Poe 2 ascendancy doesn't feel as impactful as Poe1 ascends.

In PoE1 I'm running lab ASAP, sometimes before my character can really handle it, because I want those first points. The first 2 points are usually build defining and affect the entire feel of the character. Then I'm jonesing for the second and third trials as well because I know I've got some huge damage or survivability increase coming, or another node required for my build. 4th trial isn't usually build-defining but still always a nice boost once I'm hitting upper yellow maps.

In PoE2 I regularly forget to run trials until I'm 20 levels over and my DPS is hurting. I finally do and I just get some generic stat boost that isn't even up 100% of the time. Then when it's time for the second trial, I'm already struggling to choose which second notable to take because they're all mediocre. I haven't ever bothered with the 4th trial because my best 4th ascendancy is usually a "5% damage on Tuesdays" type of node and it's simply not worth the amount of stress, time, and currency.

Chad POE1 “you have maximum Fortification” vs virgin POE2 “you can cast Steelskin every 10 seconds”

One of the feels PoE2 has created for me is that a lot of nodes/clusters, including some ascendancy paths, are clearly meant to be taken early and respecced out of later.

I've no issue with this, mind. It's entirely reasonable to me that this would be something to do.

When exactly I'd want/care to ascend varies with the build I'm doing, but generally I still want to do it as soon as I am able to do so.
That could mean as soon as I have access to the trial, or I might feel I should gain some more levels first, depending.

In any case, if you've reached the trial but don't feel it's worth bothering yet, perhaps you should consider doing it immediately anyway, to invest the points not in the nodes you planned for your build, to respec and move them when you get the next two points.
There is quite likely a 2 node combo in the ascension that isn't part of your build plan, because it doesn't align with what you're doing or is just mediocre, but really is there for precisely this purpose.
Not a big step in progression for your actual build, but a side power boost for leveling until you respec into your build.

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I've got a Smith of Kitava with he intent of dumping points into Smith's Masterwork.
But I don't want to use Masterwork with only 2 points in it.
I could have just waited until I get get 4 points to get the first 2, but instead I ascended immediately and too Manifest weapon.
Currently in that build I have the living weapon and some nodes in the passive tree for allies. When I do 2nd ascension I may respec out of Manifest weapon and the ally nodes, then take them back when I have 6/8 points.

I bet a lot of Titans planning to use Hulking Form don't put use first two points to reach the Colossal Capacity node in front of it, but instead take Mysterious Lineage or Crushing Impacts and respec later.

I think it depends on your build.

With my Amazon, the ascendancy is QUITE IMPRACTFUL. Without it, I lose a lot of power. But I guess your point is in PoE 1, it's WAY WAY WAY MORE IMPACTFUL which is something I cannot prove or disprove since I only played that game one league to prep up for PoE 2

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BigBoom9240#8803 wrote:

I think it depends on your build.

With my Amazon, the ascendancy is QUITE IMPRACTFUL. Without it, I lose a lot of power. But I guess your point is in PoE 1, it's WAY WAY WAY MORE IMPACTFUL which is something I cannot prove or disprove since I only played that game one league to prep up for PoE 2

Ascendancy nodes in 1 just feel way better.

For example, trickster getting one step ahead is a massive game changer, as you're immune to slow and chill now since your action speed become 108 percent of base and cannot go below that

Yea... some feel somewhat impactful, but yea they don't compare or are game changers to the power POE1 offered.

I don't even do 3rd/4th lab in poe 2, the trials are so fking stupid.