The Test of Will Barya in Path of Exile 2 is one of the most challenging Ascendancy trials, requiring careful preparation and strategic play. Whether tackling it solo or in a group, understanding the mechanics and pitfalls is key to success.

Solo players must focus on building highly self-sufficient characters with strong survivability. High life pools, capped resistances, armor, and damage mitigation are essential because you cannot rely on teammates for support. Life leech or regeneration mechanics help maintain health during continuous waves of enemies. Movement skills like dodge roll become indispensable to avoid the increased damage and speed of enemies. Honour management is critical in solo runs because Honour acts like a shield that depletes when hit and can’t be restored by flasks—only through shrines and rewards. Solo players need to carefully plan their routes to maximize Honour restoration and avoid dangerous afflictions and traps.

Team play introduces different dynamics. Role specialization lets players divide tasks between tanks soaking damage, damage dealers focusing on mobs and bosses, and supports enhancing survivability and offering buffs or healing. Communication becomes paramount for calling out enemy attacks, traps, and boss telegraphs, allowing coordinated dodge rolls and positioning. Honour, while tracked individually, is easier to manage collectively as teammates can prioritize shrines and Boons that restore or protect Honour for the team as a whole. Teams can usually adopt a more aggressive playstyle, quickly clearing enemies and bosses, knowing that teammates can revive and help in emergency situations.

Regardless of the approach, preparation is crucial. A good flask setup, including instant heals and buffs, can make a significant difference. Equipping gear socketed with Runes from Artificer’s Orbs tailored for damage or defense will enhance build effectiveness. Understanding boss attack patterns, especially for twin bosses like Zarohk, the Temporal, helps to avoid fatal attacks and exploit windows for burst damage. Careful room and path selection to maximize shrines and beneficial Boons, while avoiding debilitating afflictions, further improves survival chances.

Solo success hinges on self-reliance, survival stats, and cautious Honour management, while co-op play benefits from teamwork, role specialization, and coordinated movement. Both methods require adapting to the trial’s increased enemy speed and damage, making flexibility, preparation, and skill essential for conquering the Test of Will Barya.