Path of Exile 2 is packed with hidden content beyond its main storyline. From secret bosses to powerful quest rewards, many of the game's optional areas offer permanent character upgrades that are easy to miss if you only follow the campaign path. One of the most rewarding hidden quests is Trial of the Ancestors, a Chapter 4 side quest that grants permanent attribute, resistance, and mana bonuses through Tattoos. It also provides lore-rich storytelling and culminates in a challenging fight against Yama the White.

This guide covers everything you need to know to unlock, progress, and complete the Trial of the Ancestors quest in Path of Exile 2.

How to Unlock Trial of the Ancestors

The Trial of the Ancestors isn't part of the main campaign. Instead, you'll encounter it while exploring the Isle of Kin during the Forgotten Bounty quest in Chapter 4. To begin:

1. Collect the Torn Map Pieces required for Forgotten Bounty.

2. Travel to the Isle of Kin, an optional zone tied to one of the pieces.

3. Venture into the Volcanic Warrens dungeon.

4. Defeat Krutog, Lord of Kin.

After defeating Krutog, you'll discover Matiki imprisoned nearby. Freeing her begins the multi-part Trial of the Ancestors questline, which will carry you across dangerous areas and test both your build and adaptability.

Step-by-Step Quest Walkthrough

Here's the full progression of the quest:

1. Free Matiki - Speak to her after Krutog's defeat.

2. Board the Boat - Matiki joins as a guide.

3. Travel to the Eye of Hinekora - A new area unlocks.

4. Meet Matiki again upon arrival.

5. Peer into the Well of Passing - Gain approval for the trials.

6. Complete the Tests of Mettle - Fight Kaomi, Maata, and Rakiata.

7. Locate the Halls of the Dead - Explore deeper into the dungeon.

8. Optional: Pay Your Respects - Unlock a permanent +5% Maximum Mana bonus.

9. Finish additional trials in the Halls of the Dead.

10. Defeat Yama the White - The final boss encounter.

11. Enter the portal to the Mother - Experience key story dialogue.

12. Speak to Navali - Claim your final reward.

The Tests of Mettle

After peering into the Well of Passing, you'll face three distinct trial encounters:

·Kaomi's Mettle - Enemies shielded by Magma Barrier.

·Maata's Mettle - Miniboss that inflicts heavy Poison.

·Rakiata's Mettle - Specializes in Mana Drain, Lightning damage, and leaving behind fire trails.

Each trial culminates in a miniboss fight, and victory rewards you with Tattoos that provide permanent +5 Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence. These attribute boosts are invaluable for early and mid-game progression, helping you reach gem requirements or scale damage efficiently.

Tip: These challenges can be brutal without strong gear. Many players choose to farm equipment or buy Path of Exile 2 Items to prepare before entering the Trials.

The Halls of the Dead and Tattoo Rewards

Beyond the initial trials lies the Halls of the Dead, where further challenges await. This dungeon introduces Hinekora Totems, which reward Blank Tattoos exchangeable for attributes or resistances:

·Tawhoa's Test → Blank Tattoo of Tawhoa: +5 Dexterity or +5% Lightning Resistance.

·Tasalio's Test → Blank Tattoo of Tasalio: +5 Intelligence or +5% Cold Resistance.

·Ngamavu's Test → Blank Tattoo of Ngamavu: +5 Strength or +5% Fire Resistance.

These Tattoos allow you to fine-tune your character's attributes and elemental defenses, a critical step for preparing against Path of Exile 2's punishing endgame.

Optional Reward: Pay Your Respects

One of the quest's most easily missed bonuses is located in the Silent Hall, a subsection of the Halls of the Dead. Here, you'll find a glowing green pool. Interacting with it grants a permanent +5% Maximum Mana increase.

For spellcasters, this is a game-changing boost, but even melee characters benefit from the sustain it provides. Be sure not to skip this hidden reward.

Final Boss: Yama the White

The climax of the questline is a battle against Yama the White, a fast-paced fight that tests your reaction time and awareness.

·Dive Bombs: Quick aerial strikes that deal heavy physical damage.

·Projectile Spam: Ranged attacks that can overwhelm unprepared players.

·Time-Stop Mechanic: Yama creates clones of your character. One will channel a massive AoE explosion. To survive, quickly identify and stand next to the channeling clone-this minimizes the damage.

Defeating Yama spawns a portal to the Mother, advancing the lore and granting access to your final rewards.

Final Reward: Hinekora's Tattoo

Completing the Trial of the Ancestors awards you Hinekora's Tattoo, one of the most powerful quest rewards in Path of Exile 2. It grants +2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points, dramatically expanding build flexibility and scaling potential.

Why You Shouldn't Skip This Quest

Even though it's optional, Trial of the Ancestors is one of the most rewarding hidden quests in Path of Exile 2. Benefits include:

·Permanent +5 Attribute Tattoos.

·Up to +5% Elemental Resistances.

·+5% Maximum Mana from the optional pool.

·+2 Weapon Set Passive Skill Points from Hinekora's Tattoo.

On top of these mechanical rewards, the quest weaves deeper lore around Hinekora, Matiki, and Navali, tying into the broader mythology of Wraeclast.

Final Thoughts

The Trial of the Ancestors is one of the best-kept secrets of Path of Exile 2's campaign. It combines engaging lore, challenging combat, and some of the strongest permanent character upgrades available outside the main story. For players looking to optimize their builds-or simply experience all the hidden content the game has to offer Chapter 4 side quest is unmissable.

Don't skip it: the stat bonuses, resistance boosts, and Hinekora's Tattoo will pay dividends throughout the rest of your journey. Whether you're farming, trading, or gearing up with Path of Exile 2 Items, completing this questline ensures your character is always one step ahead.