eld.gg Path of Exile 2 Currency: Weapon Set Passive Skill Points

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Path of Exile 2: Complete Guide to the Trial of the Ancestors Quest

Path of Exile 2 is a game known for its deep systems, layered progression, and massive world full of secrets. While most players focus on Path of Exile 2 Currency the main story, there are optional quests that grant some of the most powerful permanent rewards in the game. Among them, the Trial of the Ancestors in Chapter 4 stands out as a must-complete side quest.

This guide breaks down how to unlock the Trial of the Ancestors, every step of the questline, the Tattoo rewards, the Yama the White boss fight, and the reasons this hidden content is essential for optimizing your build - whether you play Solo Self-Found or trade for the best Path of Exile 2 Items on the market.

How to Unlock the Trial of the Ancestors

Unlike main campaign quests, the Trial of the Ancestors does not appear automatically. To access it, players must venture into the Isle of Kin, an optional area connected to the Forgotten Bounty quest in Chapter 4.

To begin, you'll need to collect Torn Map Pieces scattered across Chapter 4 zones. Once assembled, the map opens a route to the Isle of Kin, where one of the pieces is located. Deep within this island lies the Volcanic Warrens dungeon - your next destination.

Inside, you'll face Krutog, Lord of Kin, a formidable mid-boss who guards the entrance to the Trials. Defeating him frees Matiki, a mysterious NPC trapped in a cage nearby. Freeing her officially begins the Trial of the Ancestors questline, setting you on a multi-zone adventure filled with lore, challenges, and powerful blessings from the gods.

Step-by-Step Quest Walkthrough

Below is the full quest progression for completing the Trial of the Ancestors:

1. Free Matiki - Found near Krutog in the Volcanic Warrens.
2. Speak to Matiki on the Boat - She becomes your guide for the rest of the quest.
3. Travel to the Eye of Hinekora - Sail to a new, volcanic region.
4. Meet Matiki on Arrival - Receive instructions for the coming trials.
5. Peer into the Well of Passing - Unlocks the pathway to the Trials.
6. Complete the Tests of Mettle - Overcome challenges from ancient champions.
7. Locate the Halls of the Dead - Explore deeper ruins after the Trials.
8. Optional: Pay Your Respects - Interact with the green pool for a bonus.
9. Complete Additional Trial Rooms - Gain Blank Tattoos and lore fragments.
10. Defeat Yama the White - Confront the final boss of the questline.
11. Meet the Mother - Unlock final dialogue scenes.
12. Speak to Navali - Claim your ultimate reward, Hinekora's Tattoo.

This quest is both a test of endurance and exploration, pushing players to tackle difficult zones in exchange for permanent character enhancements.

The Tests of Mettle

After gaining approval from the Well of Passing, players must complete three major trials, known as the Tests of Mettle. Each one features multiple enemy waves and a miniboss with distinct mechanics tied to the gods of the Ancestors:

Kaomi's Mettle - Enemies are protected by a Magma Barrier that reduces incoming damage.
Maata's Mettle -The Boss constantly inflicts Poison, testing your flask management.
Rakiata's Mettle - Uses Mana Drain, Lightning bolts, and leaves Fire trails across the arena.

Upon completing each test, you'll receive a Tattoo reward that grants a permanent +5 to Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence, depending on the trial. These bonuses are massive for early- and mid-game scaling, improving not only damage but also gear and gem requirements.

Pro Tip: Before attempting these trials, ensure your gear is up to par. If necessary, buy Path of Exile 2 Items or buy POE2 Currency to craft or trade for upgraded weapons, resistances, and life gear.

The Halls of the Dead and Tattoo Rewards

Following the completion of the Trials of Mettle, you'll gain access to the Halls of the Dead, an ancient dungeon full of mini-trials and traps. This area is critical because it grants additional Blank Tattoos - items that can be converted into permanent attribute or resistance bonuses.

Each test in the Halls of the Dead is associated with a different god and their elemental domain:

Tawhoa's Test - Grants the Blank Tattoo of Tawhoa, which becomes either +5 Dexterity or +5% Lightning Resistance.
Tasalio's Test - Rewards the Blank Tattoo of Tasalio, giving +5 Intelligence or +5% Cold Resistance.
Ngamavu's Test - Offers the Blank Tattoo of Ngamavu, providing +5 Strength or +5% Fire Resistance.

These Tattoos can be freely assigned, allowing players to tailor their resistances and attributes based on their gear needs or build path. For endgame optimization, this flexibility is invaluable - especially when combined with high-end Path of Exile 2 Items that demand specific stat thresholds.

Optional Reward: Pay Your Respects (+5% Maximum Mana)

Within the Silent Hall subsection of the Halls of the Dead, you may encounter a glowing green pool. Interacting with it triggers the Pay Your Respects event, granting a permanent +5% Maximum Mana bonus.

This effect persists across all future content and synergizes particularly well with mana-intensive builds such as Witch, Warlock, and Hierophant archetypes. Given its permanent nature, it's one of the most efficient side rewards in Path of Exile 2 - don't skip it.

Final Boss: Yama the White

The culmination of the Trial of the Ancestors is the battle against Yama the White, a spectral champion wielding devastating projectiles and time manipulation abilities.

Key mechanics to watch for include:

Dive Bombs - High-damage aerial attacks that can one-shot unprepared players.
Time Stop Clone Mechanic - Yama freezes time and summons clones of your character. One of them channels a deadly AoE - stand next to this clone to minimize incoming damage.
Spectral Waves - Slow-moving waves that apply Cold exposure and heavy slowing effects.

Once Yama is defeated, a portal opens leading to the Mother, who offers final dialogue and unlocks your concluding reward.

Final Reward: Hinekora's Tattoo

Upon speaking with Navali at the end of the questline, players receive Hinekora's Tattoo, one of the best permanent rewards in Path of Exile 2.

Effect:

Grants +2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points, enabling greater flexibility in weapon-based builds and alternate skill setups.

This boost is especially valuable for advanced characters who experiment with multiple skill loadouts or weapon archetypes. It opens up new avenues for hybrid scaling and unique weapon synergies.

Why You Shouldn't Skip the Trial of the Ancestors

Even though it's an optional questline, the Trial of the Ancestors is essential for character optimization. Completing it provides multiple permanent bonuses that impact both early and late game progression:

+5 Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence Tattoos
+5% Elemental Resistances
+5% Maximum Mana
+2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points

These stat boosts make it easier to meet gem and gear requirements while improving survivability and efficiency in higher-tier content. In addition, the questline's rich lore deepens the connection between Matiki, Hinekora, and Navali, enriching the overall story of Path of Exile 2.

Final Thoughts

The Trial of the Ancestors is one of the most rewarding side quests in Path of Exile 2, offering permanent stat increases, resistance boosts, and lore depth that few other quests provide. Whether you're min-maxing your build or simply exploring every corner of Wraeclast, this Chapter 4 gem is not to be missed.

If you're looking to speed up your journey, trading wisely or buying Path of Exile 2 Items can help you prepare for its toughest trials. But above all, mastering the Trial of the Ancestors is about perseverance - proving your worth before the gods and walking away with buy POE 2 Exalted Orbs blessings that last a lifetime.