Path of Exile 2: Ascent to Power Walkthrough
Path of Exile 2 introduces players to a deeply engaging class and ascension system, with the Ascent to Power quest serving as a key milestone in Act 2. Completing this quest allows players to unlock their Ascendancy, one of the most powerful mechanics in the game, giving access to an entirely new set of abilities and enhancements. This guide will walk you through how to begin the quest, defeat Balbala the Traitor, and tackle the Trials of the Sekhemas to unlock your Ascendancy.
How to Start the Ascent to Power Quest
Unlock Ardura Caravan (Act 2)
Once you've unlocked the Ardura Caravan in Act 2, you'll be able to explore two location nodes. The quest begins when you're ready to visit the third location, Traitor's Passage.
Talk to Zarka
Before heading to Traitor's Passage, talk to Zarka, an NPC who will give you instructions to seek out Balbala, a trapped Djinn. Zarka explains that Balbala holds the power you need to progress.
Proceed to the Ancient Seal Door
As you explore Traitor's Passage, keep an eye out for the Ancient Seal Door. This door will lead you to Balbala's prison, where the next phase of the quest takes place.
Note: The location of Balbala's prison is procedurally generated, so the layout may vary in different playthroughs. It will always be near the end intersection of the passage.
Defuse the Three Seals
To trigger the boss encounter, you must defuse three seals scattered around the prison. Once this is done, a cutscene will play, leading into the boss fight against Balbala the Traitor.
How to Beat Balbala the Traitor
Balbala the Traitor is not an overly complicated boss, but she has several attacks that deal with Physical, Chaos, and Fire damage, along with Poison and Ignition effects. You'll need to manage her attacks and avoid her crowd-control abilities to win.
Here are the key abilities of Balbala the Traitor, along with tips on how to counter them:
1. Slash Attack
Description: Balbala uses a regular melee slash attack that can deal significant damage. It can also inflict Burning or Poison ailments.
Counter: This attack can be dodged or blocked. If you are using Energy Shield, it will block the damage, but save it for more dangerous attacks.
2. Throwing Attack
Description: A ranged attack where Balbala throws daggers at the player. Each dagger hit will cause Poison ailment buildup.
Counter: Dodge or Block the daggers. Staying mobile will help avoid this attack.
3. Whirling Dash Attack
Description: Balbala dashes forward quickly, damaging the player and releasing an explosive AoE that detonates 1.5 seconds after impact.
Counter: This attack cannot be blocked, but it can be dodged. Pay attention to the voice cue: "Face Me!" or "Na'kai!" just before she performs this dash.
4. Teleport Dagger Attack
Description: Balbala teleports and throws daggers that explode in an AoE at your location.
Counter: Dodge the daggers. You can hear the voice cue "Atul!" before she performs this attack, giving you a chance to react.
5. Summon Shadow Clone
Description: Balbala throws a Barya (coin) at a random location, creating a yellow AoE. If you don't step on it quickly, it summons a shadow clone of Balbala.
Counter: Step onto the yellow AoE quickly to prevent the clone from appearing. If the clone is summoned, eliminate it immediately to prevent the storm of swirling blades that follow.
6. Teleport Slam
Description: After summoning the clone, Balbala will teleport and slam the ground with a fiery AoE that can damage the player.
Counter: Dodge the fiery AoE ring that appears after her slam. She will shout "Tithe!" before the slam occurs.
7. Summon Poison Mist / Vanish
Description: Mid-fight, Balbala will disappear, creating a thick poisonous mist around the arena. The mist needs to be interrupted by quickly finding and attacking her to stop her channeling.
Counter: To locate her faster, move counterclockwise around the arena from her last known position. If you fail to find her in time, she will unleash a deadly AoE after reappearing, which must be dodged.
8. Explosive Blade Rain
Description: If the fight lasts long enough, Balbala will start throwing explosive daggers in a conical pattern that spreads out counterclockwise from her position.
Counter: Stay aware of the patterns and dodge in the opposite direction of the incoming daggers. Keep an eye on her positioning to predict the direction of the attack.
9. Blade Storm
Description: If the Shadow Clone is not eliminated properly, Balbala will summon a Blade Storm, a destructive vortex of swirling blades that can make dodging difficult.
Counter: Eliminate the Shadow Clone quickly to prevent this from happening, as the blades will make it harder to dodge her other attacks.
Loot and Rewards
Upon defeating Balbala the Traitor, you'll receive Balbala's Barya, which is a quest item needed to proceed. Take this item to Zarka, who will then reveal the location of the Trials of the Sekhemas, the next step in the Ascent to Power quest.
Summary of Tips for Defeating Balbala
Chaos and Fire Resistance: Balbala deals with a variety of damage types, including Chaos, Fire, and Physical. Make sure your character has good resistance and Chaos mitigation.
Mobility: Keep moving, as many of Balbala's attacks are difficult to block but can be dodged.
React to Voice Cues: Listen carefully for her voice cues that warn you of upcoming attacks. This gives you a chance to prepare and dodge.
Take Care of the Shadow Clone: If you let the Shadow Clone survive, it can cause a Blade Storm, so be sure to kill it quickly to avoid additional difficulty.
Time Your Attacks: In particular, Balbala's Poison Mist/Vanish phase requires quick reactions. Circling the arena counterclockwise from her last position will help you locate her faster.
With the Balbala the Traitor boss defeated, you'll have unlocked the next portion of the Ascent to Power questline, leading you toward the Trials of the Sekhemas and, ultimately, your Ascendancy.
By collecting the right Path of Exile 2 items, upgrading your gear, and focusing on Path of Exile 2 currency farming, you'll be in a good position to face the upcoming Trials of the Sekhemas and unlock your Ascendancy. Keep your eyes on your build's strengths and weaknesses, and ensure that your gear provides the best defense against Chaos, Poison, and Fire damage.