How to Get Ascendancy Points in Path of Exile 2

By Daniel Hidalgo | 2025-04-23 10:45:55
Path of Exile 2 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious action RPGs in recent years, and a major part of its depth comes from its intricate Ascendancy system. Unlike traditional skill trees that mostly boost stats, Path of Exile 2’s Ascendancy classes fundamentally alter how you play, offering unique mechanics and playstyles.
However, unlocking the full power of your chosen Ascendancy path requires Ascendancy Points, which are earned through challenging Trials and multiple playthroughs. If you're ready to push your build to its limits, here’s everything you need to know about Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2.

What Are Ascendancy Classes in Path of Exile 2?


In Path of Exile 2, each of the seven base classes has two Ascendancy specializations, allowing for deeper customization. These subclasses enhance your character’s abilities in distinct ways, often introducing new mechanics or drastically altering existing skills.
For example:
  • A Witch who chooses Blood Mage gains powerful life-cost spells, while an Infernalist focuses on fire and chaos damage.
  • A Ranger can become a Pathfinder, excelling in poison and flask efficiency, or a Deadeye, specializing in precision attacks and projectile speed.

Here’s the full list of Ascendancy classes available in Path of Exile 2:

Ascendancy Classes Breakdown



Base ClassAscendancy Option 1Ascendancy Option 2
WarriorTitan (Brute force, heavy weapons)Warbringer (Battle tactics, defensive mastery)
MercenaryGemling Legionnaire (Hybrid melee & gem-powered abilities)Witchhunter (Anti-magic, curse-focused combat)
WitchBlood Mage (Life-for-power spells)Infernalist (Fire & chaos mastery)
SorceressChronomancer (Time manipulation, cooldown reduction)Stormweaver (Lightning & elemental dominance)
MonkInvoker (Spiritual energy, mantra-based combat)Acolyte of Chayula (Dark rituals, forbidden magic)
RangerPathfinder (Poison, mobility, flask synergy)Deadeye (Precision, projectile mastery)
HuntressAmazon (Beast mastery, spear combat)Ritualist (Totem-based, ritual magic)

Choosing an Ascendancy path is only the beginning—maxing it out requires Ascendancy Points, earned through grueling challenges.

How to Get Ascendancy Points in Path of Exile 2


Unlike passive skill points, Ascendancy Points are not gained through leveling. Instead, you must complete Ascendancy Trials, special dungeons filled with deadly enemies and punishing mechanics.

Step 1: Complete the Trial of Sekhemas (Act 2)


Your first two Ascendancy Points come from the Trial of Sekhemas, a dungeon where you must:


  • Fight through waves of enemies.
  • Defeat a powerful boss in the final chamber.
  • Preserve your Honor meter (losing Honor by taking damage reduces rewards).

Successfully clearing this Trial grants 2 Ascendancy Points, allowing you to unlock your first major Ascendancy perks.

Step 2: Conquer the Trial of Chaos (Act 3)


The second Trial, found in Act 3, is the Trial of Chaos, which follows a similar structure but with more dangerous enemies and environmental hazards. Completing it rewards 2 more Ascendancy Points, further empowering your build.

Step 3: Replay on Higher Difficulties for More Points


At launch, Path of Exile 2 will feature multiple difficulty modes (similar to the original game’s Normal, Cruel, and Merciless). To earn the remaining 4 Ascendancy Points, you must:


  • Complete the campaign on the default difficulty.
  • Restart on Cruel difficulty, where enemies are stronger but your progress carries over.
  • Replay the Ascendancy Trials to earn 4 additional points (2 per Trial).

  • This means a fully maxed Ascendancy class requires 8 points, achievable only by conquering the game twice.

    Why Are Ascendancy Points So Important?


    Unlike minor stat boosts, Ascendancy Points unlock game-changing abilities, such as:

    • New mechanics (e.g., converting health into spell power as a Blood Mage).
    • Enhanced skills (e.g., the Deadeye’s ricocheting projectiles).
    • Unique buffs (e.g., the Titan’s unstoppable rage mode).

    Missing even a single point can drastically alter your build’s effectiveness, making Trials essential for endgame viability.

    Future Updates and Endgame Ascendancy Progression



    While only two Trials are available in early access, Grinding Gear Games has hinted at additional Ascendancy challenges in future updates. Possible expansions could include:


    • New Trials in later Acts.
    • Uber Ascendancy Trials with even greater rewards.
    • Ascendancy-specific quests for unique abilities.


    For now, mastering the existing Trials is the key to dominating Path of Exile 2’s toughest encounters.


    Final Tips for Ascendancy Success


  • Optimize your build before attempting Trials – They are harder than regular content.
  • Avoid unnecessary damage – Honor loss reduces rewards.
  • Experiment with different Ascendancies – Respeccing is costly, so choose wisely!

  • With the right strategy, your Ascendancy class will become an unstoppable force in Path of Exile 2. Will you embrace the power of a Titan’s fury or master the dark arts as an Acolyte of Chayula? The choice—and the challenge—awaits.

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