Mastering the Double Herald Strategy in Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2's Double Herald setup (Herald of Ice + Herald of Thunder) creates a powerful chain reaction, clearing screens with a single hit. While understanding the intricate interaction isn't mandatory, it enhances build optimization. This guide details implementation and mechanics.
Implementing the Double Herald Setup
Four key elements are essential:
Herald of Ice Skill Gem linked with 
Lightning Infusion Support Gem.
Herald of Thunder Skill Gem linked with 
Cold Infusion Support Gem (and ideally 
Glaciation).- 60 Spirit.
- A method to inflict Cold damage.
Remember to activate both Heralds via right-clicking their skill icons.
Effective Herald of Ice procs, crucial for initiating the chain reaction, are best achieved through inherent skills like the Monk's Ice Strike. Alternatives include:
- Passive skills boosting Freeze buildup.
- Weapons/gloves with flat cold damage.
Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel (+Cold damage percentage).
How the Heralds Synergize
Herald of Ice activates upon enemy shattering (freezing then attacking). Crucially, its cold damage cannot freeze, preventing self-perpetuating chains.
Herald of Thunder activates upon killing a shocked enemy, unleashing electrical damage. Similarly, it cannot inflict shock independently.
The synergy lies in their damage conversion: Lightning Infusion on Herald of Ice converts some damage to lightning (which shocks), and Cold Infusion on Herald of Thunder converts some damage to cold (which freezes).
This creates a chain reaction: Herald of Ice (lightning shock) triggers Herald of Thunder, which then triggers Herald of Ice, and so on. While theoretically infinite, practically, the chain typically ends after one or two cycles due to enemy density. Breaches are ideal due to high enemy concentration.
Initiation requires a cold damage skill (like Ice Strike) to freeze and shatter an enemy, triggering Herald of Ice. This prioritizes Ice Strike because freezing is easier than shocking, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have better range.
