Why the Test of Cunning Barya Is a Game-Changer for High-Level Players

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Eric554

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Jun 11, 2025
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The Test of Cunning Barya is a game-changer for high-level players in Path of Exile 2 due to its unique blend of challenge, reward, and build-testing opportunities that elevate the endgame experience.

Heightened Challenge and Skill Testing​

The Barya significantly increases trial difficulty by introducing intricate traps, puzzles, and movement-impairing hazards that demand high agility, precise timing, and strategic planning. This makes it an ultimate test for player skill and build efficiency, pushing players to refine their mobility, damage output, and survivability.

Reward Amplification​

Completing the Test of Cunning Barya grants valuable rewards, including Ascendancy passive points, unique relics, rare jewels, crafting currencies, and sacred water. The difficulty scale of the trial directly correlates with improved loot quality and quantity, making this Barya essential for optimized farming and character progression.

Build Optimization and Versatility​

The Barya encourages players to develop versatile builds that can handle both combat intensity and environmental hazards. This fosters innovation in gear choices, skill gem links, and passive tree planning. Mobility-focused Ascendancies like Pathfinder or Deadeye benefit tremendously, but high-level players experiment with hybrid approaches.

Progression Gateway​

Successfully conquering the trial with the Test of Cunning Barya serves as a rite of passage in Path of Exile 2’s endgame, unlocking further Ascendancy points vital for character specialization. It also unlocks relic and boon options that enhance subsequent trial runs, accelerating progression speed.

Strategic Depth​

The trial’s combination of combat waves, environmental puzzles, and resource (Honour) management adds layers of strategic depth. High-level players relish overcoming these complexities, distinguishing themselves with masterful trial execution and tactical ingenuity.
The Test of Cunning Barya transforms the Trial of the Sekhemas from a simple challenge into a multifaceted high-stakes gauntlet that tests player skill and creativity, offering superior rewards and progression opportunities. Its role is pivotal in defining endgame character strength, making it a transformative milestone for serious Path of Exile 2 players.