In Path of Exile 2, the Trial of Chaos (ToC) is an alternate ascendancy trial that shares similarities with the Ultimatum Encounters from the original game. This trial serves as a test of one’s willingness to risk everything for power, a concept valued by the ancient Vaal civilization that once worshiped Chaos, a deity embodying freedom and randomness.

What to Expect in the Trial of Chaos

The Trial of Chaos consists of a series of challenges spread across ten rounds, each with distinct objectives. The first four rounds follow a fixed pattern:

1. Round 1: Defeat all enemies.
2. Round 2: Survive the enemy onslaught in a Corruption Trial until the timer expires.
3. Round 3: Escort a slowly moving statue to the finish line while battling enemies.
4. Round 4: Face a random boss from a pool of three possible encounters.

From Round 5 onwards, the challenges become randomized, offering varied gameplay experiences. Examples of challenges include defeating all enemies, collecting soul cores, or sacrificing monsters to an altar. Rounds 4, 7, and 10 always pit you against a boss, with the specific boss varying each time you enter the Trial of Chaos. You can identify upcoming boss fights by interacting with the Well before choosing modifiers for the next round.

Accessing the Trial of Chaos

The Trial of Chaos becomes available in Act 3. To unlock it, you must venture into the Chimeral Wetlands and defeat Xyclucian, the Chimera, within Jiquani’s Machinarium (accessible through Jiquani’s Sanctum). Xyclucian drops the Chimeral Inscribed Ultimatum, which is essential for entering the Trial of Chaos. The Temple of Chaos is typically located in the top-middle portion of the Chimeral Wetlands.

To initiate the trial, place the Chimeral Inscribed Ultimatum in the Temple Offering. This grants access to the first four rounds of the Trial of Chaos and upon defeating the boss in Round 4, you can interact with the Altar of Ascendancy to freely choose your character’s ascendancy class.

For subsequent ascendancy skill points, a 10-trial Inscribed Ultimatum is required to choose the Trial of Chaos over the Trial of the Sekhemas, and can be obtained randomly by defeating monsters in maps.

For players looking to build stronger characters or experiment with new skill combinations, acquiring the right Path of Exile 2 Currency is essential. Whether you’re crafting powerful gear, rerolling modifiers, or trading with others, currency plays a central role in advancing your journey through Wraeclast. The Trial of Chaos offers a viable route to generate some of this currency, especially through valuable Soul Cores and Ultimatum Fragment drops.

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Modifiers and Challenges

Before each round, players select from three negative modifiers, known as tribulations, that persist throughout the trial, increasing its difficulty. Strategic selection is crucial, as certain modifiers can significantly impact survivability. For instance, modifiers like “Petrification Statues” are particularly challenging and may be best avoided.​

Why Choose the Trial of Chaos?

The Trial of Chaos offers several benefits, especially in the early to mid-game, for farming currency. The Soul Cores that drop at the end of the trial can be a valuable source of income. In particular, the Soul Core of Azcapa can be worth multiple Divine Orbs.

Defeating the third boss in Round 10 grants one of three Ultimatum Fragments: Deadly Fate, Cowardly Fate, and Victorious Fate. These fragments can be sold for currency or collected to challenge The Trialmaster.

Boss Encounters

Throughout the Trial of Chaos, you will face three distinct bosses:

• Bahlak, the Sky Seer: Bahlak can be dangerous, especially if it is not defeated quickly before it initiates a powerful Tornado. When Bahlak uses Tornado, it disappears from the screen, and smaller tornadoes can inflict significant damage. Bahlak also enrages, turning red and causing beams of energy to flow in different directions. If Bahlak is the third boss, it drops the Deadly Fate Fragment upon defeat.
• Uxmal, the Beastlord: Uxmal is a chimera boss with attacks that can be challenging. It launches poisonous projectiles with its tail and breathes fire while flying towards you. Uxmal may also fly off-screen and land on your location, requiring a quick Dodge Roll. Defeating Uxmal as the third boss rewards the Cowardly Fate Fragment.

Rewards and Ascendancy

Completing the Trial of Chaos grants two Ascendancy points, enhancing character abilities. Additionally, players can collect valuable items, including Soul Cores—powerful socketable items with unique modifiers—and corrupted equipment. Collecting all three Ultimatum Fragments allows access to the Trialmaster’s Tower, where defeating the Trialmaster yields exclusive rewards.​

Player Experiences

The Trial of Chaos has elicited mixed reactions from the community. Some players find it exceptionally challenging, particularly due to stacking negative modifiers and formidable boss mechanics. Discussions highlight frustrations with certain modifiers and the trial’s overall difficulty, especially for melee builds.​

Tips for Success

• Skill Selection: Utilize mobility skills to evade attacks effectively.​
• Modifier Management: Choose tribulations that align with your build’s strengths and avoid those that pose significant threats.​
• Preparation: Ensure your character is well-geared and that resistances are maximized to withstand various damage types.​

Approaching the Trial of Chaos with careful planning and adaptability can lead to successful completion and substantial character progression.