The Trial of Chaos is one of the optional activities in Path of Exile 2 that's suited for mid-high-level players. To say that it's difficult would be an understatement, as even characters that are fully kitted out can have trouble with it.
Despite its relative difficulty, the Trials of Chaos are great sources of loot and currency in PoE 2. More importantly, it's the stepping stone for unlocking even more power for your character. Here's a brief overview of this activity, as well as some tips on how to clear it more easily.
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How to Access the Trial of Chaos
The Trial of Chaos is located within the aptly-named Temple of Chaos, which is in the Chimeral Wetlands region in Act 3. Players can enter this area at any time they wish, but in order to challenge the Trial of Chaos, they'll need the Chimeral Imbued Ultimatum item, which drops from Xyclucian the Chimera, a boss in the Chimeral Wetlands.
Once you obtain the Chimeral Imbued Ultimatum, you'll be able to come and go from the Trial of Chaos, but only until you complete that single run. In the future, if you want to challenge the Trial again, you'll need to find another Ultimatum via random drops.
In the off chance that you lose the Chimeral Imbued Ultimatum for whatever reason, you can join another player's party and complete you first Trial of Chaos there.
Trial of Chaos Guide
The Trial of Chaos is a gauntlet of encounters, with each having varying objectives. These can range from eradicating all enemies in an area to escorting a statue or retrieving Soul Cores. Monsters will swarm players during every encounter, but what truly makes this activity challenging are the Tribulations.
A Tribulation is basically a negative modifier that skews every encounter against the player. Some of these are relatively tame, like increasing Monster Resistances or adding environmental hazards to each room. Meanwhile, others are much more punishing, with some making enemies always deal critical damage or adding hazards that can slow, stun or petrify players. If you can't clear enemies, go back and farm some more gear first.
Each run begins with players choosing one of three possible Tribulations before starting their first combat room. After the fighting is over, the cycle repeats, except the Tribulations from the previous room will carry over to the next one.
You only need to finish 4/10 rooms to finish your first Trial of Chaos run.
Tips for Trial of Chaos
- Completing the initial Trial of Chaos quest is impossible without good equipment. Come back later when you're stronger.
- Once you can comfortably defeat monsters in the Trial, consider farming it for equipment and XP by intentionally dying after getting loot.
- For farming, pick the Tribulation that increases Rare enemy spawns.
- Always pick Tribulations that work to your build's strengths.
- Avoid Tribulations that limit your mobility and movement options.
|
Recommended Tribulations to Take |
|
|---|---|
|
Tribulation |
Effect |
|
Blood Globules |
Globes of blood periodically appear and fall on your position. |
|
Time Paradox |
Buffs last shorter, and debuffs last longer |
|
Vaal Omnitect |
A Vaal construct deploys and attacks intruders. |
Rewards
A successful Trials of Chaos run will reward you with all the loot that the Trialmaster shows you before each room, on top of all the other loot you pick up from enemies. If it's your first time finishing the Trial, you'll also gain two more Ascendancy points for your Ascension class in PoE 2. Take note that the Ascendancy Points reward is only given after the first Trial — subsequent runs will only give you loot.
Path of Exile II
- Released
- December 6, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Nudity, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Language, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)
- Developer(s)
- Grinding Gear Games
- Publisher(s)
- Grinding Gear Games
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Franchise
- Path of Exile
- Early Access Release
- December 6, 2024
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Hack and Slash, MMORPG
