How to Get the Third Ascendancy in PoE 2 – Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) introduces new gameplay mechanics, thrilling challenges, and powerful rewards. One of the game’s defining features is the Ascendancy system, which allows you to choose specialized subclasses for your character, enhancing their abilities significantly. While the first and second Ascendancies are relatively straightforward to obtain, getting the third Ascendancy can feel like a daunting task.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about obtaining the third Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2, breaking it down step by step to ensure you achieve this crucial milestone with ease.
What Is the Ascendancy System in PoE 2?
The Ascendancy system in Path of Exile 2 is a progression mechanism that unlocks powerful subclass options, refining your character’s build. Each character class has its own set of Ascendancy subclasses that cater to different playstyles. For example:
- Marauder players can ascend into Juggernaut, Berserker, or Chieftain.
- Witches can become Occultists, Elementalists, or Necromancers.
- The third Ascendancy unlocks even more potential, offering deeper skill-tree enhancements that significantly impact your endgame viability.
Why Is the Third Ascendancy Important?
Obtaining the third Ascendancy is essential for several reasons:
- Access to Advanced Skill Nodes: Unlocking the third Ascendancy allows you to utilize the most powerful nodes on your chosen Ascendancy tree.
- Endgame Optimization: Many endgame builds rely on the bonuses granted by completing all three Ascendancies.
- Improved Survivability and Damage: Ascendancy perks can drastically increase your character’s defensive and offensive capabilities.
- Without the third Ascendancy, your character’s potential will be capped, making high-tier content much harder to clear.
Steps to Get the Third Ascendancy in PoE 2
Achieving the third Ascendancy involves completing specific tasks and overcoming challenging trials. Here’s a detailed guide to help you manage the process:
Step 1: Complete the First and Second Ascendancies
Before you can unlock the third Ascendancy, you must have completed the first two Ascendancy trials:
- First Ascendancy: Gained during the early acts of the campaign.
- Second Ascendancy: Unlocked by progressing further through the story and completing additional trials.
Each Ascendancy requires completing Labyrinth trials, which test your ability to solve puzzles, navigate traps, and defeat enemies.
Step 2: Reach the Required Level
To access the third Ascendancy, your character must meet the required level threshold. In PoE 2, Ascendancy trials are staggered throughout the campaign:
- First Ascendancy: Around Level 30.
- Second Ascendancy: Around Level 50.
- Third Ascendancy: Generally, Level 70 or higher.
Reaching Level 70 ensures you have enough skill points and equipment to handle the challenges ahead.
Step 3: Locate the Third Labyrinth
The third Ascendancy is tied to the third Labyrinth, a specialized dungeon featuring traps, puzzles, and powerful enemies. Here’s how to locate it:
- Quest Objective: Look for the questline associated with the third Labyrinth in Act 10 or later. Quest markers will guide you to the entrance.
- Trial Locations: Complete all required trials scattered across various acts. These trials will unlock access to the third Labyrinth.
Step 4: Prepare for the Labyrinth
The third Labyrinth is significantly harder than the previous two. Being well-prepared is essential to your success:
- Gear Up: Equip items with high resistances, life regeneration, and damage mitigation. Traps in the Labyrinth deal substantial damage, so ensure your gear can handle them.
- Flask Setup: Bring flasks that provide movement speed, health recovery, and immunity to status ailments like bleed and freeze.
- Skill Selection: Choose skills that balance damage output and mobility. For example:
Use Blink Arrow or Flame Dash for quick movement.
Equip defensive skills like Molten Shell or Immortal Call to mitigate damage.
Learn Trap Mechanics: Familiarize yourself with common Labyrinth traps, such as spinning blades, flame vents, and spike floors.
Step 5: Navigate the Labyrinth
Once inside the third Labyrinth, your objective is to:
- Avoid Traps: Use precise timing and movement to navigate past traps.
- Solve Puzzles: Interact with levers, pressure plates, and other mechanisms to progress through the maze.
- Defeat Izaro: Izaro, the last boss of the Labyrinth, appears in three stages. His abilities scale based on the mechanics you trigger during each encounter, so aim to minimize his buffs by carefully managing the environment.
Step 6: Use the Ascendancy Altar
After defeating Izaro in the third Labyrinth, you’ll gain access to the Ascendancy Altar. Interact with it to unlock your third Ascendancy points. These points can be spent on advanced nodes in your chosen subclass tree.
Tips for Mastering the Third Labyrinth
1. Practice Makes Perfect
If you struggle with the third Labyrinth, consider practicing earlier Labyrinths to improve your timing and familiarity with trap mechanics.
2. Focus on Survivability
Damage-dealing builds are powerful but can struggle in the Labyrinth if they lack survivability. Prioritize health, armor, and resistance stats to endure trap damage.
3. Use Enchantments
The Labyrinth rewards you with Enchantments, which provide bonuses to your gear. These can enhance your build further, so consider running the Labyrinth multiple times to maximize your rewards.
4. Bring Backup Currency
Carry currency items like Portal Scrolls and Orbs of Alteration to adjust your gear or escape the Labyrinth if necessary.
5. Party Play
If allowed, consider running the Labyrinth with friends or guildmates. A coordinated group can split up to solve puzzles faster and provide backup during boss fights.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Trap Damage
- Challenge: Spinning blades, flame vents, and other traps deal significant damage.
- Solution: Equip gear with high life regeneration and use flasks to recover quickly. Learn trap patterns and time your movements carefully.
2. Izaro’s Buffs
- Challenge: If Izaro gains too many buffs during earlier phases, his final phase becomes overwhelmingly difficult.
- Solution: Focus on mechanics like killing summoned monsters or destroying conduits to minimize his power.
3. Lack of Mobility
- Challenge: Slow-moving characters struggle to avoid traps and reposition during combat.
- Solution: Use mobility skills like Dash, Phase Run, or Leap Slam to increase your movement speed.
The Rewards of the Third Ascendancy
Successfully completing the third Ascendancy unlocks significant benefits for your character:
- Skill Nodes: Gain access to powerful abilities and buffs that transform your build.
- Endgame Viability: Tackle high-tier content, such as maps and bosses, with confidence.
- Bragging Rights: Completing the third Labyrinth is a milestone achievement that showcases your mastery of the game.
Conclusion
The third Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2 is a crucial milestone that unlocks new opportunities for your character. While the process can be challenging, careful preparation, strategic planning, and practice will help you succeed. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the third Labyrinth and take your character to the next level.
Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated adventurer, mastering the third Ascendancy will set you apart as a skilled player ready to tackle Path of Exile 2’s toughest challenges.