Path of Exile 2: Synergies Between Herald of Ice and Thunder

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, this knowledge enhances build optimization. This guide details implementation and explains the underlying mechanics.

How to Implement the Double Herald Setup

This powerful technique requires four key elements:

1. A Herald of Ice Skill Gem socketed with the Lightning Infusion Support Gem
2. A Herald of Thunder Skill Gem socketed with the Cold Infusion Support Gem (Glaciation is highly recommended).
3. 60 Spirit
4. A method for inflicting Cold damage.

Remember to activate both Herald of Ice and Thunder in your skill menu.

Effective Herald of Ice procs, crucial for initiating the chain reaction, are best achieved through inherent skills like the Monk's Ice Strike. Alternative methods include:

• Passive skills boosting Freeze buildup.
• Weapons or gloves with flat cold damage.
• The Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel (+Cold damage percentage).

Understanding the Herald 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 chain reactions.

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 some damage to Lightning (which can Shock), while Cold Infusion on Herald of Thunder converts some damage to Cold (which can Freeze).

Ideally, this creates an infinite loop: Herald of Ice shocks, triggering Herald of Thunder, which freezes, triggering Herald of Ice, and so on. Realistically, the chain reaction usually ends after one or two cycles due to the need for a continuous supply of enemies. Breaches, with their high enemy density, are ideal for maximizing this effect.

The initial trigger is typically Herald of Ice, using a cold skill like Ice Strike to Freeze and Shatter an enemy. This creates the initial cold explosion, which then shocks, initiating the chain reaction. Prioritizing Herald of Ice is strategic because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have superior range.