In Path of Exile 2, there are three Trials of Ascendancy: Trial of Sekhemas (Act 2), Trial of Chaos (Act 3) and the third Trial (unavailable in Early Access). You can unlock your Ascendancy Class by choosing to complete any one of them. But to ascend, you must find a key quest item, travel to the trial’s entrance, and then complete the trial by overcoming its challenges and defeating the final boss. Completing any Trial of Ascendancy for the first time unlocks your Ascendancy Class and rewards you with 2 Ascendancy passive points.
In this article, we are going to guide you on how you can find the Trial of Ascendancy Key to access the Trials of Sekhemas and beat Balbala, the traitor boss.
Information Given by Developers on Finding Trial Of Ascendancy Keys in Path of Exile 2
Based on information from developers, here’s what is currently known:
- Higher difficulty-level Trial Keys are random drops.
- These keys start dropping once your character reaches certain level thresholds, likely corresponding to the monster level.
- Each key is associated with a specific trial; for example, an Inscribed Ultimatum is used to enter the Trial of Chaos.
Locating the Trial of Ascendancy Key (Balbala’s Barya) in Path of Exile 2
To start the Trial of Sekhemas, you must first locate the hidden traitor boss. Once the boss drops the key (Balbala’s Barya) for the trial, you can then travel to the trial’s location to begin.
How to Find the Traitor Boss: Balbala
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On the map, the Traitor boss is a level 19 or 20 boss found in Traitor’s Passage. Unlike other bosses, there is no skull icon indicating its presence. To locate this boss, you must follow a series of seals within Traitor’s Passage.
Once inside Traitor’s Passage, explore the area while defeating monsters, which are all level 19. What you’re specifically looking for are unique seals located on the walls. You’ll notice these seals on both the left and right sides as you navigate the passage.
You will need to follow the seals, as the boss is sealed behind a specific door. Occasionally, you might hit a dead end, but that’s fine—just keep following the seals and looking around to determine where they lead.
For instance, if the seals on the wall guide you upward, head in that direction, and you’ll eventually reach a checkpoint. Beyond the checkpoint, you’ll enter a room, known as the Prison of Disgraded, where you can face Balbala.
Note: If you’re low level, this boss can be a bit difficult to fight with.
The boss has the ability to turn invisible, requiring you to search for it during the fight—this is one of her key mechanics. Additionally, you’ll need to watch out for the boss’ slam attacks, which can deal significant damage. Stay cautious, and once you defeat the boss, it will drop a coin, Balbala’s Barya.
Using Balbala’s Barya at the Relic Altar will allow you to initiate the Trial of Sekhemas.
To learn about how you can get the Inscribed Ultimatum (2nd Trial of Ascendancy Key) to initiate the Trial of Chaos, you can read our guide Where to Find Inscribed Ultimatum in Path of Exile 2 – Temple of Chaos
