This guide explains the Double Herald setup in Path of Exile 2, a technique combining Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder for massive screen-clearing potential. While understanding the interaction isn't strictly necessary, it's beneficial for build optimization.
How to Use Double Herald (Herald of Ice + Herald of Thunder)
The Double Herald setup requires:
- 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 recommended).
- 60 Spirit.
- A method of inflicting Cold damage (e.g., Monk's Ice Strike, passive skills increasing Freeze buildup, or the Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel).
Remember to activate both Heralds in your skill menu.
How Double Herald Works
Herald of Ice triggers when enemies are Shattered (from freezing then attacking). However, Herald of Ice's cold damage cannot freeze, preventing self-perpetuating chains. Herald of Thunder triggers upon killing a Shocked enemy. Crucially, Herald of Thunder's damage cannot shock.
The key is the Support Gems: Lightning Infusion on Herald of Ice converts some damage to Lightning (which can Shock), and Cold Infusion on Herald of Thunder converts some damage to Cold (which can Freeze). This allows them to trigger each other.
Ideally, this creates an infinite chain reaction. Realistically, it usually chains once or twice before ending due to needing a constant supply of enemies. Breaches are ideal due to high enemy density.
To initiate, Freeze and Shatter an enemy using a cold skill (like Monk's Ice Strike). This procs Herald of Ice, which then Shocks, triggering Herald of Thunder. We start with Herald of Ice because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have better range.
