PoE2: Herald Synergy Unveiled %v

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.

To start the chain, initially proc Herald of Ice via freezing and shattering with a cold skill (like Ice Strike). This icy explosion will also shock, initiating the reaction. Prioritizing Herald of Ice is strategic because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have better range.