Scoring a Test of Cunning Barya in Path of Exile 2 and using it wisely involves understanding its acquisition, trial impact, and strategic deployment:
How to Get a Test of Cunning Barya
You earn the Test of Cunning Barya primarily by defeating Balbala the Traitor in Act 2’s Traitor’s Passage during the Trial of Corruption quest.
Additional Baryas, including different variants, can be farmed from monsters in campaign areas, Act 3 endgame content, and high-tier maps, or acquired through trading with other players.
Using the Test of Cunning Barya Wisely
Placement on the Relic Altar: At the start of your Trial of the Sekhemas run, place the Barya on the Relic Altar to activate the Test of Cunning trial modifier, which significantly increases difficulty with traps, movement hindrances, and tougher monsters.
Preparation: Only use the Barya when your character is well-geared for mobility, survivability, and trap avoidance. The Test of Cunning adds complex mechanics such as spike traps, quicksand slowing effects, and aggressive enemies. Without speed and mitigation, runs often fail quickly.
Optimize Relics and Boons: Before entering the trial, arrange relics in the altar to buff Honour regeneration, trap negation, and damage reduction. Choose boons and pledges that reduce afflictions or enhance survivability.
Strategic Pathing: Pick trial paths with the least punishing afflictions and prioritize Honour-restoring shrines. Carefully avoid excessive damage from traps by observing patterns and using cautious movement.
Boss Strategy: The final boss, Ashar the Sand Mother, requires maintaining distance, dodging leaps, and avoiding prolonged fights to prevent dangerous buffs.
Trial Repeats and Trading: If you fail, you can farm or trade Baryas until you’re ready, enabling multiple attempts. Efficient farming runs or trading can help stockpile Baryas for higher-level runs.
The Test of Cunning Barya unlocks the toughest trial challenge but yields valuable Ascendancy points, unique relics, and rewards critical for endgame progression. Buying or farming the Barya only makes sense once you’re prepared for its difficulty spikes. Wise use involves timing your run for maximum chance of success, using relic buffs, and mastering trial hazards and boss tactics.