Before the Run: How to Prepare for Test of Time Barya Trials

[Uriah]

Preparing for the Test of Time Barya trials in Path of Exile 2 requires a blend of strategic planning, build readiness, and understanding the trial’s unique mechanics. Since this Sekhemas Coin adds timed rooms where objectives must be completed quickly, your preparation should focus on speed, survivability, and efficient resource management.

1. Optimize Your Build for Speed and Area Damage
Because the Test of Time Barya imposes strict time limits on rooms, having a fast-clearing build is essential. Prioritize skills and gear that offer strong area-of-effect damage and high mobility. Builds with rapid movement skills or abilities that can quickly dispatch groups of enemies will give you the best chance to meet the time requirements without sacrificing survivability.

2. Stock Up on Movement and Defensive Flasks
Flasks are critical in these trials. Carry flasks that boost movement speed, life regeneration, or grant temporary invulnerability or damage reduction. Using flasks strategically can help you navigate timed rooms faster and survive unexpected bursts of damage. Since Honour (a unique resource in the trial) cannot be restored by flasks, maintaining your health and avoiding damage is key to preserving Honour and progressing.

3. Familiarize Yourself with Trial Mechanics and Boons
Before entering, review the trial’s mechanics, including the Honour system, which acts as a buffer for your survivability. Taking damage depletes Honour, and losing it all forces a restart. Selecting beneficial boons at the start or during the trial—such as movement speed boosts, damage mitigation, or Honour restoration—can greatly improve your chances. Conversely, be mindful of afflictions that may hinder your progress.

4. Plan Your Route and Room Selection
The Trial of the Sekhemas offers multiple rooms with different challenges, including combat waves, traps, puzzles, and timed objectives. Since Test of Time Barya adds time pressure, choose rooms that suit your build’s strengths—favor combat rooms with manageable enemy density and avoid trap-heavy or complex puzzle rooms that could slow you down. Efficient routing minimizes wasted time and reduces Honour loss.

5. Prepare for Boss Fights and Final Floors
The trial culminates in a boss fight against Zarohk, the Temporal, who tests your build’s endurance and damage output. Ensure your gear is optimized for both survivability and damage. Use any remaining boons or flasks before the boss, and conserve resources during earlier floors to maintain strength for this encounter.

6. Practice and Learn from Attempts
Since the Test of Time Barya trial is challenging, expect to learn from each run. Pay attention to which rooms or mechanics slow you down or cause Honour loss. Adjust your build, flask setup, and route accordingly. Watching community guides and build recommendations can also provide valuable insights.

To prepare effectively for Test of Time Barya trials, focus on fast, high-area damage builds, carry movement and defensive flasks, understand the Honour system and boons, plan your room choices carefully, and optimize gear for the final boss. With practice and strategic preparation, you can conquer the timed challenges and reap the enhanced rewards this Sekhemas Coin offers.