Path of Exile 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the POE 2 Currency beloved action role-playing game Path of Exile, promises to deliver an even more expansive, complex, and engaging experience. The game is set in the same dark, brutal world of Wraeclast, but with a new narrative, updated mechanics, and an entirely new progression system that builds upon the foundations laid by the original game. One of the key features in Path of Exile 2 is the Ascent to Power questline, which guides players through the early stages of the game and introduces them to the new systems, characters, and challenges of the sequel.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive walkthrough for the Ascent to Power questline, covering everything from the initial steps to the final moments of this exciting journey. Whether you’re a newcomer to Path of Exile or a seasoned veteran, this guide will help you navigate the challenges ahead and make the most of the opportunities that await.
What is “Ascent to Power”?
The Ascent to Power questline is a crucial part of the early stages of Path of Exile 2. Unlike the traditional character progression found in the first Path of Exile, where players are thrown into an open-world environment with little initial guidance, Path of Exile 2 provides a more structured journey that leads players through a narrative-driven experience. Ascent to Power is designed to introduce you to the world of Wraeclast once again, but this time, with fresh challenges and new gameplay mechanics.
During the questline, players will experience a series of story-driven missions that focus on the rise of a new protagonist, the introduction of powerful new factions, and the awakening of new forces in the world. The central theme of the Ascent to Power is a hero’s journey: starting from humble beginnings, the player must gradually rise in power and influence, forging alliances and overcoming enemies as they move toward their ultimate destiny.
Getting Started: The Prologue
The journey begins with the Prologue section of the game, which sets the stage for the events to come. You’ll be introduced to a new protagonist, who will start with minimal resources but quickly be thrust into a world filled with danger, mystery, and intrigue.
Character Creation and Early Choices
Before diving into the Ascent to Power questline, players must create their character. In Path of Exile 2, the character creation process is largely the same as in the original game, though there are new classes, skill trees, and Ascendancy options. Choose a class that suits your playstyle—whether you want to focus on melee combat, ranged attacks, or powerful spellcasting—and be sure to select an Ascendancy that aligns with your chosen build.
The early quests are relatively straightforward, but this is where players will begin to shape their character’s identity. As you progress, you’ll encounter various factions, including some old allies and new enemies. How you interact with these groups will affect the direction of the storyline and your progression.
The First Encounter with Power
The first major turning point in the Ascent to Power questline occurs when you encounter your first powerful adversary. This adversary is likely to be a mini-boss or a challenging enemy, testing your abilities as a newly emerged hero in Wraeclast. Unlike the first Path of Exile, where players face relatively weaker enemies in the early stages, Path of Exile 2 ramps up the intensity right from the start.
This early boss fight is not just a simple combat encounter—it serves as a crucial part of the narrative. Defeating this first major enemy marks your initial ascent to power, establishing your character as someone with the potential to overcome the forces of darkness that plague the land. The Ascent to Power is about demonstrating strength and resilience, and this first victory sets the tone for everything to come.
The Journey Through Act 1
Once you’ve taken down the first significant adversary, you’ll enter Act 1 of the game. The journey through Act 1 is designed to introduce you to the game’s various mechanics, including combat, exploration, and the new Ascendancy system in Path of Exile 2.
In this section, you’ll encounter:
New Enemies and Dungeons: Act 1 brings a variety of fresh creatures, environments, and dungeons that help expand the lore of Wraeclast. These areas are designed to challenge you and push your character’s abilities to the limit.
Allies and Factions: You will come across a number of factions that will play a significant role in the overarching story. Some of these factions will be friendly, while others will test your resolve by throwing you into combat. Understanding these factions and their agendas will be key to making choices that affect the progression of the story.
The New Ascendancy System: One of the biggest changes in Path of Exile 2 is the revamped Ascendancy system, which offers new paths for chara
cter growth and development. In Act 1, players will encounter their first Ascendancy trial. These trials are designed to cheap POE 2 Chaos Orbs challenge players in unique ways, testing their combat prowess and strategic thinking. Ascendancy powers gained from these trials will dramatically enhance your combat abilities, opening up new opportunities for synergies with your character’s build.