PoE 2: How to Ascend and Get All 8 Points

In Path of Exile 2, one of the most exciting aspects of character progression is ascension. Ascendancy classes unlock powerful bonuses that significantly enhance your character’s abilities. For many players, reaching the point where they can ascend and unlock all 8 Ascendancy points is a major milestone, and with good reason—it’s how you truly unlock your character’s full potential.

Whether you’re new to PoE 2 or you’ve been grinding your way through the early access content, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ascending and getting all 8 points.

So, how do you ascend and unlock all 8 points? Let’s dive into the process.

What is Ascension in PoE 2?

Ascension in Path of Exile 2 is a system that allows you to choose an Ascendancy Class at a specific point in the game. This class provides powerful passive bonuses, skills, and modifications that completely change how your character plays. It's the key to unlocking the true power of your chosen class.

The challenge, however, is that you don’t just get these Ascendancy points for free. You need to complete specific quests and defeat tough bosses to earn them. Once you have enough points, you can spend them to unlock special skills, damage boosts, and various utility options that make you much more powerful.

In total, you need to ascend twice in PoE 2, unlocking 4 points each time, for a total of 8 Ascendancy points. Let’s break down how to do it.

Step 1: Understanding the Ascendancy System

At the beginning of PoE 2, you’ll choose your class, just like in the first game. Each class has access to specific Ascendancy options based on the choices you make. The key to unlocking your Ascendancy is to progress through the story until you reach the point where you can complete the Ascendancy Trials.

There are two main Ascension stages in PoE 2:

First Ascendancy: The first set of points you unlock as part of the story progression.
Second Ascendancy: The final set of points you unlock once you’ve completed the first round of trials and completed further game content.

Step 2: Completing the Ascendancy Trials

To unlock each set of Ascendancy points, you’ll need to complete a series of Ascendancy Trials. These are essentially mini-dungeons or puzzles that test your skills as a player. Here’s what you need to know:

Trial of the Ancestors

In PoE 2, the first set of Ascendancy trials is unlocked after reaching Act 2. The questline will guide you to these trials, and you’ll need to defeat tough enemies, solve puzzles, or survive specific challenges in these areas. The goal is to prove yourself worthy of your first Ascendancy class.

Trial of Chaos

Once you’ve passed the first trial and reached the end of Act 3, you’ll unlock Trial of Chaos, which will grant you your second Ascendancy class points. These trials become increasingly difficult, so be prepared for tougher fights and complex challenges.

Keep in mind that the higher difficulty you choose to complete these trials, the more Ascendancy points you unlock, so make sure you're prepared before heading into each challenge.

Step 3: Choosing Your Ascendancy Class

Once you’ve completed the trials, you’ll be presented with the option to choose your Ascendancy Class. The class you choose greatly impacts your playstyle, and each one offers unique abilities. The two main Ascendancy choices are:

First Ascendancy: This is unlocked after completing the first round of trials, and it grants you the core abilities that will define your character’s playstyle.
Second Ascendancy: The second round of trials unlocks a more powerful form of the same class with specialized upgrades, further enhancing your playstyle.

For example, as a Witch, you can choose between Blood Mage and Infernalist. Each Ascendancy has its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique mechanics. Make sure to pick the one that complements your build and gear.

Step 4: Earning All 8 Points

To earn all 8 Ascendancy points, you need to complete both the Trial of the Ancestors and Trial of Chaos, which unlock four Ascendancy points each. This is not an easy feat and requires time and effort, but it’s worth it when you start reaping the benefits.

Once you have your full set of 8 Ascendancy points, you can completely customize your character and fine-tune your playstyle. This is where things get fun because ascendancy choices make a huge impact on your build.

Crafting the Perfect Build

Having all 8 points gives you total freedom in crafting the perfect build. If you play as a Sorceress, for instance, you might choose Infernalist for added damage and Blood Mage for more survival tools. By focusing on optimizing your Ascendancy choices, you can create a character that excels at endgame content.

At this stage, you’ll be unlocking powerful bonuses and special abilities that increase your overall damage, survivability, and utility. Whether you’re farming endgame maps or taking down powerful bosses, your Ascendancy points will give you the edge you need to tackle the toughest challenges in PoE 2.

Step 5: Trading for Ascendancy Items

Another way to power up your character once you’ve unlocked all 8 Ascendancy points is through trading. You’ll often need specific Ascendancy gear or crafted items to maximize your build, and this is where trading becomes important.

If you’re not in the mood to grind out the gear yourself, you can always buy PoE 2 items or PoE 2 currency to speed up the process. Trusted websites like G4mmo provide reliable options for purchasing in-game currency, so you can focus on progressing your character without worrying about farming for every little thing.

Step 6: Preparing for Endgame Content

Once you’ve ascended and earned all 8 Ascendancy points, you’re ready for the Path of Exile 2 endgame. Whether you’re jumping into high-level maps, taking on bosses, or going after other legendary rewards, your Ascendancy points will make a world of difference.

Some endgame areas, like the Trial of Sekhemas or Simulacrum, require highly specialized builds. This is where Ascendancy points really shine, allowing you to unlock abilities and perks that make these areas more manageable. Don’t forget to fine-tune your gear and enhance your build with Ascendancy-focused upgrades for maximum efficiency.

Step 7: Adjusting Your Ascendancy for Future Updates

As the game evolves, so will the importance of your Ascendancy points. PoE 2 receives frequent updates and changes, so always stay up to date with patch notes and community feedback. You may find that certain Ascendancy builds become more or less effective with each update.

Being a veteran player in Path of Exile 2, you should always be on the lookout for ways to optimize your Ascendancy choices based on the latest content changes. As the meta evolves, it’s crucial to keep adjusting your build accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Ascending in PoE 2 and unlocking all 8 points is one of the most satisfying aspects of the game. It’s a rewarding process that allows you to fully unlock your character’s potential. Keep in mind that Ascendancy trials can be difficult, so you’ll need patience, strategy, and a solid understanding of your character’s strengths and weaknesses.

If you need to fast-track your progress or get the PoE 2 currency you need, sites like G4mmo offer great deals. But remember, the true satisfaction comes from crafting your ideal build and facing the toughest challenges with your hard-earned Ascendancy points.

Good luck on your journey, Exile!