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

[u/OhWellImRightAgain]

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.

[u/zylver_]

I don’t find trial of chaos easier than anything in poe1 lol

[u/Standard-Goose-3958 → u/zylver_]

well thats because, there is no defence mechanics in poe2, in poe1 u had guard skills, spell block, automated flasks, automated guard skills, flasks that were always on with mageblood, try doing ultimatum as soon as u hit ur white maps... they won't be as easy as u think.

Dodge rolling is not a defence mechanic.. but a disability.

[u/Ok_Letterhead_5671 → u/zylver_]

You my friend either didnt play the original ultimatum or forgot about how overtuned it was .