Unlocking Ascendancy: Why the Barya Token Matters

[Eric554]

The Barya Token, specifically Balbala’s Barya, is essential for unlocking Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2 because it acts as the key item that grants access to the Trial of the Sekhemas—the pivotal challenge that players must complete to choose their Ascendancy class.

Why the Barya Token Matters:​

1. Unlocks the Trial of the Sekhemas:
   Balbala’s Barya is obtained by defeating Balbala the Traitor in Act 2’s Traitor’s Passage. This boss fight unlocks the Trial of the Sekhemas, a crucial Ascendancy trial and character progression milestone.
2. Access to Ascendancy Classes:
   Completing the Trial of the Sekhemas using the Barya token awards players their first two Ascendancy passive skill points and allows them to pick their Ascendancy specialization. Ascendancies offer build-defining passive trees that provide powerful abilities and unique playstyles.
3. Progression Gatekeeper:
   Without the Barya token to enter and complete this Trial, players cannot advance further into their character’s Ascendancy, limiting their build’s potential power and customization.
4. Multiple Trials and Ascendancy Points:
   The Barya token is also part of a system where further, more challenging Trials yield additional Ascendancy points. Players farm higher-level Sekhemas Trials using upgraded or multiple Barya tokens to fully unlock all Ascendancy talents.
5. Narrative and Gameplay Integration:
   The Barya tokens tie closely into the game’s lore and questline, making Ascendancy unlocking both a narrative and gameplay achievement, emphasizing mastery over challenging content.

Balbala’s Barya token is the gateway to unlocking Ascendancy in Path of Exile 2 by granting entry to the Trial of the Sekhemas. It is critical for advancing character specialization and acquiring powerful passive skills fundamental to high-level builds. Thus, acquiring and using the Barya token marks a significant progression step that shapes your character’s identity and power curve in the game.