Path of Exile 2: Synergy with Herald of Ice and Thunder

Mastering the Double Herald Strategy in Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2 introduces a powerful technique: the Double Herald setup, combining Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder for devastating area-of-effect damage. This guide explains how to implement and understand this strategy.

Implementing the Double Herald Setup

Four key elements are required:

1. A Herald of Ice Skill Gem supported by the Lightning Infusion Support Gem.
2. A Herald of Thunder Skill Gem supported by the 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 Cold damage sources for initial procs include:

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

How the Double Herald Synergy Works

The core mechanic relies on the Heralds' interaction:

• Herald of Ice triggers on Shattered enemies (enemies frozen then attacked). Crucially, Herald of Ice's Cold damage cannot Freeze, preventing self-perpetuation.
• Herald of Thunder triggers on killing Shocked enemies. Similarly, Herald of Thunder cannot inflict Shock independently.

The key is the Infusion 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 creates a chain reaction:

1. Freeze an enemy.
2. Shatter the frozen enemy with Cold damage, triggering Herald of Ice.
3. Herald of Ice's converted Lightning damage Shocks enemies.
4. Killing a Shocked enemy triggers Herald of Thunder.
5. Herald of Thunder's converted Cold damage freezes enemies, restarting the cycle.

While theoretically infinite, this chain typically lasts one or two cycles due to enemy density. Breaches, with their high enemy counts, are ideal for maximizing this strategy's effectiveness. Prioritizing Herald of Ice initially is recommended because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have greater range.