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Path of Exile, the popular action RPG by Grinding Gear Games, is renowned for its intricate mechanics and engaging gameplay. One of the recent additions to the game, the "Trial of the Ancestors," offers a unique gaming experience that combines elements from auto battlers with the thrill of active player participation. In this article, we will explore this distinctive game mode and provide insights into how to succeed within it.

Understanding the Trial of the Ancestors

The Trial of the Ancestors invites players to enter the afterlife and participate in a tournament arc. This innovative game mode draws inspiration from auto battlers like Team Fight Tactics and DOTA Underlords but sets itself apart by allowing you to be an active player, effectively becoming a wildcard piece on a chessboard. This interactive gameplay distinguishes it from its auto battler inspirations.

To win this tournament, you'll need to master the mechanics, build a formidable team, and outmaneuver your opponents. This article aims to provide guidance for beginners and those looking to understand the mechanics of this unique game mode.

Starting Your Journey in the Afterlife

To embark on your adventure within the Trial of the Ancestors, you'll need to use a silver coin or teleport via your Waypoint. This will grant you access to the afterlife where you can participate in this thrilling competition. Notably, trading is possible in the open lobby area while you're in the middle of a fight, making for an engaging and dynamic gameplay experience.

Selecting Your Battles

In this game mode, you must choose your opponents wisely. Different opponents possess varying strengths, weaknesses, and themes. For example, if you're facing Count, expect a fiery onslaught, so ensure your fire resistance is up to par. On the other hand, facing Ikihow will expose you to chilling ice attacks. You must adapt your strategy and build your team accordingly to counter these challenges effectively.

Three primary approaches can guide your choice of opponents:

1. Pursuing the Best Reward: Select opponents that offer the best immediate rewards. This strategy can give you an early advantage, but it may not be the most optimal in the long run.

2. Acquiring Points to Upgrade: Fight against opponents that grant a significant number of points. You can then use these points to improve your team, enhancing your chances of success in future matches.

3. Removing Troublesome Opponents: Target opponents that pose a significant threat to your strategy. Knocking them out of the tournament early can be a strategic move, potentially increasing your odds of success in the later stages.

Understanding the Roles

Within the Trial of the Ancestors, units have distinct roles that contribute to your success:

1. Attackers: These units engage in direct combat with enemy front lines and are crucial for dealing damage. High-damage units and those with crowd control abilities excel in this role.

2. Defenders: These units help protect your totem and team. High-tank, crowd-control, and ranged units that can disrupt enemy advances thrive in this role.

3. Escorts: These units follow you across the arena and offer support in the form of buffs and debuffs. Their presence can be pivotal in determining the outcome of a battle.

4. Flankers: These units head straight into the enemy's backline, disrupting their strategies. Ranged, mobile, or stealth units are exceptional flankers.

5. Yours: Your role depends on your build and strategy. Starting as a Defender is often advisable, but transitioning into a Flanker role can be effective, especially in the late stages of a match.

Channeling and Totem Destruction

The core objective of the Trial of the Ancestors is to destroy your opponent's totem. Channeling is how you accomplish this goal. You channel on an enemy totem by left-clicking on it. However, channeling leaves you vulnerable, as any hit during this process will disable your attacks for five seconds, essentially stunning you.

It's important to note that stun immunity does not prevent this disable, which is a key element to keep in mind when participating in battles.

Moreover, when you're channeling an opponent's totem, they are trying to destroy yours. This creates a strategic tug-of-war, where managing your team and positioning them strategically becomes vital.

Winning the Tournament

As you progress through the rounds, you'll notice that opponents are eliminated, offering better rewards but providing fewer choices. Winning the tournament involves defeating all opponents and achieving a high rating. As your rating increases, the quality of your rewards improves.

Winning the tournament can offer exclusive rewards, in addition to Path Of Exile Currency, there are also Honored Tattoos and Omen items, typically from Hina Kora. These exclusive rewards are rarer and more powerful, making them highly coveted. However, to attain the best rewards, you must reach the Champion rating, which can be a challenging but rewarding journey.

Tips and Strategies

Here are some additional tips and strategies to help you succeed in the Trial of the Ancestors:

1. Crowd Control: Utilize units with crowd control abilities to disrupt enemy strategies and gain more time to destroy their totem.

2. Proximity Shield: Equip units with Proximity Shield effects to protect yourself from ranged attacks while channeling. This can give you a significant advantage.

3. Tactical Patience: Being cautious and patient can often yield better results than overly aggressive tactics, especially when outnumbered or in the early stages of a match.

4. Equip Units: Consider equipping units with the right POE items to enhance their effectiveness rather than purchasing new units. Equipment can make your team more durable and powerful.

5. Selling Units: Selling units and items you don't need can free up points to invest in higher-quality units, especially in the late stages of a match.

6. Snowballing Success: Accumulate wins and build a strong team to secure a winning streak, which can make each match easier as you progress.

Conclusion

Path of Exile's "Trial of the Ancestors" introduces a unique and engaging game mode that combines elements of auto battlers with player agency. Mastering this mode requires strategic thinking, a deep understanding of roles and units, and effective totem destruction tactics. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you'll be better equipped to navigate the afterlife and emerge victorious in the tournament arc. Good luck, Exile!