Path of Exile 2 is a highly complex action-RPG game that requires players to master not only combat skills but also a deep understanding of the game’s currency system. Especially in the challenging content of Trial of Chaos, the use of POE2 Currency will directly affect whether players can successfully complete the mission and obtain rich rewards.

As you level up your character in Path of Exile 2, you will unlock ‘Ascendancy’ trials, which allow you to select a specialized Ascendancy class for your character and grant it powerful new abilities. One of these trials is Ascendancy Trial, which takes place in Temple of Chaos in Act III.

Note that Trials of Chaos are notoriously difficult, so it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. Let’s explore together by following this guide.

Start Trial Of Chaos

Before entering Trial of Chaos, first make sure your equipment is optimized. If you don’t have suitable equipment yet, you can consider using Chaos Orb to adjust the properties of existing equipment. This can significantly improve your survival and output capabilities when facing enemies in Trial of Chaos.

During Path of Exile 2’s Early Access phase, there are only two Ascendancy Trials available, Trial of Sekhemas and Trial of Chaos. The former is unlocked in the second act of the campaign, the latter is accessible in the third act. While you can play Trials after unlocking their respective maps, they are still available as endgame activities as they come with high-level challenges.

Temple of Chaos is located in Vaal Jungle in the third act, on Chimeral Wetlands map, and you will encounter it during ‘Legacy of Vaal’ main quest. To enter Temple, you must find and defeat the boss named Xyclucian, the Chimera, as you need its drop for ‘Chimeral Inscribed Ultimatum’. Xyclucian is also located in Chimeral Wetlands.

Once you have Chimeral Inscribed Ultimatum, Trials of Chaos quest will begin. The first step is to find the way to Temple of Chaos, which is located somewhere on the border of the map, and the specific location is random.

Inside Temple of Chaos, you’ll see an altar that looks like a stone pillar with a glowing red center. Placing Ultimatum engraved on it on the altar will open the door to Trial of Chaos, which will appear next to the altar.

Shortly after entering, you’ll meet Trialmaster, who will ask you to choose one of three challenge modifiers. We’ll explain this in more detail below, but in short, you must choose a modifier to increase the difficulty of the challenge, and then you’ll enter the first round of the Trial.

Trials of Chaos typically get progressively more difficult, and when facing tough enemies, simply upgrading your gear may not be enough to guarantee victory. This is when POE 2 Exalted Orb becomes your key tool. By using Exalted Orb, you can add additional stealth properties to your gear, which can result in crucial stat bonuses.

Trial Of Chaos Mechanics

Trial of Chaos features the following mechanics that differ from the base game of Path of Exile 2.

To complete Temple of Chaos, you must survive four rounds of challenges, and in the fourth round, you’ll encounter a boss. Both Challenges and Encounters are randomized, and while you earn Ascendancy points by completing the fourth round, you can return to Trial of Chaos later to complete more. Characters level 60 and above can attempt seven rounds in total, while characters level 75 and above can attempt ten rounds.

Before starting a new round, you must select a Challenge Modifier. Before starting a Trial of Chaos, Trialmaster will ask you to choose one of three Tribulations that affect you, Hazard, or the monsters in Temple. For example, the monsters could always hit the target, or your attack range could be reduced. Make sure you choose a Tribulation that you can handle.

While this depends somewhat on your chosen class, I found it easier to make the enemies more difficult than to weaken my defenses. Avoid modifiers that reduce health and mana regeneration, and consider modifiers like ‘Monster Speed’, ‘Lessened Reach’, or ‘Chaotic Monsters’. Be aware that each new round adds a new Tribulation.

Each round of the game has a goal, also known as Trialmaster’s Challenge. You can see this objective at the top right of the screen. For example, you may need to defeat all monsters, collect Soul Cores, or survive until the timer ends. Defeating monsters is simple, but Soul Cores challenge is a little more complicated, and you must flip the aura to obtain Soul Cores and then move them back to the altar as quickly as possible.

After successfully completing a round of Trials, you can choose to quit and claim your current rewards, or try again and risk losing all your rewards. If you come for the random Trial of Chaos rewards, don't be too greedy. However, if you want to complete Temple of Chaos to gain Ascendancy points, it's best to stick to the fourth round if you think you have a chance of success.

Trials of Chaos may reward you with these unique items, including Vaal Orbs and Soul Cores. Vaal Orbs can be used to 'corrupt' items, which randomly changes the properties and effects of an item to make it better or worse. After that, the item can no longer be changed. Soul Cores, on the other hand, can be placed in equipment slots to add unique buffs to the item.

Trial Of Chaos Bosses

After entering round 4, you will encounter the first Trial boss. There are three bosses in Trial of Chaos. They will only appear in rounds 4, 7, and 10, but the order of appearance is random. Therefore, if you only play the first four rounds, you will encounter one of the bosses.

Uxmal, The Beastlord

This is a highly mobile boss that looks like a Chimera. Uxmal's most dangerous attacks include breathing fire and poison, so you should be vigilant whenever you stand in front of him. Annoyingly, Uxmal will fly away throughout the battle, so it's best to attack quickly whenever you see him.

Chetza, The Feathered Plague

This giant bird has a powerful arsenal of physical attacks, but they are easy to dodge. Its main attack is to slam its beak into the ground, causing bleeding in a certain range. Halfway through the battle, Chetza will also summon a 'plagueling' soldier, but you can easily avoid it.

It's best to circle around the boss to avoid damage from the bird's beak and minions. Fortunately, Chetza is vulnerable to elemental damage and diseases, and fire spells are particularly effective against this monster.

Bahlak, The Sky Seer

Another bird-like boss, but he uses a variety of elemental attacks. Watch out for his powerful area-of-effect abilities, especially his ability to summon a giant whirlwind. This boss is easier to defeat with a ranged character, but be prepared to dodge often if you can only use melee.

After defeating Trial of Chaos bosses, don't forget to use your hard-earned Ascendancy points! If you've already completed Trial of Sekhemas, you should now have a total of four Ascendancy points.

That's our introduction to Trial of Chaos, but if you're new to the game, take a look at our list of things to do first in POE 2 and make sure you understand your character attributes. Have fun!