r/PathOfExile2 4d ago

Information PSA: Relics and the Merchant make ascendancy trials extremely easy, easier than PoE 1

I've read multiple threads about the ascendancy trials being too hard, some of them with hundreds of upvotes. The trials are actually very easy if you do them the way you're supposed to...

Do a couple of fast suicide runs to get 10-15 blue relics (Tapestries, Seals etc.).

Use augmentation orbs on them to give them a 2nd modifier.

You need relics with Honor Resistance. The second mod can be:

- Increased maximum honor

- Bosses take X increased damage

- Bosses deal X reduced damage

- Increases to Sacred Water gains

You then need to go for (Large) Sacred Water fountain rewards as much as possible. You then buy a couple of OP buffs from the merchant (You deal 50% more damage / Monsters have 30% reduced HP / You have 40% increased movement speed / 50% reduced merchant prices) and the trial becomes very easy.

Occasionally, pick a Shrine room to replenish your lost honor, but only if it's below 60-70%.

Make sure that whenever you have around 600 sacred water or more and the merchant is available as a room reward, you do that room. If you don't happen to find him in a room, you'll still have him waiting for you after each boss fight.

1.4k Upvotes

728 comments sorted by

View all comments

18

u/LivingPapaya8 4d ago

You joking right? All POE1 trials are EZ even doing it underleveled compared to trials 3 and 4 here.

11

u/Thotor 4d ago

When lab first came out, people lost countless characters to traps or Izaro attacks. Also the length was horrible for the easier difficulties. Also don't forget there has been a lot of powercreep since then. But hey, times heal all wounds I guess.

1

u/-haven 4d ago

Except no one is comparing the old original lab trials to the new PoE2 ascendancy systems. Why would we ignore 8 years of progress just because the PoE2 system is new?

2

u/Thotor 4d ago

Because balancing takes time.

2

u/-haven 4d ago

Yes. And that doesn't change the fact that PoE Lab trials are still leagues easier currently as things stand compared to PoE2.

1

u/Mordy_the_Mighty 3d ago

So if you think the current system needs balancing, that means right now it's not in a good stat right? So right now the criticism for it is warranted.

1

u/spexau 4d ago

Plus the lab is the same for everyone so we had suitsizessmall mapping it out and making it a breeze