Path of Exile 2 takes the depth and challenge of its predecessor to new heights, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Trial of the Sekhemas - a roguelike dungeon crawl in Act 2 that's essential for unlocking your Ascendancy. Central to navigating this trial is a unique temporary Path of Exile 2 Currency called Sacred Water. It fuels your survival, your strategic choices, and the quality of your rewards.

In this guide, we'll break down how Sacred Water works, how to get it, what to spend it on, and the best practices to maximize your success in the Trial of the Sekhemas.

What Is Sacred Water in Path of Exile 2?

Sacred Water is a trial-exclusive, temporary currency found only within the Trial of the Sekhemas. It doesn't carry over between runs and is lost upon exiting the trial - whether by finishing it or dying.

You'll use Sacred Water to:

·Buy powerful buffs (Boons)

·Heal your Honor meter (your run's "life bar")

·Craft reward keys at the end of the trial

·Occasionally, purchase Relics for long-term benefits

Think of Sacred Water as a form of in-run energy that shapes your success in real-time.

How to Get Sacred Water

There are two primary sources of Sacred Water:

1. Enemy Drops

·Killing enemies, especially elites and bosses within the trial, can drop small amounts.

·This method is slow and unreliable for stockpiling large amounts, but it helps build up a reserve over time.

2. Sacred Water Fountains

·These are dedicated interactable objects located in certain rooms.

·To use a fountain, you must first clear the room of enemies.

·Fountains are the best source of Sacred Water, offering a large chunk of currency in one go.

Tip: Learn to recognize rooms that contain fountains on the mini-map or through visual clues in the environment. Prioritizing them can make or break a run.

How to Use Sacred Water

Since Sacred Water does not persist between runs, it's critical to use it wisely during the trial. Here's a breakdown of its most impactful uses:

1. Restore Honor (Survival Mechanic)

·Honor is a core mechanic in the Trial of the Sekhemas. Think of it like a combined health bar and scoring meter.

·Losing too much Honor can result in weaker Ascendancy rewards or even a failed run.

·In rooms with Honor Shrines, you can spend Sacred Water to replenish lost Honor.

·These shrines are rare, so make the decision strategically-don't wait until you're on the brink of failure.

2. Buy POE 2 Orbs, Boons, and Relics from Merchants

Some rooms contain Merchants, and Sacred Water acts as your currency.

·Boons - Temporary buffs for the current trial run. These might increase damage, defense, speed, or unique utility effects.

·Relics - More powerful and long-lasting upgrades. Some Relics persist across multiple runs or empower your next attempt.

Pro Tip: Always visit the merchant if one appears. Even a minor Boon can tilt a difficult fight in your favor.

3. Craft Reward Keys at Trial's End

At the end of your trial, any unspent Sacred Water can be used to craft keys that open reward chests. These include valuable items, currency, and even gear that enhances Ascendancy progression.

Key tiers include:

·Bronze Key - Basic gear and common rewards.

·Silver Key - Mid-tier loot and currencies.

·Gold Key - High-end loot, Uniques, and valuable trial upgrades.

Don't hoard Sacred Water and aim only for Gold Keys. If you fail the run due to underpowered choices, you'll walk away with nothing. Use it tactically, not greedily.

Best Practices for Sacred Water Usage

Low Honor bar: Spend on Honor Shrines

Facing tough rooms or bosses: Buy Boons to gain survivability or DPS

Planning for future success: Purchase Relics from merchants

End of Trial: Spend remaining Sacred Water on Reward Keys

Tips for Efficient Trial Runs

·Plan Your Route: Use the trial map layout to identify potential fountain or merchant rooms. Choose high-risk/high-reward routes only if your build can handle them.

·Balance Spending and Saving: Spend enough to survive and progress, but leave some Sacred Water for final rewards.

·Learn the Symbols: As you get familiar with room layouts, you'll begin recognizing which ones contain fountains, shrines, or merchants.

·Adapt Your Build: Some Ascendancy subclasses synergize better with short-burst combat or specific Boons. Build around what the trial gives you.

Final Thoughts

Sacred Water in Path of Exile 2 is more than just a currency - it's a run management resource that challenges you to balance risk and reward, survival and ambition. Whether you spend it on a much-needed Boon or save for a big payout at the end, mastering its usage is vital to unlocking the full potential of your Ascendancy.

The Trial of the Sekhemas is brutal, but it rewards calculated decisions and sharp instincts. Keep your Honor in check, your Sacred Water flowing, and remember: every drop counts.