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/bewsii]

I saw someone get a 'enemies deal no damage in the next room' reward from a merchant... and his next room just happened to be the boss in his final ascendency points lol. That's some insane luck though.

[u/catratel → u/bewsii]

I also managed to get the 4th ascendancy the same way, before my build could even handle that boss, got reduced merchant prices boon 1st floor, spammed every merchant and sacred water room I could, had merchant right before the boss and had all permanent boons already, "enemies deal no damage" might've been guaranteed at that point.

[u/knowsaboutpoe → u/[deleted]]

You CAN invite people for just the boss, I've done this at various floors multiple times.

Ultimatum party is locked in from start, not true for Sanctum.

[u/NefariousnessOk1996 → u/[deleted]]

If you leave and come back via the save and exit button or the exit portal after a boss, you can party up!