What Are the Trials of Path of Exile 2 Currency the Sekhemas in Path of Exile 2?
Your Path to Power Through Ascendancy

The Trials of the Sekhemas are special, lore-driven challenge dungeons in Path of Exile 2 that serve as the only way to earn Ascendancy Points, which are essential for unlocking your character’s powerful subclass abilities. These trials are one of the most important pieces of your progression through the game’s campaign, especially if you want to fully realize the strength of your Ascendancy class.

What Exactly Are They?
Each Trial of the Sekhemas is a thematic dungeon trial based on the teachings and philosophy of one of the six Sekhema warriors — powerful leaders and champions in the lore of Wraeclast. These trials are designed as both a test of player skill and a rite of passage for your character, mixing deadly traps, environmental hazards, puzzles, and boss encounters.

You must complete these trials to gain access to Ascendancy Points, which are then spent in your character’s Ascendancy skill tree — unlocking some of the most game-changing passive abilities in Path of Exile 2.

Trial Format and Gameplay
Every Trial of the Sekhemas has its own unique layout and gameplay mechanics, but generally includes the following features:

Trap Gauntlets – Similar to the original Path of Exile's Labyrinth, you’ll encounter traps like spinning blades, flame jets, and crushing walls. Movement, timing, and reflexes matter.

Combat Sequences – The trial ends with a difficult boss fight or ritual-style encounter where class knowledge and build power are tested.

Puzzles or Rituals – Some trials include switches, pressure plates, or ritual mechanics that must be solved or completed to advance.

Ascendancy Reward – Completing the trial grants 1 Ascendancy Point.

There are six trials in total, and each must be completed during the campaign to fully unlock your character’s Ascendancy potential.

Where Are the Trials?
Trials are distributed throughout the acts of the main campaign. Their placement is fixed and part of the natural story progression, meaning you can’t miss them if you’re completing the acts in order. However, some players may overlook the entrances if rushing through the story, so keep an eye out for Sekhema-themed architecture and optional side-paths.

You’ll be notified when entering a trial zone, often marked with special NPCs or lore items relating to the Sekhemas.

Lore of the Sekhemas
The Sekhemas are legendary warriors of the Maraketh — a proud people known for their fierce combat traditions. Each trial you face reflects the beliefs and strengths of one particular Sekhema:

Some emphasize resilience and survival.

Others focus on mobility, speed, or precision.

A few embrace brutality, sacrifice, or spiritual enlightenment.

As you progress, you’ll learn more about the Sekhemas through lore objects, inscriptions, and echoes of their memories.

Why Complete the Trials?
The main reward for completing a Trial of the Sekhemas is 1 Ascendancy Point — used in your subclass’s passive tree.

Since you can earn a total of 6 Ascendancy Points, you’ll need to complete all 6 Trials to fully unlock your character’s power. These points are required to access the final and most impactful Ascendancy passives — some of which completely reshape your skill mechanics, playstyle, or survivability.

Do I Have to Redo Trials for Other Characters?
Yes — Trials of the Sekhemas are character-bound, meaning each character you play will need to complete them independently. However, much like the Labyrinth in PoE1, they are integrated into the campaign naturally, so they don’t feel like repetitive endgame chores.

Final Thoughts

The Trials of the Sekhemas are more than just gameplay roadblocks — they’re essential tests that challenge you mechanically and strategically, while rewarding you with the most powerful form of character progression in the game. If you’re looking to fully master your class in Path of Exile 2, conquering each trial is not just optional — it’s a rite of cheap POE 2 Currency Ascendancy.