Path of Exile (PoE), developed by Grinding Gear Games, has long been a fan-favorite for action RPG lovers, providing an immense world filled with complex mechanics, deep lore, and challenging content. As fans eagerly await the full release of Poe 2 trade, Grinding Gear Games continues to introduce exciting new challenges, monsters, and mechanics, one of which is the Trial of the Sekhemas. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the Trial of the Sekhemas in Path of Exile 2, detailing its mechanics, how to prepare, tips for success, and how it fits into the greater world of Wraeclast.

1. Overview of Path of Exile 2 and the Trial of the Sekhemas

Path of Exile 2 is a sequel set in the same universe as the original Path of Exile, taking place 20 years after the events of the first game. The game builds on the original's design while introducing new features, skills, and mechanics. One of the new features is the Trial of the Sekhemas, a test of player skill, preparation, and perseverance.

The Trial of the Sekhemas is part of the Sekhem, an ancient and powerful trial designed by the Sekhemas, a long-lost group of necromancers and mystics who once ruled vast parts of Wraeclast. These trials were designed not just to test combat prowess, but also the mastery of elemental forces, agility, and resource management.

In Path of Exile 2, this trial presents both environmental and combat challenges that require players to adapt to rapidly shifting conditions while facing terrifying foes. Players will be tasked with navigating deadly traps, solving puzzles, and battling enemies to prove their worth and earn valuable rewards. Completing the trial will unlock new gear, skills, and lore, deepening the narrative of the Sekhemas and their impact on the world.

2. Preparing for the Trial of the Sekhemas

Before diving into the Trial of the Sekhemas, it's crucial to prepare your character for the challenge. This preparation involves ensuring that your character's build is capable of handling the trial's demands, acquiring the right equipment, and understanding the specific mechanics at play within the trial.

2.1 Character Build and Playstyle

The Trial of the Sekhemas is designed to challenge all aspects of your character, so a well-rounded build is essential. Key elements to focus on include:

Defensive Capabilities: The Sekhemas trial features intense combat and environmental hazards. Whether you're using armor, evasion, or energy shields, having sufficient defenses will allow you to survive the onslaught of traps and enemies. A high health pool combined with resistance to elemental damage is particularly useful.

Damage Output: While survivability is critical, you also need the ability to deal with the numerous enemies that populate the trial. Choose a build that provides high single-target and AoE (Area of Effect) damage. Consider the current meta in Path of Exile 2, such as elemental or physical damage-based skills that synergize with your equipment and passive tree.

Mobility and Agility: Many phases of the Trial of the Sekhemas will require quick movement and dodging. Invest in movement skills (e.g., Dash, Flame Dash, Leap Slam) or passive tree nodes that boost your mobility.

Resource Management: Since the trial involves dynamic environmental hazards, managing your resources—like energy, mana, and flasks—becomes vital. Flasks that provide instant healing or elemental resistance are a must.

2.2 Gear and Equipment

Equipping your character with the right items is essential to successfully navigating the Trial of the Sekhemas. The trial will put a heavy strain on your defenses and resources, so the following equipment considerations are key:

Elemental Resistance: The trial features a variety of elemental traps and enemies that deal damage with fire, cold, lightning, and chaos damage. High elemental resistances will give you a significant advantage.

Life and Energy Shield: Given the physical and elemental nature of the challenges, gear that boosts your health pool and energy shield (if applicable to your build) will make survival easier. Armor or evasion-based gear is particularly helpful.

Flasks: Flasks are invaluable in Path of Exile, and in the Trial of the Sekhemas, they're even more important. Flasks that provide increased elemental resistance, quick healing, or remove debuffs like curses will be necessary. Consider having an Instant Life Flask and Topaz, Sapphire, or Ruby Flask to cheap POE 2 Exalted Orbs counter elemental damage.

Movement Speed and Dodge Chance: Because the trial involves fast-paced challenges, increasing your movement speed and dodge chance can significantly enhance your chances of success. Items that increase your evasion or provide additional movement speed will help you avoid damage from both enemies and traps.