Complete the Trial of the Sekhemas in Path of Exile 2: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Trial of the Sekhemas is a pivotal challenge in Path of Exile 2, marking a significant milestone for character development. Successfully completing this trial is essential for most builds, offering a considerable boost in power by unlocking various mechanics. However, this trial can be formidable, even for well-prepared characters. It requires a thorough understanding of multiple mechanics to navigate the Trials effectively, defeat the boss, and achieve completion without succumbing to death. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you conquer the Trial of the Sekhemas.

Guide to Completing the Trial of the Sekhemas in Path of Exile 2

Essential Preparations for Your Trial Run

Newcomers and melee characters may find the Trial of the Sekhemas particularly challenging. Its mechanics bear a resemblance to the Forbidden Sanctum system in Path of Exile, albeit streamlined for better flow.

Throughout this trial, you will navigate seven stages filled with random encounters, culminating in a boss fight against Rattlecage, the Earthbreaker.

To initiate the Trial of the Sekhemas, you must first defeat Balbala, the Traitor, located in the Traitor’s Passage. Upon victory, you will acquire Balbala's Barya, a quest item that grants unlimited attempts at the trial. However, subsequent runs will require you to use additional tokens, which will be consumed each time.

Completing the Trial mandates maintaining your Honour above zero while surviving all stages. Should you die or deplete your Honour, you will need to restart the entire process.

Utilizing Relics effectively is crucial for minimizing risks during your runs. Even builds with strong survivability will need to monitor Honour carefully. Consider focusing on the following Relic stats:

Honour Resistance
% Maximum Honour

Managing your Honour is paramount, as it functions like an additional health bar. Taking damage depletes your Honour, with heavier damage resulting in a more significant loss. Various damage instances, including fire and poison effects, can rapidly diminish your Honour. Unlike many bosses in the game, regular enemies typically inflict less damage, making Honour management even more vital. Each attempt at the trial will last approximately 15-25 minutes, depending on your build’s effectiveness.

Understanding Trial of the Sekhemas Stage Mechanics

Hourglass Encounter — Screenshot by Prima Games

The Trial features six distinct stages, each populated with random encounters that can yield Bronze, Silver, and Gold Keys, or provide debuffs, buffs, Sacred Water, Honour, and Merchant interactions.

When aiming for completion, prioritizing stage encounters that replenish Honour is advisable. Merchant encounters are particularly beneficial if you possess Sacred Water, as they offer powerful Boons and Honour restoration in exchange for the resource. Remember, each stage can provide Sacred Water, increasing the chance of beneficial encounters.

Stage priority should be organized as follows:

Buff and Honour replenishment stages
Sacred Water Fountain stages lacking debuffs
Merchant stages
Key stages
Debuff stages

Ritual Casters Stage — Screenshot by Prima Games

Avoid debuff stages, as they can severely hinder your progress. Each stage will introduce unique mechanics, including:

Maze with Traps: navigate levers to open gates.
Time Crystal: activate all Time Crystals to pass.
Survival Round (Hourglass Stage): eliminate waves of monsters within a time limit.
Portal Stage: destroy casters that summon enemies through portals.

While most mechanics are manageable, many players struggle with the maze due to its potential to rapidly deplete Honour. Aim for a Honour level of 400+ before facing Rattlecage to secure your success.

To gain deeper insight on the Rattlecage boss fight, refer to our dedicated guide. With adequate Honour, even this boss can be tackled with relative ease, especially when compared to the greater challenges present in Path of Exile 2.

Source & Images