The Test of Will Barya is a crucial item in Path of Exile 2 as it unlocks access to the Trial of the Sekhemas, allowing players to begin Ascendancy progression. Securing and using the Test of Will Barya efficiently in the early game sets the foundation for powerful character builds later on.
How to Secure Test of Will Barya
Defeat Balbala, the Traitor
The Test of Will Barya is earned by defeating Balbala, the Traitor—a pivotal boss found in Act 2’s Traitor’s Passage. To reach her, navigate through the interconnected caves of Traitor’s Passage towards the Prison of the Disgraced. Unlock the prison by removing three seals attached to Balbala’s cage. The fight begins immediately after freeing her.
Understand Balbala's Mechanics
Balbala’s attacks require agility and patience. Key points to remember:
She throws coins creating runes on the ground which spawn minions. Step through these runes cautiously to prevent additional enemies or use the minions strategically for flask recharge.
She periodically becomes invisible and spreads poison gas. Circle the arena’s edge to find her before the poison overwhelms you.
Her rapid dagger attacks and area slams can be dodged by maintaining mobility and positioning.
Prepare Your Build
Using cold damage skills works well against Balbala due to her cold weakness. Survival tools such as movement skills (Leap Slam, Flame Dash), healing flasks, and armor or energy shield improvements will increase your chances of success.
Using Test of Will Barya Efficiently
Activate the Trial of the Sekhemas
After defeating Balbala, you receive her Barya (the Test of Will Barya). Use this coin at the Trial of the Sekhemas waypoint in Act 2 by placing it on the Relic Altar to start the trial.
Strategize Before the Trial
Collect and place beneficial Relics in the altar slots before initiating the Trial to gain Boons improving survivability or other useful effects.
Be ready for a difficult gauntlet where enemies hit harder and faster but rewards are significantly better.
Manage Honour during the Trial
Honour is a secondary health pool that depletes from damage but can be replenished with Relics and Boons. Carefully managing Honour and using healing opportunities is critical to survive and progress deeper into the trial floors.
Repeat Trials to Progress
Failures return you to Balbala, allowing repeated attempts to farm experience, Ascendancy points, and valuable loot. Each successful run improves your character and unlocks further content.
Defeat Balbala in Act 2 to acquire the Test of Will Barya.
Learn and counter Balbala’s attack patterns to minimize retries.
Use the Barya on the Relic Altar to activate the Trial of the Sekhemas.
Prepare relics and manage Honour to survive the challenging trial floors.
Repeat runs to unlock Ascendancy progression and powerful rewards.
By mastering the fight against Balbala and efficiently utilizing the Test of Will Barya in the Trial of the Sekhemas, early game players can accelerate their path to building powerful characters and unlocking critical endgame content in Path of Exile 2.