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Path of Exile 2's Double Herald setup is a powerful technique that allows Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder to trigger each other in a chain reaction, clearing screens with devastating efficiency. While understanding the intricate interaction isn't strictly necessary, it helps optimize your build. This guide explains how to implement this technique and how it works.
How to Use Double Herald (Herald of Ice + Herald of Thunder) in PoE 2
The Double Herald setup requires four key elements:
Herald of Ice Skill Gem socketed with the
Lightning Infusion Support Gem
Herald of Thunder Skill Gem socketed with the
Cold Infusion Support Gem (
Glaciation is also recommended).- 60 Spirit
- A method of inflicting Cold damage.
Remember to activate both Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder in your skill menu by right-clicking their icons.
The Monk's Ice Strike is highly effective for initially triggering Herald of Ice, starting the chain reaction. However, other options exist:
- Passive skills that boost Freeze buildup.
- Weapons or gloves with flat cold damage.
Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel with increased Cold damage percentage.
How Do Herald Of Ice And Thunder Work Together in PoE 2
Herald of Ice activates when an enemy is Shattered (after being frozen and then hit). This creates an AoE cold damage explosion. Crucially, Herald of Ice's cold damage cannot Freeze, preventing self-sustaining chain reactions.
Herald of Thunder activates upon killing a Shocked enemy, unleashing damaging lightning bolts. Similarly, Herald of Thunder cannot inflict Shock independently.
The synergy lies in their damage conversion: Lightning Infusion on Herald of Ice converts some damage to Lightning (which can Shock), and Cold Infusion on Herald of Thunder converts some damage to Cold (which can Freeze).
Ideally, this creates a perpetual chain reaction: Herald of Ice shocks, triggering Herald of Thunder, which freezes, triggering Herald of Ice again, and so on. In practice, the chain usually breaks after one or two cycles due to the need for a constant supply of enemies. Breaches are particularly effective due to their high enemy density.
To initiate the chain reaction, Freeze and Shatter an enemy using a cold damage skill like the Monk's Ice Strike, activating Herald of Ice. This icy explosion will also Shock, triggering the chain. Prioritizing Herald of Ice is beneficial because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have greater range.