Q: Can You Earn More Than Eight Ascendancy Points?
No, the maximum number of Ascendancy Points you can earn per character is eight, obtained through the four Labyrinth tiers.
Q: Can I Change My Ascendancy Class?
Yes, but changing your Ascendancy class requires a full respec of all Ascendancy Points, which is resource-intensive. Ensure you are confident in your choice before committing.
Q: What Happens if I Skip a Trial?
If you miss a Trial of Ascendancy during the campaign, you can return to complete it later. Trials remain available until completed.
Conclusion
Earning and utilizing Ascendancy Points in Path of Exile 2 is a crucial part of mastering your character and excelling in both the campaign and endgame content. By completing Trials of Ascendancy, surviving the Labyrinth, and allocating points strategically, you unlock the full potential of your chosen Ascendancy class.
Whether you’re optimizing a league starter build or fine-tuning an endgame powerhouse, understanding how to earn and allocate Ascendancy Points ensures your success in the ever-challenging world of Wraeclast. Prepare carefully, plan ahead, and make the most of this intricate system to dominate PoE 2’s vast array of content!