Conquering the Test of Cunning Barya in Path of Exile 2 demands a potent combination of preparation, strategic thinking, and flawless execution. Below are the advanced secrets and habits the top players employ to consistently dominate this challenging gauntlet.

1. Master Trap Patterns and Room Layouts

Study and Scout: Before charging in, observe trap timings and movements on each attempt. Memorize layouts to ensure you never lose Honour unnecessarily.

Practice Patience: Never rush—take controlled, calculated movements to bypass traps. Rushing is the most common cause of Honour loss.

2. Optimize Build and Gear for Mobility and Survival

Mobility Skills: Equip versatile movement abilities (Leap Slam, Blink, Vaulting Impact) to cross traps or dodge attacks instantly.

Honour Resistance Focus: Prioritize gear with high Honour resistance—this reduces loss from mistakes and allows more aggressive play against traps.

Movement Speed: Enhance your movement speed with gear and flask effects for easier hazard avoidance.

3. Plan Your Route and Manage Resources

Route Planning: On each floor, map your path toward Honour fountains and avoid rooms with stacked afflictions or excessive hazards.

Batch Resource Management: Heal, salvage, and secure buffs before tough rooms or the final boss. Approach each segment with a clear, resource-driven plan.

4. Wise Relic and Boon Selection

Relics for Recovery and Resilience: Select relics that boost Honour restoration, reduce trap or hazard damage, or grant movement bonuses.

Boon Prioritization: Whenever you’re offered boons, choose those that shore up your weaknesses or complement your playstyle, such as trap mitigation or faster movement.

5. Flawless Honour Management

Monitor and Top Off: Constantly keep your Honour bar near maximum. Use fountains and rest points after difficult encounters or before bosses.

Avoid Greed: Resist detouring into high-risk rooms unless the rewards are truly worthwhile. Surviving to the end is always more profitable.

6. Intelligent Combat Tactics

Ranged Dominance: Ranged or hit-and-run builds dramatically increase your survivability throughout both the gauntlet and the boss battle.

Add and Boss Control: During Ashar the Sand Mother, manage add waves with area-of-effect skills. Focus boss damage when it’s safe, always prioritizing movement and positioning over pure offense.

7. Adapt and Improve With Each Run

Self-Review: Treat failed attempts as valuable lessons. After each run, review which traps or mechanics caused setbacks, and refine your approach or route.

Gear and Skill Adjustments: If a particular hazard remains problematic, upgrade gear, swap relics, or respec passives and skills to address it before your next attempt.

8. Advanced Psychological Tactics (If Competing With Others)

Patience Over Speed: Let impatient rivals trigger traps and hazards first, then proceed safely by following the safe path they reveal.

Feint and Outmaneuver: Against direct competitors, use timing tricks to make them commit too early, gaining the advantage from their mistakes.

Pro-Level Checklist

Always have a movement skill equipped and max Honour resistance.

Keep a map of room layouts and best routes in mind.

Bring consumables and abilities tailored for healing, mobility, and crowd control.

Select relics and boons that directly boost your weak spots.

Keep Honour high and make risk-reward assessments for every choice.

Dominating the Test of Cunning Barya comes down to discipline, optimization, and continuous learning. By mastering movement, resource management, build synergy, and adapting on the fly, you’ll consistently outperform both the environment and any rivals within this demanding trial.