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 (PoE 2) is a powerful technique that leverages the synergistic interaction between 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 mechanics, grasping the interplay between these skills enhances build creation. This guide details implementation and explains the underlying mechanics.
How to Implement the Double Herald Setup
Four key components are essential:
- A Herald of Ice Skill Gem socketed with the Lightning Infusion Support Gem.
- A Herald of Thunder Skill Gem socketed with the 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) include:
- Monk's Ice Strike (inherent skill).
- Passive skills enhancing Freeze buildup.
- Weapons or gloves with flat cold damage.
- Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel (+Cold damage percentage).
Understanding the Herald Synergy
The core of the Double Herald strategy lies in the controlled interaction of Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder:
- Herald of Ice: Triggers when an enemy is Shattered (after being Frozen). Crucially, Herald of Ice's cold damage cannot Freeze enemies, preventing self-sustaining chain reactions.
- Herald of Thunder: Triggers upon killing a Shocked enemy, unleashing damaging lightning bolts. Similarly, Herald of Thunder cannot inflict Shock independently.
The key is the damage conversion: Lightning Infusion on Herald of Ice converts a portion of its damage to Lightning (which can Shock), while Cold Infusion on Herald of Thunder converts a portion to Cold (which can Freeze). This allows one Herald to trigger the other.
Under ideal conditions, this creates a continuous chain reaction (Herald of Ice → Herald of Thunder → Herald of Ice, etc.). However, 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.
The preferred initiation method is to first proc Herald of Ice via Freeze and Shatter (using a cold skill like Ice Strike). This icy explosion also inflicts Shock, starting the chain reaction. Prioritizing Herald of Ice is due to the ease of inflicting Freeze compared to Shock, and the longer range of Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts.
