PoE2: Herald of Ice, Thunder Synergy Revealed

Mastering the Double Herald Setup in Path of Exile 2: A Guide to Herald of Ice and Thunder Synergy

The Double Herald setup in Path of Exile 2 is a powerful technique that leverages the synergistic effects of Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder to create devastating chain reactions, clearing entire screens with a single hit. While not strictly necessary to understand the underlying mechanics, this knowledge enhances build optimization. This guide details implementation and explains the underlying mechanics.

How to Implement the Double Herald Setup

Four key elements are required:

1. A Herald of Ice Skill Gem supported by a Lightning Infusion Support Gem.
2. A Herald of Thunder Skill Gem supported by a Cold Infusion Support Gem (Glaciation is highly recommended).
3. 60 Spirit.
4. A method to inflict Cold damage.

Remember to activate both Heralds in your skill menu.

Effective initial triggers for Herald of Ice include:

• Monk's Ice Strike (highly effective).
• Passive skills that boost Freeze buildup.
• Weapons or gloves with flat cold damage.
• Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel (+Cold damage%).

Understanding the Synergy

Herald of Ice activates when an enemy is Shattered (after being frozen). Crucially, Herald of Ice's cold damage cannot Freeze, preventing self-perpetuating chains.

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 the Support Gems: 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).

This creates a chain reaction: Herald of Ice (via Lightning) Shocks, triggering Herald of Thunder; Herald of Thunder (via Cold) Freezes, triggering Herald of Ice, and so on. While ideally infinite, the chain usually ends after one or two cycles due to the need for a continuous stream of enemies. Breaches are optimal due to their high enemy density.

Initiating the chain requires a Cold damage skill (like Ice Strike) to initially Freeze and Shatter an enemy, activating Herald of Ice. Prioritizing Herald of Ice is strategic because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have greater range.