The Test of Cunning Barya is one of several Sekhemas Coins used to enter and shape the Trial of the Sekhemas in Path of Exile 2. Compared to other Sekhemas Coin trials, it is distinguished by its emphasis on agility, perception, and trap navigation.
Test of Cunning Barya
This trial focuses on traps and puzzle-like mechanics, requiring high mobility and careful movement to avoid deadly hazards such as fire, spikes, and pressure plates. It also places players against aggressive enemies, including sand worms, and culminates in the boss fight against Ashar, the Sand Mother. The challenge lies in precise positioning and timing, making it the most tactically demanding trial among the Sekhemas Coins. It suits players who excel at evasion and tactical gameplay.
Test of Strength Barya
This trial emphasizes brute force and survivability. Players face tougher enemies and more direct combat challenges that test damage output and defensive capabilities. It is less about avoiding traps and more about enduring heavy hits and dealing sustained damage.
Test of Will Barya
Focused on endurance and mental fortitude, this trial tests quick reactions to crowd control and status effects while navigating intensive fights. There may be mechanics that disrupt casting or movement abilities, requiring steady nerves and adaptive gameplay.
Test of Time Barya
This trial is more strategic, often involving time-based challenges or puzzles. Players need good planning and efficient room clears to complete objectives before timers expire, adding pressure to execute swiftly and decisively.
Djinn Barya
This coin allows access to higher difficulty floors of the Trial with progressively tougher enemies and bosses, emphasizing a combination of all the above skill sets and demanding max-level character builds.
In terms of difficulty and rewards:
The Test of Cunning is considered one of the hardest due to its complex traps and the need for constant awareness and mobility.
Each trial offers different rewards including ascendancy points and unique relics, with the difficulty scaling to match.
Using specific Sekhemas Coins like the Test of Cunning Barya customizes the trial experience by modifying enemy types, trap density, and puzzle inclusion.
Players often choose their Sekhemas Coin based on their build strengths—agile characters favor the Cunning trial, tanky characters the Strength trial, and so forth. The Test of Cunning Barya uniquely challenges players to outthink and outmaneuver threats rather than just outfight them.
The Test of Cunning Barya trial stands out for its trap-heavy, tactical gameplay making it distinct from other Sekhemas Coins that emphasize brute strength, endurance, or time management. Mastering its challenges rewards players with valuable relics, ascendancy points, and progression through Path of Exile 2’s Act 2 endgame content.