Mastering the Double Herald Setup in Path of Exile 2: A Guide to Herald of Ice and Thunder Synergy
The Double Herald strategy in Path of Exile 2 leverages the synergistic interaction between Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder to create a devastating chain reaction, clearing screens with a single hit. While not strictly necessary to understand the mechanics, grasping the interplay between these skills enhances build crafting. This guide details implementation and explains the underlying mechanics.
Implementing the Double Herald Setup
Four key elements are required:
- A Herald of Ice Skill Gem socketed with a Lightning Infusion Support Gem.
- A Herald of Thunder Skill Gem socketed with a Cold Infusion Support Gem (Glaciation is highly recommended).
- 60 Spirit.
- A method for inflicting Cold damage.
Remember to activate both Herald of Ice and Thunder in your skill menu.
Effective initial procs for Herald of Ice (to initiate the chain reaction) often involve:
- Monk's Ice Strike (inherent skill).
- Passive skills boosting Freeze buildup.
- Weapons/gloves with flat cold damage.
- Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel (+Cold damage%).
Understanding the Herald Synergy
Herald of Ice activates upon shattering a frozen enemy, causing an AoE cold damage explosion. Crucially, Herald of Ice's cold damage cannot freeze, preventing self-perpetuation.
Herald of Thunder activates upon killing a shocked enemy, unleashing damaging lightning bolts. Similarly, Herald of Thunder cannot inflict Shock independently.
The key lies in their damage conversion: Lightning Infusion on Herald of Ice converts a portion of its damage to lightning (which can shock), and Cold Infusion on Herald of Thunder converts a portion to cold (which can freeze).
Ideally, this creates a continuous chain: Herald of Ice shocks, triggering Herald of Thunder, which then freezes, triggering Herald of Ice again. In practice, the chain usually ends 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.
Para iniciar la cadena, inicialmente activa Herald of Ice mediante congelación y destrucción con una habilidad fría (como Ice Strike). Esta explosión helada también provocará una conmoción, iniciando la reacción. Dar prioridad a Herald of Ice es estratégico porque Freeze es más fácil de infligir que Shock, y los rayos de Herald of Thunder tienen mejor alcance.