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Table of Contents

Introduction: The Path to Power

The Labyrinth: The Core Trial

Crucible of the Gods: The Final Gauntlet

The Lord's Labyrinth: Endgame Mastery

Strategies for Success and Ascendancy Selection

Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge

The pursuit of power in Wraeclast is a treacherous journey, and at its heart lies the defining system of character specialization: the Ascendancy. In Path of Exile 2, as in its predecessor, Ascendancy Points are the coveted keys that unlock profound class specializations, transforming a base class into a true archetype of devastation or resilience. Understanding how to obtain these points is fundamental to mastering the game. This guide delves into the primary method of acquisition—conquering the Labyrinth—and explores the strategic implications of your choices.

The central and mandatory path to acquiring Ascendancy Points is by successfully navigating and completing the Labyrinth. This is not a simple dungeon but a sprawling, trap-filled puzzle zone that tests a player's combat prowess, situational awareness, and problem-solving skills. The Labyrinth is accessed by finding and using a Trial of Ascendancy in the main campaign zones. Completing these smaller trials is a prerequisite, as they teach the mechanics of the traps you will face. The main Labyrinth itself is procedurally generated in its layout each day, ensuring that memorization alone is insufficient. Within its deadly halls, players must locate and defeat key lieutenants of the Labyrinth's creator, Izaro, before facing the emperor himself in a multi-stage boss fight. Victory in each of the four difficulty tiers—Normal, Cruel, Merciless, and Eternal—grants two Ascendancy Points, for a total of eight from this primary source.

The final challenge within each Labyrinth run is the Crucible of the Gods. This is the chamber where you face Emperor Izaro. The encounter is uniquely demanding, as Izaro gains different powerful buffs and mechanics depending on the day's Labyrinth layout. He may be aided by powerful lieutenants, have portals that summon endless minions, or possess devastating environmental effects. The fight is segmented into three phases, with brief intermissions allowing for recovery. Success hinges not merely on raw damage output but on understanding and countering Izaro's specific mechanics for that day. Defeating him in the final phase is the culmination of the trial. Upon his defeat, the Ascendancy Altar appears, allowing you to allocate your newly earned points into your chosen Ascendancy class tree. This moment is the direct reward for your skill and perseverance.

For the dedicated endgame player, a fifth and ultimate challenge exists: the Lord's Labyrinth. This is an immensely more difficult version, designed for characters with powerful late-game gear and optimized builds. It features heightened monster levels, deadlier traps, and a significantly more powerful Emperor Izaro. The stakes and rewards are correspondingly greater. Completing the Lord's Labyrinth does not grant additional base Ascendancy Points beyond the standard eight, as the total is capped. However, its completion is traditionally tied to unlocking the final tier of your Ascendancy class, often granting a powerful notable skill or enhancing existing ones. Furthermore, it offers valuable exclusive enchantments for helmets, which can define a build's functionality. Thus, while it does not provide more points, it is essential for fully realizing your Ascendancy's potential.

Earning the points is only half the journey; spending them wisely is critical. Before even entering the Labyrinth, you must have a clear plan for your Ascendancy class. Each base class in Path of Exile 2 branches into three distinct Ascendancies, each catering to vastly different playstyles. A Marauder, for instance, might choose the Juggernaut for unwavering defense, the Berserker for self-sacrificing damage, or the Chieftain for fire and totem synergy. Research and planning are paramount. Allocate your points as soon as you earn them to gain power spikes that will help you tackle the next challenge. Do not hoard them. Furthermore, preparing for the Labyrinth itself is a specialized task. Building sufficient elemental resistances, incorporating movement skills for trap evasion, and having a balance of single-target damage for bosses and area-of-effect for rooms is advisable. Patience and a methodical approach often yield better results than reckless speed when navigating the traps.

Ascendancy Points represent the most significant character customization choice in Path of Exile 2. They are earned through a rite of passage that demands respect and preparation. The process—from finding trials in the wild, to surviving the gauntlet of traps, to finally besting Izaro—is a core narrative and gameplay loop that separates the novice from the ascended. By understanding that these points are the reward for conquering the Labyrinth's escalating difficulties, players can approach Wraeclast's dangers with a clear goal. Mastering this system, from acquisition to allocation, is the true mark of an exile who has moved beyond mere survival and is actively forging their own legend.

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