Path of Exile 2 (PoE 2) introduces multiple ways to ascend your character into greatness. One of the major avenues is the Trial of the Sekhemas, a challenging multi-floor dungeon that tests your endurance and skill. However, if you are looking for an alternate path to ascendancy, you might find the Trial of Chaos (ToC) a more appealing option.
Trial of Chaos provides a 10-round combat gauntlet, where each round presents unique challenges that test your ability to adapt and overcome increasing difficulty. If you're looking for a comprehensive guide on how to conquer this trial, you've come to the right place!
What is the Trial of Chaos?
The Trial of Chaos (ToC) is an alternative ascendancy trial in PoE 2, reminiscent of Ultimatum Encounters from the original game. ToC consists of 10 rounds, with each round featuring different challenges that must be completed before progressing further. These challenges include enemy elimination, survival-based trials, escort missions, and boss fights.
Breakdown of Rounds in the Trial of Chaos
Each trial is unique, but they follow a general structure:
Round Challenge Description
1 Defeat All Enemies
2 Corruption Trial (Survive the onslaught)
3 Escort the Statue
4 1st Boss Fight (Random Boss)
5 Defeat All Enemies (Randomized Challenge)
6 Collect Soul Cores
7 2nd Boss Fight (Random Boss)
8 Defeat All Enemies (Randomized Challenge)
9 Sacrifice Monsters to the Altar
10 3rd Boss Fight (Random Boss)
Rounds 4, 7, and 10 are always boss fights, though the specific bosses encountered will vary. Additionally, the upcoming trials will be revealed before selecting a modifier, which adds another layer of difficulty.
How to Enter the Trial of Chaos in PoE 2
Trial of Chaos becomes available in Act 3 of the game. To access it, follow these steps:
1. Defeat Xyclucian, the Chimera: Found in Chimeral Wetlands, this boss will drop the Chimeral Inscribed Ultimatum, which is required to access ToC.
2. Locate the Trial of Chaos Entrance: The entrance can be found at the top-middle portion of Chimeral Wetlands.
3. Insert the Inscribed Ultimatum: Once inside, interact with the Temple Offering and place the Chimeral Inscribed Ultimatum to enter the first four rounds of ToC.
4. Ascendancy Unlock: Upon defeating the Round 4 Boss, you can interact with the Altar of Ascendancy to choose your Ascendancy Class.
5. Further Attempts: For additional ascendancy points, you will need a 10-trial Inscribed Ultimatum, which drops from monsters in maps.
Why Choose the Trial of Chaos?
While Trial of the Sekhemas offers lucrative unique items such as The Last Flame and The Desperate Alliance, the Trial of Chaos provides unique rewards and advantages, particularly for those looking to farm PoE 2 currency efficiently. Here are some key reasons to choose ToC:
• Soul Core Farming: High-value Soul Cores drop frequently, with Soul Core of Azcapa selling for multiple Divine Orbs.
• Ultimatum Fragments: The final boss (Round 10) always drops one of three Ultimatum Fragments (Deadly Fate, Cowardly Fate, Victorious Fate).
• Access to The Trialmaster: Collect all three Ultimatum Fragments to fight The Trialmaster, who drops powerful uniques like Mahuxotl's Machination and The Adorned.
Main Challenges in the Trial of Chaos
1. Defeat All Enemies
• This objective is straightforward—eliminate all monsters in the area before proceeding.
• The area is small, making it easy to clear within three minutes.
• AoE skills are highly recommended.
2. Corruption Trial
• Survive for 90 seconds against waves of enemies.
• Mobility is key—use movement skills like Flame Dash or Leap Slam to avoid damage.
3. Escort the Statue
• A slow-moving statue must reach its destination.
• Best approach: clear the path ahead before returning to the statue.
• Getting overwhelmed is easy if enemies pile up near the statue.
4. Collect Soul Cores
• Pick up three Vaal Soul Cores scattered around the map.
• Each inflicts damage over time until inserted into an Altar.
• If using Chaos Inoculation, you won't take DoT damage.
5. Sacrifice Monsters to the Altar
• Kill enemies and drag their corpses to the altar.
• Monsters will resurrect if left too long, so act quickly.
6. Boss Fights
• Rounds 4, 7, and 10 feature a random boss encounter.
• The Trialmaster is the final hidden boss if you collect all Ultimatum Fragments.
Trial Modifiers and Their Effects
Each round, you select a Trial Modifier that adds difficulty but also improves rewards. Modifiers persist across rounds, so choosing wisely is crucial.
Modifier Effect
Blood Globules Periodically spawns globules that deal physical damage over time.
Blood Mist Covers the area in mist, making monsters immune to damage.
Burning Turrets Fires explosive projectiles that deal fire damage.
Chaotic Monsters Enemies have increased movement speed and attack speed.
Echoing Death Defeated monsters revive once after a lay.
Hexing Shadows Casts random curses on your character.
Sacrificial Ground Life regeneration is disabled, and damage-over-time effects linger longer.
For an easier time, avoid modifiers like Echoing Death and Hexing Shadows, as they significantly increase difficulty.
The Trialmaster Encounter
Once you've completed 10 rounds of the Trial of Chaos and collected all three Ultimatum Fragments, you can challenge The Trialmaster.
• Difficulty: Medium (easier than Uber bosses, but gear-dependent)
• Avoidable Mechanics: The Trialmaster's attacks are telegraphed, making them easy to dodge.
• Rewards:
• Mahuxotl's Machination (Unique Shield that boosts Soul Core effects)
• The Adorned (Greatly amplifies corrupted magic jewels)
Conclusion
The Trial of Chaos is an excellent alternative to the Trial of the Sekhemas, offering unique rewards and a structured combat challenge that scales in difficulty. Whether you're aiming for a powerful Ascendancy Class, farming Soul Cores, or hunting The Trialmaster for rare loot, this trial provides ample opportunities for character progression.
If you're preparing for your next Trial of Chaos run, be sure to gear up, plan your trial modifiers carefully, and optimize your build to survive all 10 rounds! Happy hunting, Exile!